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Light The Fire

We've seen these fabulous candles used around town for various events, and we never get tired of them. These candles from Candles West are perfect for in and outdoor events. These candles enhance the mood and atmosphere without risk of catching anything on fire due to their unique design. Candles produced by Candles West use only the highest grade paraffin wax, pure beeswax and high quality wicks. The result is a candle that delivers a bright and hearty flame, no soot or residue, no spillover, no odors or scents and clean burn characteristics.

Download a product order form here.

Could You Live Without Your Cell Phone? Be Honest.

Most of us live and die by our cell phones. In fact, on days where our cell phones' batteries have died or we left home without them altogether, we find ourselves feeling out of sorts and like our left arm is missing. Sometimes I look back and reflect on the age before cell phones were a common accessory and I find myself wondering what I would do in certain situations if I didn't have a trusty cell phone as my aid. For instance, if my car broke down on the side of the road, would I be able to figure out a way to get help? Or if I were stuck in traffic and going to be late to meet a friend for dinner, how would I be able to give them a heads up?

For me, and I assume many of you, my cell phone has become a life preserve.

Today our office passed around an interesting article that we'd like to share with you. From MediaPost Publications, comes a study about cell phone users. In it are some interesting facts.

The study, which says 87% of Americans have mobile phones, up from 69% in 2006, delineates five different classes of mobile users:

• "Mobirati," 19% of mobile phone owners, are also the first generation to have grown up with mobile phones.

• "Social Connectors", 22% of mobile phone owners are people for whom the mobile phone is essentially a social lubricant, and for whom texting is just as important as a voice call.

• "Pragmatic Adopters" constitute 22% of cell users, and are just getting beyond using mobile phones solely for voice calls. They say that if service quality is disappointing, they will switch to another provider. They also say once they find one they like, they will stick with it.

• "Mobile Professionals," about 17% use smartphones and haven't got a problem with using more complex phones and their variegated features. Experian Simmons says they actually feel that extra features are more important than calling, and are more likely to switch to service providers offering the latest technology.

• "Basic Planners," about one-fifth of users, are interested in basic mobile packages only, and only use cell phones in emergencies, are confused by plans and don't use other features. 

So where do you fall in this mix? We want to know. Leave your comments in the section below.

Butch Meets Bakery

What is it about a cupcake that makes a woman's heart go pitter-patter? Is it the miniature size that makes us think we are eating less? Or perhaps it's the gob of sweet, sugary delight neatly swirled on top? No matter the reason, cupcakes are a woman's pure delight. But, why don't men seem to respond in the same way when offered a little perfectly packaged treat? What is it about a cupcake that somehow makes it just a little bit girly?

Well, for all those men out there that believe cupcakes are for women, we have a revolutionary culinary treat for you. From a New York bakery called Butch Bakery, comes a new wave of masculinity in the form of a tasty sweet treat.

Choose from six styles of cupcakes: Woodland Camo, Wood Grain, Houndstooth, Plaid, Checkerboard or Marble. You can also choose from 12 flavors including: Rum & Coke (the pause that refreshes - this rum-soaked madagascar vanilla cake with cola bavarian cream filling is a knockout), B-52 (this one is the bomb: kahlua-soaked madagascar vanilla cake with Bailey's bavarian filling), Campout (you'll be begging for s'more of this graham cracker cake with marshmallow filling and milk-chocolate ganache), and Beer Run (butch meets buttercream in our chocolate beer cake with beer-infused buttercream topped with crushed pretzels).

The ladies are officially jealous.

If you don't live in the New York area, don't fret. Butch Bakery is expanding their delivery options this year and should be able to ship to your neck of the woods in no time.

