EVENTive Turns 1!

Upcoming Events at The Parlor in Bellevue, WA

Looking for a fun activity this weekend? Head over to the Parlor in Bellevue, WA for some comedy and laughs with Mark Curry from "Hanging With Mr. Cooper." Plus mark your calendars for more activities coming up including comedy shows, dualing piano shows, and even a Super Bowl Party this weekend.


The Parlor is also great for large groups. The Parlor Collection provides the right space for any event. Whether you’re looking for a fun spot to host an after-work gathering, a corporate team building event, a celebratory product launch, or a private party, The Parlor Collection has what you’re looking for. Private executive suites, semi-private ultra lounges, or select sections of billiards tables are available. From casual to elegant catering and exceptional first-class service, your guests will enjoy an environment like no other.

Give By Giving

Looking for a unique Valentine's Day gift for your loved one? We have a very unique idea for you. Let us introduce you to CharityBuzz. Through online auctions, CharityBuzz raises funds for a variety of organizations and causes. CharityBuzz works with non-profits founded by the most famous names on the planet, including Bette Midler, Andre Agassi, Rosie O'Donnell, Eddie Vedder, Petra Nemcova, Mrs. Robert F. Kennedy and Denis Leary, as well as with smaller charities that address particular needs in their local communities. While publicity efforts may logically focus on the big names, all charities — large and small — benefit from the increased traffic at our website generated by star power. Simply stated, great products partnered with celebrity causes creates "buzz" and generates sales and raises awareness for all of their charity partners.

Going on now through February 12 is a special Valentine's Day auction, with items for bid that you can give as a gift to your special valentine. Check it out. Some of the items are pretty outrageous but remember its all for a good cause.

The Wine Ager: Fact or Fiction?

Over the weekend, our local news, King 5, did a short story on a consumer product that we thought was a bunch of hocus pocus. The product is called The Vintage Express, and its purpose is to take a new bottle of wine and in 60 seconds age the wine as if it has been sitting in your cellar for years and years.

Fact or Fiction?

According to King 5's report, the device really does seem to make a difference by improving the taste of the wine.

Here is how it works: This patented design surrounds the beverage with a powerful triangular-shaped magnetic field, and in just 10 seconds, you'll taste a premium drink's smooth, mellow flavor equal to years of traditional slow aging. The flavor keeps improving the longer it remains. Works with wine and liquor. Holds a bottle or glass. Requires no electronics, batteries or moving parts. Guaranteed to work 24/7 for 100 years.

The Vintage Express costs $39.99 and is available at Skymall.com.

Click here for the link to the King 5 video.

You're Invited...Stella Color Open House!

Our 44th President

Today, history is made.

Did You Know?

Fast Facts about the Inaugural Platform

1. The inaugural platform is constructed entirely from scratch for each inaugural ceremony.
2. The platform will be more than 10,000 square feet—the same size as the platform used for the 2005 inaugural, which was the largest platform ever built for an inauguration.
3. On inauguration day it will hold more than 1,600 people including:

• The President and Vice-President-elects and their families
• Members of U.S. Senate and House of Representatives
• Cabinet members and nominees
• Justices of the Supreme Court
• The outgoing President and Vice President
• Former presidents
• The Joint Chiefs of Staff
• Governors
• The diplomatic corps

4. In addition, bleachers built above the platform, on the Upper West
5. Terrace will hold another 1,000 people including choirs and guests.
6. It is built entirely of lumber, to protect the surfaces of the Capitol.
7. The platform is fully ADA compliant.
8. It is a stadium design, which maximizes the sightlines for the guests on the platform.
9. It is designed to blend architecturally with the U.S. Capitol.
10. Planning and design of the platform began more than a year ago.

A Country's History In Review

The 2009 Presidential Inauguration is just days away. Let's take a moment to review the history of this historic event.


President Andrew Jackson takes the oath of office on March 4, 1829 on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol. Jackson's first Inauguration was the first Inaugural ceremony held on the east front of the U.S. Capitol.


President James Buchanan's Inauguration, on March 4, 1857, is the first known inauguration to be photographed. The platform was on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol.


President Rutherford B. Hayes takes the oath of office on March 5, 1877 on the inaugural platform on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol. This image first appeared on the Cover of Harpers Weeklyon Saturday, March 24, 1877.


President Theodore Roosevelt delivers his inaugural address on March 4, 1905 on the inaugural platform on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol.


