Memorial Day holiday is the remembrance and commemoration of members of the United States
military who died while serving their country while unofficially, Memorial Weekend brings the tradition that Summertime is here. We fill our weekends with friends and family, barbecues, beaches, swimming, sun and fun.

With so many things to fill our schedules, it’s always a great time to see a parade, visit a barbecue or go to some festivals. Some highlights to enjoy range from small to large and everything in-between with something for everyone and a great way to start the summertime season.

California:  For something a little unusual, check out the Triathlon of the Art World. Arcata’s Kinetic Grand Championship is a race that features bizarre people-powered sculptures. The race takes place in California’s Northern Coast from Arcata to Ferndale over Memorial Day weekend each year, across 42 miles of road, water, sand and mud.  http://kineticgrandchampionship.com/

San Francisco, CA:  A multi-cultural flavor is at this Memorial Day celebration.
San Francisco’s Carnaval ~ where the city’s Mission district is transformed into
a Latin celebration and Grand Carnaval Parade. It’s time to salsa and celebrate.  http://www.carnaval.com/sf/sf_carn.htm and at http://www.sfcatcarnaval.com/

Washington, DC: The National Memorial Day Parade has quickly become a tradition in the nation’s capital since this was made an annual event in 2005. Hundreds of thousand of people show up to watch this parade. The monuments, cemeteries, and memorials of Washington, DC are always worth a visit, but Memorial Day’s especially suited for them. You can look forward to special ceremonies and events like the National Memorial Day Parade, Arlington National Cemetery wreath-laying, and National Memorial Day Concert.  http://www.nationalmemorialdayparade.com/

Atlanta, GA:  Music lovers, the Atlanta Jazz festival (the country’s largest free jazz fest) is celebrating the greats as well as up and coming musicians redefining the genre. http://atlantafestivals.com/

Chicago, IL:  The Windy City boasts the largest and the most historic Memorial Day Parade http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/events/mose
/memorial day_parade.html This annual tribute to veterans has been taking place since 1871, drawing more than 10,000 participants who travel down State Street
from Lake to Van Buren. The festivities take place on Saturday and
start at 11am. While you’re there, check out the “Bike the Drive” http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/supporting_narrative/events___
special_events/special_events/mose/bike_chicago.html . One of America’s biggest bike rides gives riders a car-free view of the skyline along Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive.

Westmont, IL:  Red, White and BBQ Festival http://westmontbbq.com/
If you're looking to visit the Midwest, check out the Red, White and BBQ Festival
in Westmont, Illinois. While this one isn't in a huge city, it's still an interesting weekend-long festival with more than just barbecue to look forward to. Visit the carnival with the kids, watch a 3-on-3 soccer tournament or stroll through a dizzying array of food vendors each more delicious than the last. Live music keeps the festival moving, while themed cooking demonstrations teach you everything you need to become a brilliant backyard barbecuer. You can even participate in judging the "People's Choice" contest – and this year's theme is chili.

New Orleans, LA:  If you’re a wine and food lover, New Orleans is just the place for your Memorial Day weekend. The annual New Orleans Wine and Food Experience is featuring 100 of the city’s finest restaurants. The event spotlights the city’s legendary restaurants, local chefs and features delicious local foods http://www.nowfe.com/

Kansas City, MO:  Great American Barbecue Festival (Happening May 20 & 21)
http://www.thinkbbq.com/  Kansas City is home to the Kansas City Barbeque Society, the world's largest organization of its kind, so it's only natural that the area around Kansas City hosts the Great American Barbecue Festival. This year it'll be in Bonner Springs. Kansas City barbecue traditionally includes a wide range of meats, and the contest covers four of them – you'll have your fill of brisket, pork shoulder and more here, served up with a sweet sauce and sides. In addition to the barbecue centerpiece, this festival radiates fun, from live music to carnivals to hot air balloon rides! You can even catch culinary demonstrations if you'd like to master the art of the barbecue yourself.