Upcoming Event in Seattle: Book Release Party at Chateau Ste. Michelle

JOHN SARICH
Book Release Party

April 22, 2010
5:30-7:30 pm

TICKET PRICE with book - $40 (plus tax)
Price without book - $35 (plus tax)

Join Chateau Ste. Michelle as they celebrate the release of their Culinary Director John Sarich's new travel cookbook "Chef in the Vineyard." Enjoy appetizers from the book paired with Chateau Ste. Michelle spring release wines. John will be on hand to sign books and share his discoveries of favorite wine estates from Washington, Oregon and California. Visit their website for more information.

Purchase Tickets »

A Technological Personal Assistant

Everyone can use a personal assistant right? All of us at B&E certainly know we could. That's why we are so intrigued with the new techno-personal assistant tool from Siri. Siri can help you find and plan things to do. You can ask Siri to find a romantic place for dinner, tell you what’s playing at a local jazz club or get tickets to a movie for Saturday night. But, since its a new tool, there are a few hiccups and kinks that need to be worked out. The current version of Siri is built for the iPhone 3GS and the iPod Touch and works only in the US. Soon, Siri will run on iPhone 3G and additional mobile platforms, as well.

Learn more about Siri by watching the video below.

Fresh Food For Busy-Bees

We all know event planners are busy-bees. So, whenever we come across a way to make your life just a little bit easier, we just have to share it with you. From Amazon.com comes a fresh idea on home grocery delivery called AmazonFresh. Although Amazon.com founded AmazonFresh, AmazonFresh operates as an independent grocery delivery business. They've created a new website to showcase their fantastic products and make your buying experience easy. AmazonFresh uses Amazon.com data and systems to simplify your checkout process and get you shopping right away.

Amazon Fresh deliveries to the following zip codes: 98004, 98005*, 98006*, 98007, 98008, 98011, 98024*, 98027*, 98028, 98029*, 98033, 98034, 98039, 98040, 98052, 98053, 98056, 98057, 98059, 98065, 98074, 98075, 98101, 98102, 98103, 98104, 98105, 98106, 98107, 98108, 98109, 98112*, 98115, 98116, 98117, 98118*, 98119, 98121, 98122*, 98125, 98126, 98133, 98136, 98144*, 98146, 98155, 98164, 98178, 98199.

* Limited coverage. Check your address to be sure. 

Hot Event Trend: Hanging Buffets

We love creativity. That is why we are absolutely enthralled by this new popular trend in event design: The Hanging Buffet. With just some simple platters and some ties the Hanging Buffet comes alive and turns any food table into an impressive art display. 

You can read more about the Hanging Buffet in the latest edition of Nesting Newbies magazine. In every issue Nesting Newbies shows you that cooking, entertaining and decorating can be easy, fun and affordable. It's one of our favorite sources of inspiration and we know you'll love it too. Check it out!

Plan A Spring Team Building Event

With spring just around the corner, it's the perfect time to start planning your next great team-building event. There is something about spring that always rejuvenates the spirit which is why a team building event is the perfect way to say goodbye to winter and welcome the newness of spring.

Why use games and team building at an event? Games and team building opportunities unify attendees and allow them to enjoy themselves and get to know their fellow visitors. Corporate team building for employees can serve as a morale booster to build strength within the company. There are many companies that provide services to encourage and entertain attendees, employees, and visitors. At your function, hiring a company to provide games and team building provides the attendees with a memorable experience that they will take away from your event.

When are games and team building appropriate? Anytime you have an event. When done properly, themes can be used to enhance a business meeting, client appreciation, awards event, and even reunions.

How is a theme chosen? Define the goals of your event first, what you want to accomplish with the event, who is attending, and what you want them to take away with them. Then you can decide what theme options may work. Brainstorming with a committee or colleague can be a big help.

Are theme events expensive? They don't have to be. It depends on your budget. Some of your theme ideas can be accomplished with a small budget if you and your committee are willing to spend the time. However, a much better use of your time and money may be to use a meeting planner, prop, or entertainment company.

Decorating tips for theme events: Consider three to four main areas of the facility for theme props. Main focus areas can include the entryway to the event, state, guest tables, beverage and food stations, to name a few.

