Fabulous On Facebook

I have not done this in awhile and it's long over due. I have met so many amazingly taleneted people in the event planning business and I have social networking to thank for it. These Party Designers, Graphic Designers, Cupcake Artist, and Party Professionals continue to blow my mind with every post. I have learned so much from them by the way they carry themselves or how they treat me as a friend or even as a customer. Some have supported me in my efforts to make it in the Event Planning business as well.  This Event Planning world is so small and they have proven to me and many others to be able to withstand the pressure. I would like to introduce you to them but I am hoping you have already expereinced their work.

So Here is to you, You are so Fabulous on Facebook!
Eccentric Designs By: Latisha Horton
ALil Something to Remember
The Cavity Shoppe :Where The Fillings Are Sweet"
Tini Posh
Piggy Bank Parties
Bird Birds Party
Annie Mae Cheesecakes and Moore
Empressive Cakes
Cakes Galore By Sheila

So please take a moment to check out these amazing women and judge for yourself.

600 Fan Giveaway

First and foremost I want to say thank you all for the continued support. Out of all of the things I have tried to accomplish in my life, Event Planning has been the most interesting. Truthfully I wonder if I really will have a future doing this for the next 5 year, or even 10 years, to be honest I wonder if I can see early retirement from my regualr 9-5, Maybe one day ( I hope) but for right now I am going to ride this pony to the legs fall off. I so enjoy what I do! I daydream all day about it! Can't wait to get home to work on something new. Now if I could just have more hours in my day so my dreams don't conflict with my reality I would be set.

So I am celebrating my 600 fan mark with a giveaway like no other. I am offering 100 cupcake wrappers in 20 different colors, 5 wrappers in each color. They are cut to fit standard size cupcakes. Your entry for this contest relies on a comment here on my blog. All you have to do if you are already a fan is leave a comment stating why you are a fan (new or existing) of Decorated Elements. In other words what made you like us or what makes you continue to like us! The contest starts at midnight Sunday and ends on Wednesday July 11, Extended until Friday July 15, 11:59 pm. On Thursday July 12  Saturday July 16 a comment will be chosen by random using random.com and the winner will be announced on the Decorated Elements Fan Page.

So I encourage you to participate in this giveaway and thank you in advance for participating!

Good Luck!

PS If for any reason the settings prevent you from leaving a comment here, please let me know.

4th of July Freebie

What a fun way to celebrate this weekend's festivities with something free! Please enjoy this set of 12 tags or toppers to decorate your Fourth of July table display. Please share your photos with us on our Decorated Elements Fan Page on Face Book. Thanks and Enjoy your holiday.

Starting A Business with Bad Credit

Photo Credits belong to Merchant Broker

Is it possible to start a business with Bad Credit? Many small business owners will ask this question and it will often keep them from venturing out. We all know that starting any business requires lots of money, but what do you do when you have little to no cash on hand and cannot qualify for a loan from a bank. Well to all of you racking your brain and sitting on the sideline with an idea and a dream, fear no more because there are options. With a little research and of course a few changes in your spending habits, you can get assistance to turn your dreams into a reality. As a New York resident, Mayor Bloomberg has put in place many programs and people willing to assist you while trying to start a small business. In fact He encourages minorities and women entrepreneurs to become small business owners. Visit nyc.gov to find a location in your borough and get started. Now back to the question at hand, is it possible to start a business with Bad Credit? I researched this not only for you but for myself! My credit could sure use some repairing. I am not at the bottom of the credit barrel, but lenders are not knocking down my door trying to give me credit either. So this information is just as vital to me. I used the City of New York as my reference because they are encouraging minorities to become business owners so I wanted to know if they provide such services. I was told that credit can be worked on. Larger Banks like Citibank and Chase usually do not want to deal with new businesses because of the risk but there are lenders available to you and myself that will work with you with your current credit score. (I strongly suggest you go through the agency to prevent any other problems and possible fraud.) They not only help you improve your rating but they extend you a secured credit line. If your credit is a number less than 550, then you are allowed to have a cosigner. Isn't that a breath of fresh air! WOW! So I am telling you that no matter where you are in life, if you have a dream there are ways to make it reality and best of all you can do it for free.

Visit one of these links and find out how to get started making your dreams come true
Financing and Loans
Business Courses
Certificates
Legal Assistance

My Lips Are Sealed!