St. Louis, MO:  Rib America Festival
http://www.ribamerica.com/main/index.php?page=st-louis
In the heart of downtown St. Louis, Missouri, the Rib America Festival celebrates the self-professed "World's Best Ribs". With free early bird admission from Friday through Monday, this is a budget-friendly choice, too, though you'll want to set aside some money for food, drink and festival games! In addition to the barbecue goods you'd expect, you can enjoy fair-style food and games. Live music will be ongoing on stage every day, with both local favorites and some nationally-famous acts. St. Louis barbecue tends to be pork served with a tangy sauce, a Missouri variation all its own from the better-known Kansas City variety

Boulder City, NV:  Best Dam Barbecue Challenge http://www.bestdambarbecue.com/   The Best Dam Barbecue Challenge in Boulder City, Nevada, is so named because Boulder City is where you'll find the Hoover Dam. This challenge pits BBQ enthusiasts from around the country. It's smaller than some festivals, but the barbecue will be just as good – and that means you might actually get the chance to go around and try samples from everyone

Las Vegas, NV:  Looking to let loose? Time to party Las Vegas style at the ‘Love Festival’ at the Palms casino. This three day music event over Memorial Weekend features the best in international DJs. www.thelovefestival.com and more information at http://www.facebook.com/TheLoveFestival?sk=wall

New York, NY:  Manhattan during Memorial Day. The streets are packed for Fleet Week (May 25 to June 2 in 2011), an annual event that brings hundreds of sailors and marines to the city to participate in parades. There are all kinds of activities, from Broadway performances to the famous military Tug of War. For the art lovers, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is open on Memorial Day as part of the special Met Holiday Mondays. http://www.newyorkled.com/nyc_events_Fleet_Week.htm

Austin, TX:  How could you not enjoy a festival of wine and music? The Wine and Music Festival mixes 100% local brew with Texan rock bands. http://www.austinwineandmusicfestival.com/index.html

Bandera, TX:  Memorial Weekend Rodeo and Cook-Off http://www.banderarodeo.com Bandera, also known as the "Cowboy Capital of the World," features a barbecue cook-off as part of its Memorial Weekend Rodeo. If you've never been to a rodeo before, this is a great excuse to start. Have a little cowboy fun watching the bravest of the brave ride bulls, wrestle cattle and more, then stop by the barbecue cook-off where enthusiasts battle to determine the region's best barbecue.

Home Sweet Home
If you’re not traveling, be sure to check out your towns festivities, and stay close to home celebrating with family and friends. Memorial weekend is the second most popular barbecuing holiday after the 4th of July, what would it be without great food? Memorial Day represents the traditional start of the outdoor cooking season. This is the time of year that people are getting their charcoal, filling propane tanks and making plans for cookout season. Whether you will be grilling hamburgers, hotdogs, steaks, chicken, fish, ribs or your favorite recipe, plan ahead so you’re sure to enjoy this wonderful weekend.

Kebabs are a great main dish because you’re basically cooking your main meal all at once. Start off with some appetizers and finger foods while grilling. Pre-make some of your sides the day before such as the traditional potato salad, cole slaw and sliced watermelon. Enjoy desserts of ice-cream, pies, or just about any summertime dessert. While relaxing with family and friends, don’t forget the refreshments. Margaritas, iced tea, sangria, lemonade, or the stand-by beer, will complete your cookout and aide you in a great start to the Summer season. Have a wonderful and safe holiday!

I began to think back to the overload in planning a wedding and wondering where to start. There are so many fabulous wedding styles, designs, themes, but most of all, colors. How to chose your wedding colors is a chore in itself for these colors will be used in decorations, flowers, clothing, linens and many other things.

I was lucky in some ways, for when my husband and I were trying to decide our colors, his color palette being white everything, I got to have the fun in playing with colors. On the other hand, I should’ve thought back to our remodeling days of choosing paint colors. I opt for more of a Tuscan style and colors, where as he goes, “white is nice”. Yes, our whole home was white inside. “It was easy to spray” he says. “It’s boring”, I respond. “Everything goes with it” was his defense. Hym, my work was cut out for me. Needless to say, he let me chose the colors for the remodeling and our home is no longer white inside … and he likes it! With that being said, I thought about the following, and these are some ways that we decided on our wedding colors … and, he loved those too. Lucky me that my guy is pretty laid back and wanted what made me happy too!