Interactive and Theme ideas for your next event:

• Casino Night
• Game Shows
• Murder Mysteries
• Tropical Themes
• Fiestas
• International Themes
• Mardi Gras
• Western/Wild West
• Hawaiian Luau
• Period Themes like the 40's, 50's, 60's, or 70's
• Karaoke
• Carnival Games
• Inflatable Games
• Interactive Games
• Cooking Classes

SEATTLE HOT DEAL ALERT!

Water, It Does The Body Good

What does every busy event planner need to do more of? Drink water. No matter what profession you are in, and no matter what your schedule looks like, there is always the need to drink more of nature's juice. And today in the grocery stores we are offered so many varieties of water that there is simply no excuse to not get our full daily dose. But some of us (me included) have trouble getting our daily 8 glasses of water. That's why these uniquely flavored bottles from Herbal Water are the perfect solution. From Ayala comes Herbal Water in the following unique and utterly delicious flavors: Lemongrass Mint Vanilla, Lavender Mint, Lemon Verbena Geranium, Cloves Cardamon Cinnamon, Cinnamon Orange Peel and Ginger Lemon Peel. Not only are these tiny bottles of goodness great for the busy professional on the go, they also make great swag bag gifts for your next event.

Click here to find the locations you can pick up your own Herbal Water and see what all the talk is about.

Valentine's Day: A Day For Lovers (Of Chocolate)

You can't help but think of pounds of chocolate when you think of Valentine's Day. And no, we are not referring to the pounds that may start to accumulate on your thighs. After all, all calories are free on holidays, right? We are referring to those neatly packaged, overly-decadent, edible works of art that give us the warm fuzzies all over.

We've decided that the best cure for our cravings is to go on a Seattle chocolate tour. Here are just a few of the locations we'll be visiting...


1. Oh! Chocolate: Located in Mercer Island at 2703 76th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040
2. Frans Chocolates: Located in Downtown Seattle, U Village and Bellevue. Get more info here.
3. Theo Chocolate: Many locations throughout Washington. Click here for locations.
4. Chocolopolis: Located in Queen Anne at 1527 Queen Anne Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109
5. Seattle Chocolates: Located at several Seattle locations, click here for more info.
6. Dilettante: Click here for the various locations.
7. The Chocolate Box: Located in Downtown Seattle at 108 Pine Street, Seattle WA 98101
9. Fiore Chocolates: Buy their chocolates at various locations throughout Seattle
10. The Confectional: Located in Pike Place Market at 1530 Pike Place, Seattle WA 98101

The Hostess with the Mostest

As party planners, we all know how much effort goes into planning the perfect event. So when the tables turn, and you are the one being invited to a great event, it's always nice to reward the efforts of your host or hostess with a small token of your appreciation. We've gathered some of our favorite host/hostess gifts to inspire and aid you in your gift-giving abilities.

1. Ice Buckets: What event planner can't use an ice bucket? Particularly one as cool (pardon our pun) as the ones from iomoi. You can select from a variety of unique icons or create your own custom ice bucket. These ice buckets are $68 and available online at iomoi.com.

2. Stationary: Handcrafted paper in the form of notecards, letterhead, greeting cards and the like never go out of style, especially for a party planner. Stationary designers these days are true artists when it comes to creating beautiful paper works of art. There are many wonderful places to find great stationary. Our picks are The Stationary Studio and if you are in the Seattle area, check out Paper Fling, All About Weddings & Celebrations, and Moxie Papergoods and Gifts.

3. Paulette Macarons: Who can turn down a sweet treat as divine and decadent as the macarons from Paulette? We don't hear anyone volunteering. Their signature giftboxes make Paulette macarons the perfect gift for any occasion. Select from our “champ de macarons,” just as you would pick a colorful bouquet from a field of flowers. From flavors like caramel, vanilla, pistachio, almond and lemon, these sweet treats will have your gift recipient making sure you are at the top of their party-invite list every time.