Photo credits belong to wailawaits.wordpress.com

I am a firm believer in What ever God has given you, no one can take away. I am surrounded by so many ideas in the party world and I have to often wonder, where did this idea originate! Party ideas are recycling fast! No one has an original idea anymore, everybody's ideas are stemming from someone else's and the same goes for them. I had a nice conversation with a young lady and her family in Michael's yesterday and it sparked this topic. We were both in the cake supply aisle and while looking for similar items we began small talk about the business. We later discovered that we had similar likes and dreams about where we wanted our business to end up. We exchanged information and resources about the business and who has what products and the whole time I am talking I felt no reason to hold back information and be spiteful. I felt no reason to slight her on the resources I found useful. We are all in this business together and you never know where you may see people again or even need people. My business is my business and her business is hers. If I am able to help someone get to a higher level in reaching their goals, I personally have no problem with that. I don't feel like I am selling myself short! Don't get me wrong, I don't want to be used or taken for a joke but I just feel strongly about where I am, I am here because I am supposed to be here and even if you surpass me with my own advice, well then it's just not my time to move forward yet! But you can believe when it is my time, I will shine! Besides just because I want to be an Event Planner does not mean that this is where God wants me to be. People are my inspiration and motivation and I will always feel this way. I remember when someone took 10 minutes to get me a step ahead so why not return the favor. I enjoy what I do. I am constantly discovering new things about myself and I have grown so much since I decided to start this business, so what do I have to feel slighted about! So if we happen to cross paths either in the social network world, or in person and I can help with some advice or just an inspiring word to get you motivated, It's all love! I can only hope that God will continue to surround me with genuine people who have the same love and passion for this business as I do and are kind hearted. Everything and Everybody else is out of my control!

xoxo

Virtual Bulletin Board

I have discovered Pinterest, Oh how cool is this! I get to put all my creative energy in one place and on multiple boards. You can only join by invitation but for me it's well worth it. I have already created several boards, some contain event planning items and some are just for fun. If you are like me and love creativity and visually stimulating photos, then you need to get an account. Once you have your account invite, start pinning. Add the "pin it" button to your favorites bar and whatever you see on the web that you want to keep, Pin It! Looking at other members boards is clearly a look into their creative minds. If you do decide to join look me up, I am at http://pinterest.com/decoratedelemnt/.

Check out some of the Boards I created
http://pinterest.com/decoratedelemnt/i-love-ny-summer/
http://pinterest.com/decoratedelemnt/purple-girls-rock/
http://pinterest.com/decoratedelemnt/cupcake-toppers-and-tags/

Class of 2011 Giveaway

Last month I posted a giveaway for the graduates of 2011 which is still available under Congrats Class of 2011.  I wanted you to enjoy this fun design as you celebrate your Graduates recent achievement. I thought about it and wondered if you would love to have the other design I created. It's a little more mature and may suit the High School or College Graduate. I was inspired by this tag and also created a water bottle label for a client and I think it turned out great! It matched her son's school colors and will give her ordinary bottled water a more sophisticated look, so I am sharing this design with you and hope it will add some flair to whatever you choose to use it for. The cool thing about designing these tags, is they are so versatile. They can be used for some many aspects of your party decor. Cupcake toppers, add a toothpick or lollipop stick and make your cupcakes a conversation piece. You can even cut a larger circle or scallop out of glitter card stock to add to the back for a subtle but contrasting look. (Make sure to use a double sided stick tape to keep it professional.) If you have place settings and want to decorate a table, they also work as Napkin rings. Take cloth and or paper napkins to another level (sorry I didn't demonstrate visually, planning to get better with that). Wrap a contrasting wide satin ribbon around your napkin and cover the overlap of ribbon ends with this tag. The possibilities are endless. So enjoy this printable and share photos if you like. I would love to see how creative you were while using them.

Free Tag/ Topper Printable

Water bottle Labels

26 Day Blog Challenge

I have decided to participate in the 26 day Blog Entry Challenge. At first I was a little nervous about finding topics to write about for 26 straight days but if you know me, you know I welcome a challenge. For the next 26 days I am hoping to not only enlighten you but also spark something within myself. I mean if this was something my son was trying, I would have nothing but encouraging cliches to say to keep him motivated so why not encourage myself. My blog is a reflection of me and my business and I am an aspiring event planner who is looking to network with like minded individuals. I hope you will continue to join me on this challenge, as some days will be harder than others since inspiration is not always at my reach.  Who knows maybe you may be inspired to start something new, maybe even a blog for that matter, whatever it is I hope to inspire you. So here is to the next 26 days into the unknown. See you tomorrow!

Social Butterfly

Is it possible to be too Social in the world of social networking, I mean most people are connected through sort of social networking but I wonder is it overkill. I myself have Facebook, A Fanpage on Facebook, Twitter, A Blog, A website (that I am still working on), Pintrest (Recently Added) and a shop on Etsy. This seems like too much for my brain to handle sometimes. Trying to update and keep everything interesting is making me spin. I am putting this topic out there because I know I am not alone.
Everyday I get on the computer destined to find a way to attract more traffic to any one the pages listed but I couldn't help but wonder if it seems desperate. "Look at my Fan page", 'Check out my Blog", "Visit my Etsy". Seriously, is it really this serious! I may just opt out and get a store front! I am not even posting any links cause I just feel by now you should have them somewhere! I think I am my biggest fan. You get so obsessed with checking "comments" and "likes" that you loose yourself. I started this business for the love of everything creative and that simply means I would love for you to enjoy items I enjoy creating, I don't want to loose site of this and become a Social Networking Robot but this is a lot of work.

