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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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!

Watch A Recap of the Northwest Event Show

Northwest Trade Show by 4th Avenue Media from 4th Avenue Media on Vimeo.

Herban Feast is exactly what it is!

Not all events call for the full service expertise of a catering team, so Herban Feast offers three different service options so you can choose the type of support you want for your event.

• Full Service - Herban Feast provides full service catering with a focus on you and your event. We've catered almost every type and size of event imaginable.
  

• Delivery - Perfect for smaller events, cocktail receptions and corporate breakfasts and luncheons.
  

• Pick Up - If all you need are a few platters to enhance your self-catered event, or if you’d like to bring something special to a party and time is critical, consider ordering our beautifully styled and garnished platters of appetizers, sandwiches, salads and desserts that you can pick up and take with you!

Something To Really Smile About . . .

We rarely write about our personal lives on this blog, but there comes a time when you just need to toot your own horn once in a while. At B&E, we are much more than co-workers, we are a family. Beyond what we do in the office, we care about each other's lives, and support each other through the highs and lows of everyday life. Today I am happy to report one of those highs.

Alexis Pellegrini, who has worked for B&E for seven years, and her husband Peter, recently turned their 8 year dream into a reality. Peter, an orthodontist, opened his first solo practice in Everett, WA on August 3rd. We've watched the two of them stay focused as Peter trekked through four years of dental school at the University of Washington, and three more years for his orthodontic residency at Oregon Health Science University.

Now they begin a new chapter as business owners of a beautiful practice in Everett. Alexis, of course, remains a part of our B&E team, and it has been great to see how the skills she has learned working with us have been able to help develop Dr. Pellegrini's web and marketing materials.

We wish them many years of success!

Learn more about Dr. Pellegrini at www.everettbraces.com

Penny Pickett Simmons
General Manager at B&E

Tribute to Carnegie's in Ballard

Recently we celebrated a special occasion at what turned out to be an incredible venue - Carnegie's in Ballard on Market Street. We knew we could anticipate a good evening, however they exceeded any of our expectations in, atmosphere and cuisine. The service was absolutely impeccable.

If you have not had the good fortune to step into Carnegies, do yourself this favor and put them on your list of "must dos". For those of you familiar with Ballard, you will recognize it immediately as the 100 plus year old building given to the City by Carnegies as a library. Over the years, it has been home to various types of businesses and currently the grandnous of the main floor is both a full service restaurant as well as a venue you can reserve for a special event. This is one of those venues that can be setup for so many types of arrangements, as it has three main distinct areas that work well together as one total venue, or can be setup for individual requirements. We had our event in the Eastroom, while the Westroom catered to their restaurant patrons. We found one exceptional compliment to Carnegie's, as at no time were we ever aware of their restaurant patrons, due to the uniqueness of the room setups and the beautiful curved glass walls.
The food itself was exceptional from the Coq Au Vin, to the Rack of Lamb Dijonaise. Bon Appetit!

Turn Up The Heat

Click here for more details about this event!

More about the WSCFF Burn Foundation: The WSCFF Burn Foundation was founded in 1987 and is a 501(c)(3) charity to provide funding for burn research and burn prevention education. The WSCFF Burn Foundation is a separate organization from the WSCFF Benevolent Fund and operates as an independent registered charity. The foundation is operated solely by Washington State professional firefighters.

Funding is primarily raised by sales of an annual fire fighters calendar. Several stores throughout Washington State carry the calendar.

Donations from the foundation are then disbursed via grants after approval from the board of trustees. If you need information on WSCFF Burn Foundation grants, please contact them.

New Business Trend: Video Resumes

The unemployment rate in the country seems to increase every week which means thousands of business professionals are finding themselves on the job hunting search once again. With so many out of work, how can you set yourself apart from the pack?

A rising new business trend for professionals is to create a video resume. A Seattle based company, 4th Avenue Media, is aiding professionals in the creation of video resumes. The team at 4th Avenue Media believes the only thing that sets you apart is your story. By integrating new media tools like web videos, websites, blogs and other social networking tools like Facebook, Linked In, Plaxo and others, you send a message to the employer that your technical and social skills will be an asset to their company.