4. A Night Out: After planning a party, your host/hostess may just be happy to veg for a night. Giving someone a dinner gift certificate where they can take a night off once in a while is never a bad idea. Take this opportunity to share your favorite local hot spot with your party planner and they will be certain to appreciate your thoughtfulness. If you are in the Seattle area, check out this local dining hot spots.

The Ultimate Superbowl Party

If you are one of the millions planning on watching the Superbowl this weekend and are planning on having some guests over for the kickoff, you will certainly want to be prepared with top-notch recipes and snacks to wow the crowd. If you haven't done so already, be sure to check out The Pioneer Woman for high quality and ultra tasty recipes that will have your football loving friends licking their lips and singing your praises.

Here is a taste of some of our favorite recipes from The Pioneer Woman:


1. Cowboy Nachos
2. Wings
3. Twice Baked Potatoes
4. Steak Bites
5. Onion Strings
6. Restaurant Style Salsa
7. Pico de Gallo and Guacalome
8. Quesadillas

Okay, now we're hungry....

We Think You'll Love...

We think you'll love this great new way to taste and share your favorite wines with friends, colleagues and clients. From Brixr, comes wine tasting packs containing four 50ml bottles of boutique wines. If you've ever ordered a wine flight in a restaurant, think of Brixr tasting packs as your own wine flight you can conduct at home.

For those of you that make your own wine, be sure to check out TinyBottles.com for information on how you can create your own mini wine packs. With Brixr and Tiny Bottles, there is a new way for wineries to sell wine and for consumers to discover them. Tiny Bottles, coupled with video tastings by influencers at brixr.com, provide a fantastic new environment for trying, learning and ultimately buying wine. For more information, click here.

Planning a Valentine's Day on the Town

Ahhh, Valentine's Day. For some, this can be a very stressful day, especially when it comes to planning the perfect date. But remember, even if you don't have a significant other in your life at the moment, there is no reason you can't grab someone you love like a best friend or family member and hit the town running.

If you are in the Seattle area, check out these special events happening at local restaurants.

Acalia (Feb 13)
Special: Join us on this Beautiful Evening and Enjoy a Unique Menu Artistically Paired with Magnificent Wines!

BluWater Bistro (Feb 11-Feb 14)
Special: Offering a 6 oz Lobster Tail and 6 oz Filet Mignon for $26.99.

Palace Ballroom (Feb 13)
Special: Speak the language of amore while enjoying a sumptuous Italian dinner with your valentine. This sultry event will take place at the Palace Ballroom. 7pm cocktail hour;
8pm seated dinner service begins. This event is 21 and over. Tickets are $110 per person

Ponti Seafood Grill
Special: Featuring a special Valentine's Day Menu with 3-courses served.

Six Seven Restaurant & Lounge (All weekend)
Special: Take your lover to The Edge this Valentine’s Day, for our three course gourmet lover’s dinner for two on Friday and Saturday night for $90.00 per couple, or Valentine’s Day dinner on Sunday 2/14 offering six delectable courses at $75.00 per person. In addition, Sunday’s “Sweet Heart” Brunch will focus on an extravagant dessert display and will be offered at $35.00 per person.

Free Webinar Announcement: Planning in a Tough Economy

Webinar Annoucement!
Date: January 27, 10 a.m. Pacific
Speaker: Joan Eisenstodt
Topic: Event Planning in a Tough Economy
With companies cutting budgets and association attendance down, meeting planners must be more creative—with less—in these cash-strapped times. See how you can keep your head above water.
Cost: It's Free, Register Here

What You'll Learn:

In today’s economy you need to plan like your job depends on it, because more than ever, it does! Learn ways to trim your budget without dampening the attendee experience, and how to show the savings you gained to the organization you plan for. Just by employing a few simple cost-cutting strategies from this webinar, you can provide a quality meeting without breaking the bank.