500 Facebook Fan Giveaway

It's been a long time since I offered something to you so I wanted to make this one special! You ready. I will offer a complete party package to 2 lucky contestants who leave me a comment regarding what they like most about Decorated Elements. You opinion matters to me and without you I have no inspiration, so I want to show my appreciation to you for all your support thus far.  The winners will receive Party Packages complete with 1 Banner, 12 cupcake toppers, 12 favor tags, 12 water bottle labels, 2 centerpiece signs, 12 cupcake wrappers and 12 invitations. Party Theme will be of course my Spa Party Theme since it's a preferred theme right now. The contest will run from Tomorrow Saturday May 28, 2011 12am thru Monday May 30, 2011 11:59 pm. A random name with be chosen through Random.org from a list of comments left here on my blog on Tuesday May 31, 2011. I only ask that you participate only if you are a Facebook Fan of Decorated Elements. I wish you all luck and thanks for participating, xoxo!

Water Bottle Labels

Favor Tags

Invitation

Complete Look Used for an Expo

Water Bottle Labels, Cupcake Wrappers and Toppers

Lollipop Tree Made With Centerpiece Sign

Designing Party Packages

I was reading over some of my previous post and it's always good to see where you were and where you are headed. Back in January I was determined to find my place in the Printable Party world. I had seen so many creative ways to decorate parties with these printables and wanted to take part. I researched and researched, invested in a cricut and cartridges, found so many awesome blogs or web pages with either tutorials or products and now I can say I have experienced this part of the event planning world. I think I almost forgot that I went to school to make cakes! Graphic Design will always have a special place in my heart and I think I started making the cakes because I felt like I could not afford to keep up with purchasing computer programs and all the other goodies to get you on top of your game in designing. Needless to say Photoshop is stll good to me and even though we were apart for awhile, we have since reunited and it feels damn good. I have desinged so many different party elements that I am now in the beginning stages of creating a line of DIY kits. I figure if Party City has so many generic party supplies that all look alike, why wouldn't someone want a generic party that has not been seen anywhere else in their neighborhood (unless designed by me). Now when I speak of generic, I don't mean no name brand, big white box with black letters, I am simply speaking of party design packages that you can pick up for anyone's party, Nothing is personalized and it can fit whatever occasion you use it for. So check out some of my creations in my Etsy Shop as I try my hands in the printable party world.

Spa Party Water Bottle Labels

Silhouette Mom Cupcake Topper/ Tag

Wii Home Screen Inspired Invitation

Party Banner Invitation

A Phenomenal Affair

Last Sunday I had the pleasure of attending my first Cotillion. This event was held at Fiesta Banquets and sponsored by Sabrina Ayala Sadler and the Phenomenal Women. Sabrina the Founder of Phenomenal Women is doing a wonderful job teaching children Charm and Etiquette. This event was something like a fairy tale. I watched and took part in converting the Banquet Room turn into an Enchanted Evening fit for a Prince and a Princess. I also assisted the children with changing into their clothing for the different sets of the program. The children were awesome as they performed their well rehearsed parts in the evenings affair. They Danced, Read Poetry, Preformed a Fashion Show and received their Right of Passage. Parents held their heads high this evening as they watched their children grown and mature right before their eyes. The highlight of the evening for me was the Father/Daughter Waltz. I was in awe as I watched Proud Papas lead their leading ladies around the dance floor so gracefully. They looked so comfortable in their White Ballroom Gowns and Tiaras. Almost like it was second nature. Sabrina is not only the Founder of this amazing organization but she is also the Author of the book 'Phenomenal Woman, When Did You Loose Your Power". This book speaks of real life topics that women deal with while in a relationship. I had the pleasure of participating in another event with Sabrina at the Phenomenal Women Expo earlier this month. It was my first expo as a vendor and it was an awesome experience. I am looking forward to taking part in more events held by Sabrina and The Phenomenal Women. Her vision is clear and her dreams are supported by all who know her. If I wore a hat, I would have to take it off to you Sabrina! You truly are a Phenomenal Woman.

Fiesta Banquet Hall (Beginning Stages)

Sabrina's Book Cover

Books available for Purchase

In Order from Left to Right, Mother Nicole, Daughter Misata and Father Michael

Ceremony

Arent They Gorgeous

Brenda and Sabrina

Happy Mothers Day

Enjoy these Free Mothers Day Graphics. A special Mothers Day Flower to all that are celebrating someone special this season.