Other than the obvious colors you don’t like, think about the season you are getting married in, think about your theme. For example, if you are having a vibrant Hawaiian Luau theme, formal black and white may not justify your overall scheme.

Look at the flowers you like and their color combinations, look at bridesmaids dresses; their style and color options, and remember you don’t have to stick with one color. Most weddings have anywhere from one to two main colors and an accent color or two in which they are all complementary to each other. Another thing to take note of is your invitation style. Is it romantic, edgy or elaborate? Sometimes looking at all these factors you will find that your color scheme is right in front of you.

Enjoy and visit your online or local paint stores - it’s great fun to put together your colors be it monochromatic or a choice of three to four complementary colors.  Visit http://www.benjaminmoore.com a well known paint with many color selections and coordinates. I LOVE http://bighugelabs.com/colors.php where you upload a photo that includes the colors you like and it generates a color palette from it complete with names and descriptions. http://www.colourlovers.com/ not only gives you colors, but palettes of coordinating colors along with patterns.

Try collecting favorites wedding photos and creating a board along with fabric, ribbon and paint swatches. Look around you; what colors are you most drawn to? What style do you seem to gravitate towards? From modern to vintage and everything in-between, this too may help you in selecting your wedding day colors.

Your colors should reflect you and your grooms personal style and then it is a bit easier to look further into your wedding planning. Remember that your wedding colors can help set the mood for your wedding and you want colors that work well with your theme.

In conclusion ~ Don’t use too many colors as designer Carissa of JL Designs says, “Simplicity is key. Pick three to four colors total to keep your bouquets and centerpieces from looking too messy. If you prefer an undone look, opt for a few slightly varied shades of the same color. This will add depth without looking too chaotic. Or, for an especially striking look, go monochromatic with a bold shade like vivid purple or creamy white. The idea is to keep the look tailored for maximum impact.”

Don’t forget about texture. From you linens, your decorations, dresses, and more, you want to have different textures that will also work well with one another.

Do remember you season, your environment, your personal style likes and dislikes. Remember to look at your flower selections, your invitations, and what type of mood you want to portray for your wedding. Keep in mind that maybe you might like lime green but not everyone looks good in it ~ you have bridesmaids that need to wear these colors well too.

Most of all, remember this is your day; the day that will be photographed, framed and remembered for years to come. You want to look back on it with knowing every detail was just as you wanted.

Monochromatic Green Wedding

Something Blue Wedding

Wishes,
Amy

After the busy weekend, I began to think about how to be inspired to another long work week? How to find a place to start where I would feel renewed and refreshed and to give me that extra push into the week? I decided to start with a little inspiration from http://moodturn.com a free site that lets you select your theme and your background all while listening to serene sounds of nature.

So now I am in a relaxed state, but how to find the renewal of time? With busy schedules, chores to be done, commitments, work, running and too many more to list, how do you find time for you? Sometimes a vacation isn’t necessarily always packing your bag, but finding a place where you can renew yourself on a day-to-day basis, a respite from your repetitive duties.

We all need a break, but too often we say “I’m too busy” ~ even more reason to schedule some “you” time. We’ve all heard about Staycations; vacationing at home. What about Daily Staycations? Here are some ideas to recharge and renew yourself on a daily basis. Learn to take a break by taking a long, relaxing bath ~ turn off your phone, light some candles, put on some music and just soak your stress away. Give yourself an at home facial, a pedicure or a manicure. Read a book. Go for a walk, a run, a bike ride, or any type of exercise. Wake-up before everyone and have some quiet time without the daily news or radio and just listen to the silence. Treat yourself to lunch out with or without friends, pack up a picnic, go sit at the park and enjoy the sights around you. Fly a kite. Go fishing. Pick up a new hobby and let yourself enjoy a little bit of creative time. On those lazy days, put in your favorite old movie, grab a blanket, some favorite indulgences to munch on and just relish in the moment. Go walk around your town and be your own tourist. Take your camera and see your world through a different angle.

Without taking time for yourself, we often burnout and find ourselves stressed and overwhelmed. Too often we deny ourselves little indulgences because it may seem selfish or too time consuming. Sometimes just that little bit of time is what we need. I like to have a glass of wine, sit under the stars on a quiet summers night and just listen. This is my time. I find that in our busy world, these moments of nothingness is restful and it relaxes the soul.