Some of the key points covered in this webinar will include the following :

• How far out to plan--advantages and disadvantages
• How CVBs can create efficiencies, supply free services and help you negotiate
• How to staff your meeting to create maximum cost-effectiveness

UW Makes Top 10 Best Bets For Your Buck!

In an article posted today on Yahoo about the colleges that provide the best education for the lease amount of cost, the University of Washington finds itself ranked in the top 10. See who else made the list...

Click here for the full article.

Best Values in Public Colleges 2009-10

1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Undergraduate Enrollment: 17,895
SAT: 75 percent scored 600 or higher on verbal/math; ACT: 82 percent scored 24 or higher
Student/Faculty Ratio: 14
Graduation Rate 4-yr./6-yr.: 75 percent/88 percent
Total In-State Cost: $15,296
Total Out-of-State Cost: $33,184
Average Debt at Graduation: $14,936

Chapel Hill, a consistent winner of Kiplinger's top honors, maintains its lofty spot in part for its ability to attract and keep highflying students. This year, it fielded more than 23,000 applications and admitted about 7,400, giving it a competitive 32 percent admission rate.

2. University of Florida

Undergraduate Enrollment: 34,654
SAT: 65 percent; ACT: 73 percent
Student/Faculty Ratio: 20
Graduation Rate 4-yr./6-yr.: 54 percent/81 percent
Total In-State Cost: $12,863
Total Out-of-State Cost: $32,234
Average Debt at Graduation: $15,318

Low annual in-state costs and diverse academic programs are just a few reasons why this school ranks in the top of our list. On campus, students can find cutting-edge research facilities, ten libraries and Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (pictured right), home of the Florida Gators.

3. University of Virginia

Undergraduate Enrollment: 15,208
SAT: 78 percent; ACT: 83 percent
Student/Faculty Ratio: 15
Graduation Rate 4-yr./6-yr.: 85 percent/93 percent
Total In-State Cost: $19,312
Total Out-of-State Cost: $41,312
Average Debt at Graduation: $19,016

Considered a public Ivy League school, the University of Virginia doesn't come with a top-tier price tag for in-state students with financial need. It charges them, on average, less than $5,000.

4. College of William and Mary (Va.)

Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,850
SAT: 84 percent; ACT: 83 percent
Student/Faculty Ratio: 11
Graduation Rate 4-yr./6-yr.: 84 percent/92 percent
Total In-State Cost: $20,566
Total Out-of-State Cost: $40,358
Average Debt at Graduation: $12,859

This public school, which is the second oldest college in the U.S., looks and feels like an elite Ivy League institution. It has one of the lowest student-faculty ratios on our list and one the highest percentages of students who scored 600 or higher on the verbal and math SATs.

5. Binghamton University (SUNY)

Undergraduate Enrollment: 11,821
SAT: 66 percent; ACT: 83 percent
Student/Faculty Ratio: 20
Graduation Rate 4-yr./6-yr.: 69 percent/80 percent
Total In-State Cost: $18,175
Total Out-of-State Cost: $26,075
Average Debt at Graduation: $14,541

Binghamton charges $26,075 a year to students who are not New York residents -- only one-third more than the in-state price. The school's large number of international students and its dual-degree programs with universities in Mexico, Russia and Turkey give the term out of state new meaning; but Binghamton's strong academics and affordable price attract interest from students across the U.S. as well.

6. University of Georgia

Undergraduate Enrollment: 25,467
SAT: 58 percent; ACT: 62 percent
Student/Faculty Ratio: 18
Graduation Rate 4-yr./6-yr.: 51 percent/80 percent
Total In-State Cost: $16,636
Total Out-of-State Cost: $34,846
Average Debt at Graduation: $14,343

Most in-state students qualify for the merit-based HOPE scholarship, which covers tuition and mandatory fees -- making the school a great value for Georgia residents. University of Georgia is the nation's first state-chartered university, and recently it opened the world's first stand-alone academic school devoted specifically to the study of ecology. It also is home to Georgia's State Botanical Garden, State Museum of Art and State Museum of Natural History.