President Franklin D. Roosevelt takes the oath of office on March 4, 1933 on the inaugural platform on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol. Amendment XX to the U.S. Constitution, which was ratified January 23, 1933, set the President's term of office to expire on January 20 at noon.


President Dwight D. Eisenhower takes the oath of office with President Harry S Truman observing on the inaugural platform on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol.


President Lyndon B. Johnson takes the oath of office on January 20, 1965 on the inaugural platform on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol.


President Ronald Reagan delivers his inaugural address on January 20, 1981 on the inaugural platform on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. Reagan's inauguration broke tradition by taking place on the west front terrace of the U.S. Capitol, rather than the east front. The west front could accommodate more visitors.


President Bill Clinton delivers his inaugural address on January 20, 1997 on the inaugural platform on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol.


The White House prepares for the 2009 Inaugural events.

Zoom, Zoom With Style

The economy is calling for all of us to "think creative" - More and more people are riding the scooter scene which is loaded with character from the classic original "Vespa" to the hot new entries in the market. Don't stop there - why not show YOUR style if you ride or are thinking of riding. It's just not "vanilla" anymore. The local Vespa store website is: http://www.vespaseattle.com/


Since you can easily customize your scooter - why not the helmet?

The helmet company, Ruby, designed by Honet, has painted a schizophrenic character he named: Pale Rider vs Surfin' Zombie." These are the tree helmet views at the bottom of the photo. The price tag on this pure style component is running anywhere from $500 to $1100. These are exclusive designs of the famous helmet designer in Paris. If you haven't checked these out - feast your eyes on their website: http://www.ateliersruby.com/. One of the closest dealers on the West Coast is VESPA OF CALIFORNIA. Enjoy the ride!

Hot Tip For Travelers

If you are hitting the skies in the near future, here are a few hot tips to help you save money.

United Rolls Back Baggage Fees

Passengers traveling on United Airlines can get a 20 percent discount on the fee to check a first bag if they pay for it online by January 31, 2009. The fee for the first bag will now be $12 when paid online (the airline has scrapped plans to double the domestic second bag fee, keeping it at $25). Passengers who pay the fees for checked baggage before going to the airport can then drop the bags in designated areas for faster check-in.

Horizon Air - Update:

Beginning April 8, Horizon Air will use larger aircraft, but reduce the number of flights, between Seattle and Victoria, BC. The expanded aircraft will boost the overall number of seats on the route by 43 percent. The current schedule of seven daily flights with the 37-seat plane will be replaced with four daily services on a 74-seat aircraft. Also from Seattle, your group can connect to Horizon’s new non-stop routes to Los Angeles and Sonoma County-Santa Rosa, as well as routes throughout the West on its sister carrier Alaska Airlines. For the latest airline industry info, be sure to check out the airline and airline properties feature in our February issue.

REMINDER! Meeting Planners Are from Mars, Speakers Are from Venus!

Comet relays this message from Santa. This meeting of planners and speakers is a step towards world peace. This is one of his most special gifts that took extreme care to organize. Santa asks you to picture the following scenarios:

The speaker demanded two wireless mics and a sound check 1.5 hours before the program. That’s an extra $150 per wireless microphone, plus we now need to have the AV guy to set it up which is $60 an hour. Our other speakers don’t have these requests. She also needs help to set up. Next, she will ask us to polish her tiara. What’s up with her?

Your out of town speaker, keeps asking you questions about the audience he will be addressing in his full day customer service program. It is annoying. We hire him to do his program, not to evaluate the personalities of everyone here. I feel like I am doing more work sharing with them, than he is doing. Argh!

Do you ever wonder why your speakers are adamant about trivial details? This is the time to ask professional speakers “why?” Plus this is a chance to share with your speakers the scope of your job as a planner and how the speaker fits into the big picture.

This is first time planners and speakers get to hash out their confusion about each other’s job and how to make each other look great for the client.

Meeting Planners Are from Mars, Speakers Are from Venus!
An event hosted by NSA Northwest

Friday, January 9, 2009
Time: 2-5 p.m.
Location: Columbia Tower Club
Click here to register.
701 5th Avenue, Suite 7600, Seattle, WA 98104 | p:206.622.2010 | Directions

Like Fred and Ginger, Franklin and Eleanor, even Kermit and Miss Piggy, Meeting Planners and Speakers have a classic relationship but frequently “Just don’t get it!” when working together. Like many a romance, we often fail to ask important questions at the beginning and assume we know each others’ needs, often resulting in a Ricky and Lucy explosion on Event Day:

Meeting Planner: "Speaker! You got some splainin’ to do.”
Speaker: " Waaaaaaah!”