When I do get the opportunity to take longer me time, there are so many options to chose from. A day at the spa, a little retail therapy, a drive to the lake, an overnight trip to a neighboring town, visiting a Farmer’s Market, buying flowers just for me, just because. Go for a horseback ride, visit your local museum or art galleries. Treat yourself to a self-indulgent road trip; traveling to places you’ve yearned to visit.

Sometimes taking time for yourself doesn’t always mean you have to be by yourself. Enjoy time with your spouse, your friends, but just remember it’s about you and not accommodating everyone else. Relish, renew and relax. It’s a guarantee that if you let yourself enjoy, you just may find a new sense of being.

I have longed over the idea of this private luxury boutique resort and spa with only 30 one-bedroom oceanfront suites where the Bungalow Suite, Premium Bungalow Suite and Island Grand Suite guest quarters are housed in thatched roof bungalows, with custom-made beds with romantic mosquito netting, and are so plush that some guests never want to leave; outdoor showers, along with all the requisite luxe amenities.

The elegant and romantic accommodations at the Little Palm Island Resort surround the perimeter of the island, a magnificent sea view that lays off the Florida Keys coastline with crushed seashell paths winding through this 5 ½ acre paradise.

This resort has something to please each and every guest: natural white sandy beach, fresh water lagoon style swimming pool, fitness center, Great Room library, game room, indulgent Spa Terre, full-service dive shop with daily excursions, an endless array of water-craft choices and gourmet cuisine.

All rooms at the boutique resort Little Palm Island are provided with air conditioning, balcony, bath tub, mini bar, coffee makers, modem, room service, turndown service and a safe. The dreamlike Little Palm Island Resort boasts a beach inside the property, a beauty salon, a pool, a gym, scuba diving as well as other services. There are no telephones or televisions in the quarters, but a television can be provided in the Premium Bungalow Suites upon request at the time of reservation. A television is also available in the Great Room, as where wi-fi is also available for guests.

Now besides being disconnected with the rest of the world, even more exciting is the dining. Temptation with a vibrant blend of French and Pan-Latin cuisine. Executive Chef Luis Pous ever-evolving menu samples the finest in fresh, local fare, even using key limes and herbs grown on the resort property. Guests can enjoy meals in an elegant, candle-lit dining room, on a terrace perched above the beach where key deer and songbirds visit, or at tables strewn along the beach. Sometimes, the revelry goes on all night by a roaring bonfire on the beach. And BONUS, May Wine & Food Pairing Menu is happening every Thursday, Friday, & Saturday at 6:30 p.m.. Culinary Creations by Chef Luis Pous are paired with exquisite wines from Ramey Winery, this month's featured winery.

What more is there to want? Well, we haven’t yet traveled to the spa. Spa Terre, the signature spa of Noble House Hotels & Resorts and is open daily from 9:00a.m. to 8:00 p.m.. Here, exotic Balinese spa treatment and Thai body rituals are custom-designed to replace the weight of the world with the feeling of utter relaxation, incorporating a blend of ancient spa traditions once reserved for royalty. The healing properties of flowers and spices are used liberally to enhance each spa experience.

There’s the Gumby’s Slumber Spa Package which includes long, soothing spa services concluding with a Key Lime Margarita Manicure and Pedicure. You also receive two margaritas while having your hands and feet pampered. The package may be divided among the days that you are visiting the island, but must be used during your stay and may not be divided with other guests. Package includes: Tropical Essence Massage and Body Scrub, Island Grand Signature Facial, Key Lime Margarita Manicure, Key Lime Margarita Pedicure.

There is also the It’s All About Her. The package may be divided among the days that you are visiting the island, but must be used during your stay and may not be divided with other ladies or gentlemen. Package includes: 80 minute Balinese Massage, Ritual Bath Soaking Experience, Milk & Honey Body Treatment, Spa Terre Classic Facial, Express Manicure/Pedicure.

Spa Terre also offers other services such as: Manicures, Pedicures, Facial & Body Depilation, Hair Design, facial Indulgences, Massages, Bath Experiences, Fitness and so much more to make your vacation truly blissful.