7. University of Washington

Undergraduate Enrollment: 29,397
SAT: 48 percent; ACT: 63 percent
Student/Faculty Ratio: 11
Graduation Rate 4-yr./6-yr.: 51 percent/77 percent
Total In-State Cost: $17,676
Total Out-of-State Cost: $34,351
Average Debt at Graduation: $16,800

One of the oldest public universities on the West Coast, this top research institution draws strong students from around the world to its Seattle-based campus, where the 11 to 1 student-faculty ratio gives them plenty of access to professors who include Nobel Prize winners and MacArthur Foundation award recipients.

8. University of Maryland, College Park

Undergraduate Enrollment: 26,431
SAT: 66 percent; ACT: 76 percent
Student/Faculty Ratio: 18
Graduation Rate 4-yr./6-yr.: 63 percent/82 percent
Total In-State Cost: $18,455
Total Out-of-State Cost: $34,392
Average Debt at Graduation: $20,091

University of Maryland, known for its engineering, journalism and computer-science programs, has risen to our top ten by keeping in-state costs virtually unchanged while improving on quality, especially in its graduation rates. Maryland also provides need-based financial aid to 50 percent of its students.

9. SUNY Geneseo

Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,451
SAT: 80 percent; ACT: 87 percent
Student/Faculty Ratio: 19
Graduation Rate 4-yr./6-yr.: 58 percent/78 percent
Total In-State Cost: $17,176
Total Out-of-State Cost: $25,076
Average Debt at Graduation: $18,700

Like the other State University of New York school on our list (Binghamton), SUNY Geneseo is a bargain for out-of-state students. Out-of-state costs are about $7,000 higher than in-state costs. Many public schools charge non-residents double the amount residents pay.

10. North Carolina State University

Undergraduate Enrollment: 24,741
SAT: 36 percent; ACT: 56 percent
Student/Faculty Ratio: 16
Graduation Rate 4-yr./6-yr.: 37 percent/70 percent
Total In-State Cost: $14,390
Total Out-of-State Cost: $26,875
Average Debt at Graduation: $14,996

This large university comprises ten colleges in disciplines including textiles, design, agriculture and veterinary medicine. At $14,390, its annual in-state costs are below the average ($15,213) for four-year public institutions and second-lowest in our top ten, after the University of Florida. NC State's relatively low out-of-state sticker price, $26,875, makes it number 9 for out-of-state value.

Plan A Romantic Seattle Valentine's Day

Alexis Hotel:
THE ART OF ROMANCE

Package Details: We'll pamper you and that special someone. Accommodations for two. Champagne and Truffles. Etherea Spa.Salon Gift Box. Enjoy complimentary Full American breakfast served in the comfort of your room.

The Edgewater Hotel Seattle:
Snuggle & Smooch - Seattle Romance Package
Package Details: For Valentine's Day (and all of February 2010) 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!

Hilton Seattle:
Romance Package

Package Details: The ultimate in "do not disturb" getaways...There's just something about a luxurious hotel room that makes whispered sweet nothings sound even sweeter. Add a touch of elegance, a hint of indulgence, and you've got the makings for our Romance Package.

Homewood Suites Hilton Seattle Downtown:
Homewood Suites by Hilton® Romance Package

Package Details: Let the romance begin! Indulge yourself with our Homewood Suites Romance Package. Check-in to one of our spacious suites and relax in a comfortable bath robe - yours to keep - while enjoying a luscious box of assorted fine chocolates. There's no need to rush. Plan to sleep in late and feast on our delicious complimentary Suite Start® hot breakfast. And to top it all off, we'll arrange for a late check-out at 1:00pm.

Hotel Monaco:
Wine Me, Dine Me

Package Details: Accommodations for two at our hotel in downtown Seattle. $50 dining credit in Sazerac restaurant, offering serious food and damn good fun. Complimentary valet parking.