And vice-versa. Truthfully, both Meeting Planners and Speakers want the same thing: a successful event with raves from audience members and clients requesting encores. Here’s how we’ll get it every time!

Within three hours, we’ll address the essentials of this partnership, and explode the myths on both sides of the speaker hiring question. This is an opportunity for professionals on both sides of the contract to get instant clarity and an edge over their competitors. In both panel and town hall formats we’ll address such burning issues as:

Meeting Planners:
What are your responsibilities as a meeting planner?
Where does a speaker rank in the hierarchy of venue, food, etc?
What makes an ideal speaker?

Speakers:
Which information is vital to get from the planner?
Why floor plan, seating arrangements and food service affects your presentation.
How other activities and topics in the schedule affect your program.

In addition to our discussions, we’ll have the opportunity for a few speakers to do a mini-showcase and get immediate feedback from people with the power to hire. Both Mars and Venus will leave with immediately applicable tools as the planets spin once again in sync—-and accomplish their shared goal of a memorable and compelling meeting for every audience, every time. That’s amore!

Members $30
Affiliates $45
First Time $40
Guests $75
Meeting Planners $20

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Contact: Info@nsanorthwest.org for more information.

Valentine's Day In Seattle

What: Valentine's Day Lovers Repast
Where: Pomegranate Bistro by chef Lisa Dupar
When: February 14th
Special Details: $65 food only; $105 with wine
Click here for the menu

What: DECA ROMANTIK - Seattle Romance Package
Where: Hotel Deca
When: Now
Special Details: Upon your arrival, you will be welcomed into your Sky Level Room with a bottle of champagne on ice and a box of romantic goodies. Our Cupid’s Arrow box includes rose petals for a romantic bath, strawberry-champagne flavored love oil, Fran’s chocolates and other fanciful gifts that will be sure to create many lasting memories.

What: KWJZ VALENTINE'S BRUNCH CRUISE!
Where: Argosy Cruises, Pier 56, Seattle Waterfront
When: Saturday, February 14th, 12-2pm
Special Details: Join Argosy and KWJZ for a wonderful event this Valentine's Day, featuring the Paul Richardson Trio with vocalist Josephine Howell. You'll take a leisurely cruise aboard the Royal Argosy, enjoy a champagne greeting and a fabulous seated-served brunch. What a great way to spend the day with someone you love!

What: Valentine's Day Brunch Cruise
Where: Royal Argosy, Pier 56, Seattle Waterfront
When: Saturday, February 14th, 12-2pm or Sunday, February 15th, 12-2pm
Special Details: Ahhh romance is in the air! Enjoy a Northwest brunch buffet with champagne greeting, live jazz music and table-served dessert including a Heart shape red velvet cake and Heart shape chocolate truffles during your 2-hour cruise.

What: Valentine's Day Dinner Cruise
Where: Royal Argosy, Pier 56, Seattle Waterfront
When: Valentine's Eve: Friday, February 13th, 7-10pm or; Valentine's Day: Saturday, February 14th, 7-10pm
Special Details: Come aboard for a romantic evening for two aboard the Royal Argosy. Guests will enjoy a live band with female vocalist. Dinner is a special 4-course seated-served meal.

What: Valentine's Day Brunch Cruise
Where: Waterways Cruises & Events, Waterways HomePort, Seattle
When: 02/14/2009 at 11:30 am
Special Details: Departing from our North Lake Union homeport; treat your Valentine to a relaxing brunch cruise with its extensive buffet menu. Cruise leisurely on scenic Lake Washington and view sights of Seattle's beautiful shorelines, regional highlights and "backyards of the rich and famous" accompanied by a narrated tour.

What: Valentine's Day Aphrodisiac Cooking Class and Cruise
Where: Waterways Cruises & Events, Waterways HomePort, Seattle
When: 02/14/2009 at 6 pm
Special Details: Take our sentimental journey into Aphrodisiac cooking. A 90 minute course covering sensual ingredients to enhance any romantic experience. Chef Trinity Mack will demonstrate the techniques and narrate how each ingredient lends itself to romance. Enjoy the lights of the Seattle skyline during this fun romantic and adventurous three hour cruise!