For those that need even more extraordinary experiences, there is seating at the chefs table. This is an elegant enclave positioned discreetly in the award-winning kitchen of the Dining Room at Little Palm Island. Chef Luis Pous will attend personally to the couple, preparing and presenting a 5 or 7-course tasting menu paired with his selection of wine. Guests love the interaction with the Executive Chef and his culinary team and the comments have been incredibly positive.

The Chef’s Table offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Chef’s Table is available nightly (except Sunday) for up to four people. Only one seating is available per evening where the chef and sous chef serve a 5 or 7-course meal amid lots of action in the kitchen. Advance reservations are required. Please call 305-872-2551 or email at diningroom@littlepalmisland.com to for additional information or to make reservations.　

Or, how about a once in a lifetime choices of picnics? The Island Picnic, priced at $300, and is perfect for those who want enjoy en-suite, or claim a quiet enclave on the island. The Island Picnic offers: French Baguette, Saussicon Sec, Country Pate, Two Artisanal Cheeses & Preserves, Seasonal Fruit, Marinated Olives, Spiced Nuts, Key Lime Cookies, Pistachio Biscotti, and Rosé, Château D’Esclans, “Whispering Angel”, Côtes De Provence, 2009.

For something more adventurous, the Lilyanna Picnic offers three hours of private cruising on the 38’ catamaran, The Lilyanna. Guests will enjoy: Assorted Breads, Saussicon Sec & Chorizo, Three Artisanal Cheeses & Preserves, Gourmet Mixed Pickles, Gourmet Spreads, Tropical Fruit, Marinated Olives, Spiced Nuts, Key Lime Cookies, Pistachio Biscotti and a bottle of Pinot Noir, Melville, “Estate”, Santa Rita Hills, 2008. The yacht is complete with snorkel gear should the couple want to go for a swim. The Lilyanna is $900 per couple.

Private Island Picnic guests will be flown on a Cessna 206 Amphibious Seaplane to a private island for the ultimate three hour getaway. The couple will enjoy caviar on blinis with Rosé Champagne before take off. Then while on island, the menu features: Assorted Breads, Saussicon Sec & Chorizo, Pate de Foie Gras, Truffle Butter, Three Artisanal Cheeses & Preserves, Gourmet Mixed Pickles, Gourmet Spreads i.e., Lobster & Shrimp, Tropical Fruit, Marinated Olives, Spiced Nuts, Key Lime Cookies, Pistachio Biscotti a bottle of Champagne, Charles Hiedsieck, Brut, NV and their choice of either Cabernet Sauvignon, Jordan, Sonoma County, 2001 or Chardonnay, Jordan, Russian River Valley, 2007. Additional services like a musician, photographer or private server are available at an additional cost. The Private Island Picnic is $2700 per couple. The picnic rates do not include 7.5% tax or the $50 set-up fee. To reserve, please call 800-3-GET-LOST or email us at getlost@littlepalmisland.com

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa has several packages to choose from, and if you don’t find what you’re looking for, you even have the option to create your own package. They offer all inclusive packages, meal plans, and those extra add-ons where even sunscreen isn’t forgotten.
 
I think this luxuries resort, a book, (maybe a little wi-fi surfing), massage, and some wonderful cuisine is just the getaway for any romantic, honeymooner, or a needed relax and renew time!  Contact Little Palm Island Resort and Spa for your magical getaway at: http://www.littlepalmisland.com or call 1-800-343-8567.

I was so inspired by this artwork “Wait By The Phone” of Tabitha Emma (Designer & Illustrator) from http://tabithaemma.com/ that I decided “Bewildering Beginnings” was a great place to start any love story.

“Wedding” ~ That all magical word that brings visions of your fairytale wedding, childhood dreams, flowers, diamonds, romance, beauty, bliss and then … the rush of anxiety, sleepless nights, a few feuds with a sprinkling of chaos and confusion.

I LOVE weddings. I love every moment from the beginning of that first meeting, the courtship to the “happily ever after”. Weddings bring a sense of hope, of happiness and joy in watching a couples romance evolve into a beautiful union.