Mayflower Park Hotel:
Love is in the Air Romance Package

Package Details: Available February 1st through February 28, 2010. Deluxe or Suite Accommodations. Bottle of Sparkling Wine or Cider and chocolates upon check-in. Full American Breakfast for Two. Valet Parking.

W Hotel Seattle:
WHO PUTS YOU IN THE MOOD THIS VALENTINES DAY?

Package Details: Get away with your special someone for a provocative escape at W Seattle this Valentine's Day Weekend. Your racy rendezvous will include:

• Tickle Me Intimacy Lovekit by Booty Parlor
• Exclusive Jimmyjane SPIN ME game, Feather Tickler and Seduction Sash
• Box of truffles
• Two sexy cocktails
• Plus, a wonderful room you won't want to leave!

The Theatre, The Theatre . . .who doesn't love it!

In the early 20th century, following the development of the entertainment industry, hundreds of theaters/auditoriums were built everywhere in the USA. Major entertainment firms and movie studios commissioned specialized architects to build grandiose and extravagant theaters. From the 60's, TV, multiplexes and urban crisis made them becoming obsolete.

Seattle was the last city to have a full-time vaudeville theater, The Palomar, which lasted until the early 1950s. The last act there was Sammy Davis Jr. You need only move down the street aways to still see the remnant of the once grand Coliseum Theatre. Starting in the mid 1990's, it became the home of The Banana Republic clothing outlet. During an extensive remodeling, the original terra cotta exterior was restored and the sloped theatre floor, proscenium and entire balcony were preserved. The possibility exists that a future tenant could restore the theatre to its original purpose. Over the years, the distinctive vaulted entrance dome was modified several times.

During the following decades, if theaters were not modernized or transformed into adult cinemas, they closed one after the other and many of them were simply demolished. As an example, in Seattle the once fabulous Fox Theatre/Emerald Palace at 7th & Olive was leveled and is now a rather non-descript 24-story office building. Many of the old theaters are reused as churches, discos and also as retail, flea markets, bingo halls, supermarkets or warehouses. Others as in the first photo, just sit abandoned. They all represent details in architect and style that simply cannot be replaced. At the bottom of this photo below, several pieces (and the large 8-foot diameter central chandelier, not pictured) were available for sale at Captain Sam's salvage (now closed) on 2nd Ave. in Pioneer Square.

In Washington State alone, fortunately many historic theaters have been given a new beginning. Seattle and Tacoma were home to no less than 72 theaters by the end of the 1920's. We are now home to fewer than a dozen of these incredible structures, some of which are still in site of potential demolition. In Part II of our look at historic theatres, we are going to concentrate on one exceptionally important piece of the history of theatre in Seattle, The Paramount Theatre, The Moore Theater. If you are interested in theatre history, here is a link you will find fascinating we are sure.

Amber Lounge - A Great Place and Space

Amber Seattle

Calling All Enthusiasts . . .

Us too ! ! If you haven't yet checked out our Wine Events section of the blog, you will find it full of winery tours, upcoming wine/events and such - throughout Washington State. Most of the happenings we get word of are in and around Western Washington, however we are constantly keeping an eye out for events throughout the entire state.

We added a new special link - for Leavenworth who has come on strong in their touring and winery events. If you haven't had a chance to visit Leavenworth lately, treat yourself and head over. Amtrak now has a train schedule that arrives and departs daily to Leavenworth - so start that point of relaxtion early by hopping on board.

Next on our compass of who to watch are general Western Washington Events - so run through the list - you are sure to find your perfect fit for the function of your choice.

Woodinville, well how can you even talk about wine in Washington State without highlighting Woodinville. We list a full half years events with links so you can fill your personal calendar with amazing options. If you haven't heard of what's coming on January 31st - be sure and run down the schedule for that date - Weddings In Woodinville - will showcase what offerings are available to you in this coveted area.

