Couture (cou·ture): 

The business of designing, making, and selling highly fashionable, usually custom-made clothing for women.  Dressmakers and fashion designers considered as a group.  The high-fashion clothing created by designers.

I appologize for such a long gap between postings however, we are working on some very exciting projects that I can't wait to reviel in the near future. 

 

I'd like to extend a quick thank you to those of you who visited us at last week's Bridal Fair at Kiln Creek Golf Club and Resort in Newport News.  Although our space was extremely limited, the small space didn't prevent us from presenting a very interesting and stylish display featuring an over 5ft tall custom floral display and a blue and silver crystal inspired table centerpiece.  We were able to express our unique concept of "weddings designed similarly to the way they're done for the movies" with a looped slideshow presentation.  As always, it was a pleasure speaking to all of our guests and I look forward to serving you. 

 

Cheers and blessed wishes,

Janel Keen

From romantic 1st dates to breathtaking proposals to moving ceremonies to exquisite reception - Valentine's Day can be a milestone date for many couples.  I've been very busy the last few weeks helping couples and clients get ready for the big day and it's not over yet.  I'm not sure but I'm always surprised at the number of Men (and yes, even Women) who wait to the last minute to do something for Valentine's day.  Perhaps its time or awaiting payday but here we are every year - the Valentine's Day Cycle.  Although Valentine's Day was yesterday even more people are planning on actually celebrating this weekend.  And for those of you who have "said" you will celebrate this weekend to buy some more time remember, you may still require some planning.  Here are a few quick tips that may help. 

 

Consider a home celebration - After a busy work day it can be just as romantic to have a beautifly thoughtout evening at home.  Breakfast in bed, your favorite DVD complete with popcorn and Junior Mints, a picnic blanket with picnic basket and all your special someone's favorite foods and wine front of the fireplace, or a home spa with a candlelit bathtube and massage oil. 

 

But I don't cook - I have such a love of fine food and cooking that I tend to forget that there are people out there who simply don't know how, don't have time or are just plain nervous about cooking.  Sure you can make a reservation at an elegant restaurant but if you haven't already done so the odds of you getting a reservation the weekend after Valentine's day is slim to none.  But consider this, even the most high-end establishment may take pitty on you if you call and speak to the hostess.  Another solution, explain your situation to the hostess and as if you can order a 4 course meal to go then check into a nice hotel room and decorate it with candles, flowers, etc.  Pick-up your special someone but don't tell them were you are going.  Volia, you've just pulled off a surprise get-away even if it's just a few miles from home. 

 

There is a 3rd option, some people have just choosen to hire someone like Vivid Expressions LLC to take care all of those details for them - even as late as the night before.  It's funny, a quick phone call, a few Exploratory Questions to customize a personal event to fit them exclusively and they look like a Hero and the other party is never the wiser.   Well, I'm off to work more magic for another client. 

 

Blessed wishes and Happy Valentine's Day,

Janel Keen

Although a little last minute, we had the pleasure to assist our friends at the Portsmouth Renaissance Hotel with their booth display at the 2008 Vow Bridal Show this past Sunday at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.  The show was an exception presentation of fashion and fun.  Many of our preferred vendors and industry friends were also present during show - from Ice Art to Unique Car Service - it was a pleasure to see them (and be seen) during this year's show.  Please see a sample of our unique "Before & After" Design Pictures of the assistance we provided for our friends at the Renaissance below.

 

Janel

I recently saw a news story about hundreds of New Yorkers writing down the negative experiences (ex: Brake-ups, mortgages, health problems, job issues, etc.) of the past year of on a piece of paper and then standing in line to ceremonially shred them.  The thousands of confetti-like symbols of the past were then tossed into a huge NYC dump truck and was driven away.  I love this idea.  New Years represents more than a time for celebration - it’s a time to let go of the past and start the calendar (and our year) fresh and new.  Too many people let past mistakes, challenges, unforeseen circumstances, losses, and pain of the past follow them into the New Year.  This can often lead to one's state of mind, attitude, and a self-fulfilling prophecy (positive or negative) in the New Year.  Perhaps, having a fantastic 2008 can be just a matter of bring closure to the bad memories 2007 while celebrating the good.  Ok, are you ready for a great 2008?  Here's a way to do so.  Take a few minutes put down all of the negative experiences and troubles of the past year on a piece of paper.  You can write out, draw a few pictures, photo copy pictures - what ever will best represent it for you.  Then shred it (or in my case burn it in the fireplace).  Do it by yourself or with some close friends.  As you destroy that paper commit to releasing yourself form those past problems.  They will not hold you back - you're freeing yourself to have an outstanding New Year!  Now that you have let go of the bad, it's time to reflect upon the positive.  Write down (on paper) at least 20 great things that happened in 2007.  I know it seem like a lot but go over the year month-by-month if you have to.  It doesn't have to be big, it can just be a great conversation with a friend, the best movie you've seen, successful project around the house, making a new friend at work, going to a concert, healthy kids, found a great pair of shoes, a fun weekend trip, etc.  You'll be surprise to see what wonderful things happened in 2007 and how much you really have to look forward to and make happen in 2008.  Happy New Year!