Weddings are overwhelming. Weddings are that, “What have I done?” Wedding are a “Wow” factor that may seem beyond your grasp. Why did I decide to add a wedding blog in addition to my travel blogs? The reason is simple ~ I want every couple to have that magical moment where they look at each other and absolutely beam with that “this is perfect” feeling conveyed with no words needed. So, with all that being said, welcome and enjoy the ride!

BEWILDERING BEGINNINGS

We all know how this starts. Boy meets girl (or visa versa), girl likes boy and thinks the feeling is mutual, girl goes home with a renewed sense of happiness, hope, and then waits … and waits … and waits for that phone call. Yes, it is that phone call. We all know the phone call; the one where we actually pick-up our phone to make sure there really is dial tone, the call that every time our phone rings we grab it with the anticipation and hope. I’ve always wondered - do the guys do this too? And my second thought is: what takes a guy so long to decide that he really wants to call? Fear of commitment, playing hard-to-get, or just oblivious to relationship rules?

So finally, that call comes. You wonder should I answer or should I make him call back? Wait, wonder if he doesn’t call back? Of course, you answer it, it’s a date planned, and you are now onto the “pursuit” of each other. All the factors are in place and the friendship starts to form. I always thought this was the fun part. You know, after the initial apprehensions, the dating, making plans, the spontaneity and unfortunately, a few bumps in the road. Even though those “bumps” might feel like major hurdles, they are great building blocks or “tests” as you might say, to see how you resolve problems as a couple. Yes, as a couple. You have made it! Single life . . . Good-by!!!

I don’t know why, but there seems to always be that moment when out of the blue you wonder “is this what I really want”? I would stare at the wall, at the ceiling, at my mate and think that somehow the answer would appear and tell me I was making the right decision. It didn’t happen and I just had to listen to my gut. Luckily, it turned out to be a pretty safe bet and am still very much in love with my husband.

I once read that the habits that we first think are “cute” will be the same habits that we despise in the future. Point being, I think I got suckered. My husband would curl-up with me and we would fall into the most wonderful sleep and then…full disclosure - the guy snores like there’s a need to rattle the windows at three in the morning and I really didn’t need to sleep after all. “Honey, roll over you’re snoring!”, “I am NOT”. Yeah, that’s why I’m waking you up to lie to you. I will never again wonder why couples have separate sleeping quarters. I need a different sleeping house! When we met, I thought there is no way this guy is such a neat bachelor. I even checked his shower and the oven fully expecting an overflow of dirty dishes, clothes and other things I was frightened of finding. Nothing! But then, it all started. “Let’s clean” or “I’m picking up” does not mean cleaning - it means I will take this pile and move it over to this area. It means I will start this but get distracted by that and wander away because I’m bored and don’t want to do this - wait, what was I doing to start with? Before I get myself into too much trouble, I must say I wouldn’t change my husband for a million years … just some of his habits, which again, I better not complain too loudly because I am sure he has a running list on me and I’d better be dang sure I’m cooking his favorite meal tonight after he reads this!

I was probably more of the romantic and so when I was slightly romanced, I was wooed , I was in sheer heaven! It didn’t matter whether the gesture was large or small, it was wonderful, but I did quietly sit back and wonder if this so called wooing process was merely for “brownie points” or because of true love? We have a running joke in our house now. My husband figures he better get all the “brownie points” he can because he seems to loose them faster than he earns them. This is the great part of a relationship I think. It’s the part where you realize it’s okay to say things and you learn to have a sense of humor with one another. Some days I tell him that I will always love him but that I don’t really like him at that moment. That’s pretty brave of me, and it isn’t always taken too kindly, but that’s where those earlier “bumps in the road” come in handy. He knows, as do I, that we will work through it.

It’s a rollercoaster ride I often think when I see relationships evolving. It’s those moments when you’re really sick of it and you don’t want to keep going, but you don’t get off. That’s love. Hook, line and sinker. Me, I stayed on and I seriously don‘t even like carnival rides. I do have to say, I teetered with the thought of jumping off, but as of now, it’s been a great ride!

Okay, off to that meal cooking - I have some wooing to do myself!!!

Wishes,
Amy