What: Sweethearts Creative Cooking Class
Where: Novelty Hill - Januik Winery, Woodinville
When: Sunday, February 15th • Noon – 3 p.m.
Special Details: Give your Valentine a sweet experience! Chef Koommoo will guide you through preparing the perfect menu for two, pairing award winning wines from Mike Januik along the way.

What: VALENTINE'S DAY DINNER
Where: Kaspar's Special Events
When: February 14, 5 pm
Special Details: February has long been the month of romance. Every year, St. Valentine, the patron saint of lovers, is recognized on February 14 when, across the country, candy, flowers, gifts and love messages are exchanged between loved ones. Celebrate this special holiday at Kaspars!

What: St. Valentine’s Dinner
Where: Ponti's Seafood Grill
When: Sat., Feb. 14, 2009
Special Details: Every night is a study in romance at Ponti--the intimate lounge, the warm, embracing dining room, dishes to swoon over. For Valentine's, it goes up another notch with a five-course menu for $70. You'll fall in love all over again as each new course arrives.

What: Blend Your Own Wine
Where: Novelty Hill - Januik Winery, Woodinville
When: Sunday, February 22nd • Noon – 2:30 p.m. and 3:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Special Details: Know someone who has always wanted to make their own wine? Give them an opportunity to put together a custom blend working with a selection of our favorite 2007 barrels. Our amazing winemaking team will be on-hand to offer blending pointers and help participants fill, cork and apply their own label to each guest’s one-of-a-kind bottle.

What: Snuggle & Smooch - Seattle Romance Package
Where: The Edgewater, Seattle
When: Now
Special Details: Come to The Edgewater for a steamy, sultry one-night escape with our newly redesigned romance package – Snuggle & Smooch. Start your overnight love-fest with chocolate dipped strawberries delivered to your room and hand made by our in-house pastry chef. With an exclusive Romance Box made especially for The Edgewater by Bumble B Design your romantic getaway is just a click away! Get down and chocolatey with chocolate body frosting, or indulge with ylang ylang and ginger lotion – perfect for a sensuous massage! To keep things easy, your overnight parking is also included!

What: "Get It On" The Edge - Valentine's Package in Seattle, Washington
Where: The Edgewater, Seattle
When: Now
Special Details: Get playful and passionate with The Edgewater’s exclusive Valentine's package for lovers. Designed especially with you and your partner in mind and available throughout February - the month of love. Enjoy a steamy overnight sojourn to ignite new sparks or rekindle old flames (be oh-so-careful of the fireplace in your room). Your night of ardor includes a booty parlor gift box featuring games, oils, chocolate body frosting and more. Even the gift box is tied with a wide satin ribbon for you to slip in to your evening of amore! This Valentine's Day take your lover over The Edge.

What: Love is in the Air Package
Where: Pan Pacific Hotel, Seattle
When: Valid From 09 Jan 2009 to 28 Feb 2009
Special Details: This package includes overnight accommodations in a Premiere guestroom with rose petals strewn on the bed, a welcome amenity of a bottle of Champagne and the sumptuous Aphrodisiac Collection by Theo Chocolates, a couples massage in Vida Spa’s private room with a complimentary candle to take home as a keepsake, overnight valet parking and of course, breakfast in bed for two to end a blissful night of romance.

What: Be Mine in '09 Romance Package
Where: Mayflower Park Hotel, Seattle
When: All of February
Special Details: For people who have only eyes for each other, we suggest a romantic evening at the intimate Mayflower Park Hotel.

What: He-She, He-He, She-She, Whatever Package
Where: Sorrento Hotel, Seattle
When: Now
Special Details: Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou...oh who cares?! We have a package for all of you Romeos and all of you Juliets regardless of who you are romancing.
What: TURN UP THE HEAT WITH A W ESCAPE!
Where: W Hotel, Seattle
When: Book now for stays through April 5, 2009.
Special Details: Baby its cold outside...Warm up with W Hotels Baby, It’s Cold Outside package. W Seattle's got everything you need for the hottest escape.

What: WILD THING
Where: Hotel Monaco
When: Offer good February 1, 2008–February 28, 2009
Special Details: Take a walk on the wild side this Valentine's Month.

What: "RUB THE ONE YOU'RE WITH" PACKAGE
Where: Hotel Monaco
When: This package is available from February 1–March 31, 2009
Special Details: Couples looking for a hands-on way to pamper their partner this Valentine's Day can book the "Rub the One Your With" Massage Package. Designed to keep the romance burning year-round, the package features a how-to-massage instruction class with a personal massage therapist. During the one-hour class, which takes place in the privacy of your room, you'll learn insider tips on how to provide relaxing head, shoulder, hand and foot massages.