 

It's less than a week before Christmas - I adore this time of year!  Every year I treat my family (Husband, Mother, Brother, etc) to an elegant Five Course Plated Christmas Dinner.   Would you like to know a little secret?  It's kind of a treat for me as well.  I love to cook; I've always loved cooking even when I was a young child.  Although she's no longer with us, my memories are full of images of me hovering by my Grandmother's side in the kitchen.  At a time in life when most kids were watching cartoons (and yes, I watched my fair share of them too) I used to watch Cooking Shows on PBS.  I was the only kid in the 5th grade who knew how to cut, de-bone, and fry a chicken.  Perhaps that’s when my passion for entertaining began.  So, for those of you expecting a crowd for Christmas dinner here's 3 simple tips to help the event flow a little smoother. 

 

1.) For a crowd of 8 guests or more, consider a Buffet or Family style (dishes served from the center of the table) dinner service instead of a plated, sit-down dinner.  Not only can you make a Buffet style service as casual or sophisticated as you'd like but it helps the Host spend more time with their guests and less time in the kitchen.

 

2.) Have you ever witnessed a "Buffet bottleneck"?  It usually starts right at the beginning of a Buffet line - as guests shuffle slowly through the line fumbling with containers of plates, forks, knifes, etc.  Once they gather their utensils and plate they end up juggling them throughout the rest of the line.  Take a few minutes before your dinner to together several bundles consisting of a fork, a knife, and a spoon tied with a napkin.  Guests can simply grab their utensil bundle and go.

 

3.) Drink service on a Buffet can be another time consuming process.  Some Hosts try to move the Buffet line along by placing glasses and drinks at the end of the line.  Unfortunately, it just slows the line down at the opposite end.  If your guests will sit-down together, why not avoid the backup by pouring a goblet of water for each table setting.  Then create a separate drink station on the other side of the room.  It gives guests a chance to stop, put their plates down and casually come back for their drink instead of trying to balance food, utensils, and a drink.

 

I hope these tips help your Holiday entertaining more stress-free. 

Blessed wishes,

Janel 

 

We were honored and thrilled to provide design and decoration services for the 2007 Salvation Army "Toys for Tots" and "Angel Tree" distribution center.  This year distribution of donated toys to disadvantaged children will be done out of the old “HQ” warehouse on Virginia Beach Blvd in Virginia Beach, VA.  As many Virginia Beach locals know, this building has been unused for years.  Our goal was to transform the stark, barren facility so these kids would into a "Vivid Winter Wonderland" as they enter the building - and we were successful!  This is one of my favorite types of projects, a project that enriches the lives of others (especially children) through art and design.  I encourage those how are interested to donate your time or a gift to “Toys for Tots” or the “Angel Tree” program. 

-Janel Keen

Make an appointment to speak with a Spa or Skin Specialist a few months before the wedding to determine the best treatments for you and when to schedule them.  In most cases the last treatment should take place no later than 3-5 days before the wedding.  If you are looking for a way to relax and treat yourself (and bridal party) the day before or day of your wedding consider some simple spa treatments like manicures, peditures, or a simple massage (just remember to drink plenty of water). 

Is your table a giant "Do not" sign (a circle with a slash through it)?  Be cautious of a contrasting runner across a circular table in an attempt to add decorate impact.  Runners create linear flow (ideal for rectangular tables) - draping it across round table disrupts the visual plane.  Interested in learning more about design mistakes and solutions?  Sign-up for the Waiting List to join us for our up-coming Art meets Design Workshop.