We would love to include your Washington Wine Event in our listings. Please email us at: info@banquetevent.com.

Here's looking at you!

Let's Get Serious About Resolving . . .

Yes it is that time again so we decided to look around for useful and versatile ideas for resolutions for you for 2010. Take a look and give one or more a try. We put a list together that should allow you to try several - with the hope that at least some of them will stay with you.

Learn something new: Have you vowed to make this year the year to learn something new? Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language, or just how to fix your computer? What is stopping you? Usually it's you... so start gearing up - write it down and get to reading on what to do to up your level of participation!

Stop sweating the small stuff: There is just no need to run around worried about small stuff or things over which we have no control. Look in the mirror and remind yourself (yes out loud) that you are "not going to worry about it". . .

Get enough sleep: Give your body the time it needs to rest and recover. Find out how much sleep you need by making an appointment with your doctor, or even go on-line to a site such at Mayoclinic.com. Mom and your doctor were right. Get those eight hours of sleep. If you are having trouble sleeping, then you have lots of company. This is a chronic condition that leaves a great deal of America physically less than their best. Get it under control and life will be something absolutely new to you!

Reduce stress: While some stress is necessary to help one perform to the best of their ability, too much stress can take it’s toll both mentally and physically. Stress has a big impact on the lives, from the way one treat others, to the way one treats themselves. Too much stress can actually makes you more vulnerable to sickness and disease. Reducing stress through relaxation techniques or identifying and modifying stressors will benefit the bodies in many ways, including a better outlook on life.

Drink enough water: Water is essential to good health, yet needs vary by individual. These guidelines can help ensure you drink enough fluids. How much water should you drink each day? A simple question with no easy answers. Studies have produced varying recommendations over the years, but in truth, your water needs depend on many factors, including your health, how active you are and where you live. Though no single formula fits everyone, knowing more about your body's specific needs and limitations is key. Check out more on mayoclinic.com

Recommit to a hobby: It's easy to let things you love fall by the wayside when life gets busy. Now is the perfect time to dust off old supplies and get back to something you really enjoy doing. Take the time to write, use up leftover art supplies, finish projects, or start using your tennis racket again. You'll either remember why you loved it so much or figure out why you let it slide.

Create a Family Cookbook or Photo Book: Almost every family has a treasured recipe, beloved as much for the memories it evokes of family get-togethers or a special family member, as it is for its taste. Most families have many such recipes, handed down through generations, taught to children, or squirreled away on index cards or scraps of paper. There are several online companies that will all but do the work for you - you just need to provide the recipes and maybe some photos if you want. Go to Better Homes and Garden as an example. Photo books are much the same way with many more options actually - such as Kodak. These hard bound books are now affordable and easy to put together - thanks to the electronic online assistance.

Fight procrastination: Procrastination is the bane of people everywhere and admonitions to "Just do it!" aren't enough to help. Let this year be the year you follow a real plan to stop putting off things. Use your favorite resources, such as a notebook, or your I-phone to find the most helpful resource for you to fight your procrastination habit. This will require you to get a little more "organized" and by the way that is not a dirty word!

Recycle more: What if everybody continued to throw away old bottles and newspapers, littering the world with glass and plastic and tin cans that should be recycled and made into new products? Set a good example for kids by separating trash for recycling.

Need a little help getting started?

First:
Be realistic by setting achievable goals. Winning the lottery, for example, is out of your grasp.
Next:
Describe your resolutions in specific terms. Instead of "I don't want to be lazy," opt for "I want to exercise regularly" or "I will cut down on my television watching."
Next:
Break down large goals into smaller ones. For instance, commit to losing weight by resolving to join a gym and improve your eating habits.
Next:
Find alternatives to a behavior that you want to change, and make this part of your resolution plan. So you want to quit smoking but you smoked to relax yourself? What other forms of relaxation are available to you?
Next:
Above all, aim for things that are truly important to you, not what you think you ought to do or what others expect of you.