What: Cave In To Love
Where: Cave B Inn at SageCliffe
When: Available Feb. 1 - 28
Special Details: Valentines Day is February 14th; give in to your most romantic impulses and plan an intimate getaway with the one you love during the month of February.

What: Do Not Disturb Romance Package
Where: Inn at Port Hadlock
When: Now
Special Details: 2 Days / 1 Nights - This is the ideal Romance Package for you and your sweetheart. Starting at $139.00 plus tax. The Inn at Port Hadlock is offer an opportunities for those seeking romance, a quick getaway or energizing retreat. Take advantage of one of the Inn's on-site Spa, for full Vitality. A unique experiences and memorable occasions, come enjoy all the Inn has to offer with our Romance Package.

What: Island Romance
Where: Lakedale Resort
When: Now through Feb 28
Special Details: Enjoy two nights with your sweet someone in a lake view room complete with soaking jetted bathtub and fireplace.

What: Do Not Disturb
Where: Marcus Whitman Hotel in Walla Walla
When: Now
Special Details: Celebrate an evening of romance with this special package that includes one night's stay, a bottle of champagne, Tuxedo Strawberries and a $80 dining voucher for our restaurant, The Marc. To make a reservation please call toll-free 866-826-9422. All package reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance and are subject to availability.

What: The Ultimate Romance Getaway
Where: Skamania Lodge
When: Feb 14-15
Special Details: Let us help you plan the ultimate romantic getaway in the Columbia River Gorge at Skamania Lodge! Package includes a romantic dinner, strawberries & champagne, roses, two plush terry cloth robes & spa treatments. Advance reservations for spa services and dining are required.

What: Romantic by Essence
Where: Sooke Harbour House
When: February 12th through 15th 2009
Special Details: For your next romantic getaway, think Sooke Harbour House, a place where romance is always in season. This package includes:
- A 1 night stay in one of our oceanview guest rooms
- 4-Course romantic dinner for two
- Breakfast for two served in the privacy of your room
- Surprise Romantic turndown with silk rose petals, chilled bottle of sparkling wine, chocolate truffles and candles

What: Valentine's Adventures in Aphrodisiacs
Where: Suncadia in Cle Elem
When: Now
Special Details: This Valentine's weekend, treat your special someone to an 'Adventure in Aphrodisiacs'. An unforgettable romantic getaway you and your someone deserves!
Package Includes:
* Overnight accommodations for two in a cozy deluxe guest room.
* Your choice of champagne, sparkling cider or wine upon arrival.
* Intimate & specially designed dinner for two at Portals to put you in the mood. View menu.
* Romantic turndown with chocolate-covered strawberries and long stemmed roses.

The Big Question: What Will She Wear?

Michelle Obama and her family have created quite a ring of excitement in anticipation of what designer and what gown she will wear to the Presidential Inaugural balls. She will have a few to go to. She has a definite style that will cause a sensation no matter what she chooses. Several designers have submitted ideas and here are a few. What style do you think she is?

Top Row from left to right:
1.Michael Kors elegance in blue - a gown showing style eternally
2. Diane Von Furstenberg shows a possible suite for the swearing in ceremony very retro '60s feel in so many ways.
3. Karl Lagerfeld (for Chanel) presents a traditional white suit inspired by the Chanel feel and a black beaded gown combination. Remind you of a previous First Lady feel?
4. Everyone's favorite design, Marc Jocobs presents an over drape look in custard that reflects previous style choices the new First Lady has worn

Middle Row from left to right:
5. Issac Mizrahi fashioned a trio of beautiful colors and looks for all three of the ladies.
6. Oscar de la Renta also suggested a trio of patriotic colors in red white and blue for the First Lady and two daughters.
7. In one of Michelle Obama's favoroite color picks apple green, Carolina Herrera's sketch is breath-taking and would also be a beautiful option for Michelle Obama
8. The French designer Christian Lacroix steps in with a beautiful coat/suit in flag blue to stand by her husband for swearing in ceremonies.
9.Lacroix once again provides a regal evening gown in deep blue with a red overcap to complete the transition to the Inaugural ball.
10. Lacroxie's final offerings show two additional evening gown options for the balls.

Bottom Row
11. Diane Von Furstenberg sketches a white formal gown with details on the shoulders, waist and hemline - sashed at the center.