The key to utilizing new media tools most effectively is to make certain that all content available online, including personal sites you may have on social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter & MySpace, are professional and non-incriminating. Screen all your online personal content including friends sites that may have anything questionable about you and remove all content and images that may translate a message you wouldn't want a potential employer to receive.

Once you've verified that all your social memberships are professionally representing you, create your video resume and place it on all social networking sites. You never know how a contact may lead to a potential job. Also, email your video resume in advance of your interview to your potential employer along with a paper copy of your resume. Your video resume will certainly set you apart from all the generic resumes in the employers inbox.

Here is a sample of a video resume:

Pie In The Sky

We recently read about this innovative branding company from one of our favorite blogs, Mix Mingle & Glow, and we just had to share the idea with you. If you are looking for a new and innovative way to brand your company logo, name, icon or image then consider a Flogo. What is a flogo, you ask? SnowMasters research and development facility in northern Alabama became the home of what is now known as Flogos, or "logos that fly." A flogo is a cloudlike, balloonlike object created out of proprietary surfactant (soap) based foam formulations and lighter-than-air gases such as helium. Flogos are designed to last for as long as their visual impact is needed. Specific formulations are available to provide a life expectancy of a few minutes to an hour or so. The visual impact also greatly depends on atmospheric conditions such as wind and relative humidity. On average, Flogos last for 30 to 40 minutes. Flogos are Green and 100% environmentally safe.

Click here to view a demo.

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.

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

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.

The Hollywood Escape

Nothing can take you away from the stresses of life like the movies can. That's why with all the hustle and bustle of the holiday approaching, Hollywood gives us a little escape in the form of blockbusters. Here's the buzz on the season's most talked about feature films...

Twilight

The Plot: In her new town of Forks, Washington, misfit teenager Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) falls for her alluring and mysterious classmate, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson). As it turns out, Edward belongs to a lineage of vampires, although he doesn't fit the typical vampire mold. As their passion reaches dizzying heights, can Edward resist his natural urges, and will he be able to defend Bella from his family members who have come for her? Our Pick!

Watch the trailer...

Four Christmases

The Plot: A comedy about a married couple (Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn) from two divorced families who are tasked with attending four Christmas Day celebrations.

Australia

The Plot: Set in northern Australia before World War II, an English aristocrat (Nicole Kidman) who inherits a sprawling ranch reluctantly pacts with a stock-man (Hugh Jackman) in order to protect her new property from a takeover plot. As the pair drive 2,000 head of cattle over unforgiving landscape, they experience the bombing of Darwin, Australia, by Japanese forces firsthand. Our Pick!

Watch the trailer...

The Day The Earth Stood Still

The Plot: Aliens land on Earth with an important message for its citizens. A remake of the classic 1951 sci-fi film directed by Robert Wise.

Seven Pounds

The Plot: A professional man (Will Smith) who is close to suicide for his role in an auto accident that claimed the lives of seven people finds a reason to live, and to atone, when he falls for a woman (Rosario Dawson) who wants to help him deal with his grief. Our Pick!

Watch the trailer...

Yes Man

The Plot: What happens when you agree with everyone and say "yes" to everything? Carl (Jim Carrey) is about to find out when he chooses to become overly agreeable for an entire year. Our Pick!

Watch the trailer...

Revolutionary Road

The Plot: A young couple (Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio) raising a family in a Connecticut suburb during the mid-1950s look to break free from their frustratingly mediocre lives.

Valkyrie

The Plot: Near the end of WWII, Claus von Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise) leads to group of fellow German army colonels in an attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler; the event would later be called the July 20 Plot of 1944.

Marley & Me

The Plot: An impossibly cute, but impossible-to-live-with yellow Labrador retriever named Marley teaches his newlywed owners (Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson) a thing or two about patience and parenthood.

Last Chance Harvey

The Plot: During a weekend in which Harvey Shine (Dustin Hoffman) travels to London for his daughter's wedding, her first learns that he's lost his job back in New York, then he discovers he won't be the man giving away the bride at the ceremony. The one good thing that happens -- his meeting Kate (Emma Thompson), a prickly but nevertheless enchanting Londoner -- might be the beginning of some much-needed change in Harvey's life. Our Pick!