Congratulations Graduates Of 2011

I want to send a special congratulations to the Class of 2011. Please enjoy these free water bottle labels as you decorate and celebrate such an accomplishment. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed making them. Matching toppers and tags are available in my Etsy Shop

Introducing DIY Kits

Decorated Elements is ready to take another step forward to service my community and beyond. I realized that many who have a creative vision may not know how to get started in making their vision a reality and then there are some who would love to hire an event planner but the fees are just not in the budget. Well I decided to produce a line of products that are made for you to have the best of both worlds. Decorate It Yourself is my new line of DIY (Do It Yourself) Party Kits. They accommodate all occasions and can be customized for your guest of honor. Packages that are available are designed and precut around a specific theme; Baby Shower, Birthday, Milestone Birthday, Anniversary and so on. All packages come with the following: A Banner, Table Centerpiece Plaque, Cupcake Wrappers, Cupcake Toppers, Thank You or Favor Tags and Water Bottle Labels for one flat rate. You can see some of the packages available in my online Etsy Shop. My packages are designed with you in mind. I want this to be an enjoyable experience that you are proud to display. 

Example of Baby Shower theme Package

Welcome Back

I have been away from my blog for a few months now and I know I have alot of catching up to do. I promise you my time away has not been just me sitting around and catching up on shows on my DVR, I have been productive. I am not quite sure how I am going to manage all of the catch up post that need to be posted but I will work it out. For starters, My website is up and running (Huge shout out and thank you to Latisha Horten over at Eccentric Designs.) She not only designed my gorgeous logo (below) but she gave the confidence to try and design the web page myself. It still needs some tweaking but it's not too bad for a beginner. So I will be back on tomorrow with some more hightlights since I have been away, Hope you I didn't loose too many of you. xoxo

Logo Design Created By Latisha Horten

Rude Awakening

Sorry to all who were directed here for a free printable. I was asked to remove the link because it is not supposed to be offered as a free digital item. I do apologize for this and if you know me, you know I try my hardest understand what I am doing before it is done! Well I guess I needed to read the terms more than once! So if you came here to download, Sorry, but I have since removed the listing. I am still new in this business and would never want to make any one feel like I don't respect their rules. So please be patient with me as I figure this out. I want to be able to offer you amazing items but it has to be done correctly. Thanks again!

Fabulous On Facebook

I have to say I have grown! from the last time I did this til now, I have met so many more amazing people on Facebook. Inspiration is all around us if we just take the time to acknowledge them! While researching the web as I so like to do, I came across a page on facebook that I have not yet expereinced! Yes I know everyone's talent is different but I literally mean I have yet to find this craft while researching! Appliques have always been a favorite of mine and I cannot wait to enjoy some of her work! After finding her page I realized that I may not be the only one who has not found her because she had less than 100 fans, I figured with so much talent, she should surely be up in the hundreds of fans, So I am asking you to help me support her by becoming a fan. Please don't quote me as saying this is a charity case because she is standing her ground on Etsy for sure but I would love to share her with you guys on Facebook as well! So Again join me in celebrating Party Kat Planners, She's oh so Fabulous on Facebook!

Love Thy Neighbor

Children's Party Network Logo

I just had to blog about the love and positive energy that radiates on CPN (Children's Party Network). For those of you who are new to the party world like myself, there is no other place to be. The amount of support and encouragement is so overwhelmingly awesome (if that makes any sense) Bottom Line, it's where you need to be. Natalie and Kristy are two of the most inspiring people I have met since deciding this career choice and that doesn't include the host of other woman who just bring so much peace to this business. I know little to nothing in comparison to these ladies but amongst them, I feel on the same level. We are a circle, a community, and friends! To all of you on CPN, This Blog's for you! xoxo!

No Party Bullies Please!

Quality Time is Job #1

My Children are the love of my life and with all the time I spend in front of the computer trying to stay on top of the event planning buisness, I have to remember what's important! My daughter Jahmira wants so bad to bake like her mommy, seriously those are her exact words and I love it but there are times when I need to get projects done and I need that time alone without the distractions. I feel bad feeling this way but I can't help but to feel it's necessary. I work a regualar 9-5 so sometimes the weekend is all I have to work on any size project. So I decided to do something special for her this weekend. I purchased some cookie dough and I made it up in my mind I would decorate cookies with her. She saw the dough yesterday and waited up all night to see when I was going to start making them. She is too cute! A coworker of mine brought her a cookie making kit for Christmas and I think we both forgot that she had it so you can imagine her face when I pulled out her very own set of baking supplies. Watching her cut out her cookies and put them on her baking sheet made me feel like this is something I should have been doing long before today!