Planning Your Day The Cyber Way

Remember when we used to refer to books, magazines, yellow pages, etc. for all our information? It's true, there's nothing like putting together a binder of clippings, but the internet has taken over the event planning industry, and now you can plan everything virtually!

What media are you using these days? What guides, magazines, and websites have comprised your bridal bible?

Green Wedding - How to have an eco-friendly wedding, or party for that matter!

Something old
Something new
Something borrowed
Something GREEN

Having an eco-friendly wedding...it's THE thing to do, not only because it's trendy, but because every little measure helps the environment. So, I've gathered several websites to provide a myriad of information on how to have a green wedding. But really, so many of these tips could apply beyond the big day...why not have an eco-friendly dinner party with organic wines and locally-grown vegetables; or celebrate a 10 year wedding anniversary with a conflict-free diamond?

Something interesting I noticed in my research--the best websites about eco-friendly or "green" weddings were based out of the UK. I haven't found a good online resource in the U.S. which would be useful in identifying green venues or eco-friendly bridal wear.

I'm interested to hear your input on useful sites, so post away!

SITES FOR REFERENCE:

Personal emissions calculator - because didn't you always want to know this? http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/calculator/ind_calculator.html

Calculate your wedding energy consumption and make your wedding carbon neutral http://www.nativeenergy.com/Splash/Portovert/portovert_wedding_calc.html?portovert

Katie and Jamie Flewings of Hove, East Sussex, UK help brides and grooms around the world to plan the ethical wedding of their dreams Their blog and forum provide a thorough index of categories to answer all your questions from carbon emissions to fair trade formal wear.
www.ethicalweddings.com

The first and only magazine for eco-savvy brides and grooms
http://portovert.com/

The popular resource, The Knot, gives its input on going green
http://theknot.com/keywords/in_701.shtml?HPpos=6a&HPdate=20070327&MsdVisit=1

These two websites have a list of tips already written to get you started (so I don't have to re-write them):
http://www.grist.org/advice/possessions/2003/05/08/
http://www.wedalert.com/blog/2007/04/eco-chic-weddings-green-wedding-tips.asp

Nearly Free Things to do with a Friend

I've always wanted to compile a list of free (or nearly-free) fun things to do with a friend. So here they are, compiled from some of my closest friends. Feel free to add to the list! I look forward to hearing ideas from you!

• Sample farm-fresh produce at the farmers market
• Dust off a pack of cards, or an old board game
• Take a map of your city, close your eyes, and point to a place to explore
• Pick out a book and alternate reading chapters to each other
• Attend a free event at the local museum
• Browse the annual street or crafts fair
• Go for a bikeride, jog, or long walk
• Find out the exact time of sunset and hike to the highest point to watch it set
• Make a game out of people watching
• Make a meal - look online for creative recipes using only the ingredients you have
• Find the nearest trailhead and explore
• Pretend you're 6 again and build blanket forts in the livingroom
• Pack a picnic and head to the nearest park or beach
• Livingroom picnics are fun too!
• Rent a tandem bike for twice the fun
• Buy a map of historical sites or celebrity homes and take yourself on a tour
• Rent a foreign film and make a recipe from the country
• Head to Target or Walmart and see what you can buy each other for only $5
• Hunt for the local thrift stores and do some bargain shopping

Endless Searching

You're planning an event? It's a wedding, dinner party, book signing, 50th birthday, etc. Where do you start?

You'd think that this day in age, it would be easy...you'd know where to go online to find what you need...

• A stunning venue
• Good food
• Stylish invitations
• Entertainment
• Valet parking
• Presents

...and prices included for each.

But how many times have you (and I) fruitlessly searched and thought, "my god! If only there was a one stop shop for everything I'm looking for!"

Um, well there isn't right now, but I'm here! And, with my combination of event experience and searching prowess (I also do marketing for a meaning-based search engine, www.cognitionsearch.com), I can answer pretty much any question you might have about who, what, when, where, and how...especially how on a budget and in a time crunch!

Stay tuned for fun tips and favorites!