Watch the trailer...

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

The Plot: Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) was born under unusual circumstances. As everyone around him grew older, he aged backwards, making the challenges of life such as creating friendships, finding a job and falling in love all the more difficult and heartbreaking. Our Pick!

Watch the trailer...

Upcoming Fall Events

Waterways Cruises and Events Open House
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
4-7 p.m.
Where: The Lakeside Event Center
2501 N Northlake Way
Seattle, WA 98103

RSVP by clicking here.


Emerald City Applause Awards
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
at the Columbia Tower Club
701 5th. Ave, 75th. Floor
Seattle, WA 98104

Celebrating the Gems of our Industry

The entries are entered, the judges have judged, and the excitement is building in anticipation of the 4th Annual Emerald City Applause Awards!

Join your colleagues and friends in honoring the best of the best in Washington’s event industry! Your presence is requested to come and savor the excellent work done by some of the top companies in our industry.


NACE AUCTION
October 21st Annual Auction
RSVP by October 16th
5:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 21st, 2008
RSVP by Thursday, October 16th at www.TacomaNACE.net
Sharon McGavick Student & Conference Center
Clover Park Technical College
4500 Steilacoom Blvd. SW Building 23
Lakewood, WA 98499

The Tacoma/South Puget Sound Chapter of the National Association of Catering Executives invites you to our annual auction Cooking up Success! benefiting Clover Park Technical College's Culinary Arts and Floral programs & the NACE education program.

Register Here >>


Murder Mystery aboard the historic Steamship Virginia V
November 1, 2008
7-10 p.m.
Departs from Seattle's Lake Union Park
860 Terry Avenue North
Seattle, WA. 98109
For a cruise around Lake Union and Lake Washington

Join Events on the Edge and the historic Steamship Virginia V for a special Halloween theme murder mystery celebration and adventure aboard the High Seas, with a 3 hour Dinner Cruise around Lake Union and Lake Washington. Halloween costumes are welcome but not required!
Time: Boarding/cocktails 6pm. Mystery & Dinner Cruise 7-10pm
Cost: $85.00 per person plus $2.00 fuel surcharge for Buffet Dinner, Mystery & Cruise (does not incl tax or gratuity)
Tickets: Available online at www.virginiav.org or call 206.624.9119
Parking: Lot & street parking is available at Lake Union Park.


Umbrella Tour
(Familiarization Tour)
Olympia Lacey Tumwater Visitor & Convention Bureau
November 15-17th, 2008

To assist you in planning for 2009, Olympia Lacey Tumwater Visitor & Convention Bureau invite you to participate in the Umbrella Tour. Specifically designed for meeting and event planners, this two-day event is sure to get you acquainted with Thurston County as a meeting and event destination.

RSVP TO:
Heather Antanaitis, Membership & Marketing Development
Olympia Lacey Tumwater Visitior & Convention Bureau
Toll Free: 877.704.7544 Email: marketing@visitolympia.com

Whether you have never been to the area or it is been a while since your last visit, this Familiarization Tour is sure to give you a fresh perspective on what the region has to offer. You will experience our finest attractions, explore restaurants and enjoy two complimentary room nights at the Phoenix Inn & Suites/Red Lion Olympia.

Please join us for the Umbrella Tour November 15-17th. Space is limited, so we ask that you RSVP by November 5th.

We Think You'll Love...

We think you'll love this local website that helps you connect with local teachers so you can learn just about anything. Meet teachstreet.com where you can search for teachers of a certain craft in the Seattle and Portland area. So if you want to learn to sail, cook, sew, dance, play the piano or just about any other craft you can think of, Teach Street helps you find the skilled professionals in the area that can turn you into a pro yourself.

Once you have found a teacher you can then go onto teachstreet.com and write a review that will help others find a teacher that is right for them. We also like how the site recognizes what craft you want to learn and offers books about the similar trade that are available for you at Amazon.com.

Check out Teach Street and let us know what you think.