Friday, March 30, 2012

My Top 10 Venue Pick for San Diego

San Diego is known for it's wonderful venues.  From the Coast to the Ranch, from land to sea, you can get your dream party or event anywhere you want.


11.    The Westgate Hotel
(Didn't make the list but still a favorite.)

Are you a high class person, well then we have some of the worlds most famous golf courses and hotels to plan your event or business meeting in.  We have Bing Crosby http://www.thecrosbyclub.com/Club/Scripts/Home/home.asp, The Ranch Area, we have some of the most historical hotels around like the Hotel Grand  with all it's elegance and history. We have our coastland with it's beaches of blue, it's sky's of blue, the weather that only others dream of.

Here are my top 10 favorite venues to hold meetings, events weddings.

10.  Anthology  www.anthologysd.com
9.    Sunset Beach  (Must have a permit, look at city permits)
8.    Balboa Park http://www.balboapark.org/info/events/venues
7.   Horizon Christian Fellowhip  www.horizonsd.org/
6.   Del Mar Coastline  www.delmar.ca.
5.  Del Coronado  www.hoteldel.com
4.  La Jolla Beaches and Venues  www.eventective.com
3.  The Del Mar Hotel   www.thegranddelmar.com/free_night
2.  Racho Valencita  http://www.ranchovalencia.com/

My number one pick needs a little explaining it is one of my favorite place I enjoy at times when I want to be alone or with a few friends.  It is intimate, relaxing and very picturesque. When my children were young we use to play in the cove.  It is a great place for a romantic picnic dinner for two, a weekend mingling with girlfriends, or just the event of your dreams.

My number one selection is....The La Jolla Cove combined with the Museum of ContemporaryArt: 700 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA 92037 


The cove has this beautiful picture perfect view and the museum has the perfect space for your dinner and dancing. 

When your ready to plan your event or would like a free 30 minute consultation please contact:  MK Pure Diamond Events  www.mkpurediamondevents.com

Diamond trends 2012 - colour & raw cuts

Hi there,

Isn't this an amazing Diamond.  The trends this year, like in the past. How much more beatiful can you get than diamonds.  They fit every occasions.  The can dress up or down.  They are so trendy new look at diamonds today.
  Wear them with jeans or a formal wear.


Diamond trends 2012 - colour & raw cuts
Since their discovery diamonds are trendy and hot! Kings and queens were wearing them in the past, while nowadays a diversity of people are eager to own diamond jewellery or an accessory covered with diamonds. We are definitely looking forward to the diamond trends of next year. Coloured diamonds, alternative designs and vintage cuts: the possibilities and diamond styles are endless.



Fancy colours

This year coloured diamonds will be more fashionable than before. Pink, yellow or blue, choose the colour that fits with your wardrobe. If you don’t want to stand out, you can opt for more modern colours like black, chocolate or grey.

Raw diamonds

Diamonds don’t have to be cut. Organic and raw are trendy in all kind of sectors and also in the diamond sector. You can wear this kind of diamonds with cut diamonds or vintage clothes.

Diamond accessories

An iPad covered with diamonds, bicycles with a diamond touch or diamond shoes, objects or accessories with diamonds are not rare. Brands like to be original.. and what’s more unique than a pretty diamond stone? In 2012, more and more brands will create a ‘diamond collection’.

Cuff bracelets with diamonds

Bracelets with diamonds are nothing new, next year however cuff bracelets in particular will be very trendy. This is not surprising, the bohemian trend is popular in the bigger cities and will now be visible in every city. You can make your own selection of loose diamonds and let them incorporate in your bracelet. A cuff bracelet has lots of possibilities, you can either choose a one big diamond or several small diamonds.

Diamond jewellery in different styles

Celebrities have set the trend of eclectic styles. Coloured heart shaped diamond earings, combined with a simple round diamond pendant, why not? Do you have personality? Choose a pink diamond wedding ring and wear it with a white wedding dress.. shining!

Special diamond cuts

A round or oval diamond shape will always be a good choice. However, you won’t be standing in the spotlights with them. A marquise, pear, heart, princess or emerald will be more apparent in 2012.

Planning a meeting or event contact:  MK Pure Diamond Events www.purediamondevents.com

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Top 10 Wedding Trends for 2012

2012 is getting ready for the biggest wedding season it has ever had.  Business is great for many industry and the wedding industry is at its full bloom.  From movie stars to the girl next door, woman are smarter, wiser and more savvy then ever before.  Spring is always a time to tie the knot.  I have to admit, I wish I would have had the resources woman have today when I got married.  From movies, TV shows, books, magazines or just bridal fairs.  Education is the key to picking a good wedding dress to wedding planner.  Although I considered myself a traditional bride with a conservative approach, I tell my brides and families that I am planning a wedding for to think about the love you have for your family, friends, and most of all the groom you are about to marry.  Too many times we as humans are focus on the money part of things.  If you talk to couples that have been married a long time, they joke about the things that went wrong that day but what they do remember is the look in the grooms eyes and how he made them feel.  These things money can't buy.  If you talk with us that have divorced we would tell you the same thing if we let down our guard long enough.  Your wedding day is really all about how you think of it.  You can look at the bad, the cost, things that went wrong or you can remember what it meant to you.  I say educate yourselves, be informed and then make the best decision possible.  Then you will be able to live with the choices knowing you did the best you could with what you knew at the time.  That's the blessing from knowing we loved.  The article below speaks of the trends for 2012.  Brides hang on it is one of the coolest seasons I have seen in a long time.  Then call MK Pure Diamond Events 619-549-1656


NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- From bewitching, fairy-tale-like wedding dresses channeling Snow White and The Huntsman to bachelorette parties with The Hunger Games action, TheKnot.com (NYSE: XOXO - News), the #1 online wedding planning resource, today released its annual forecast for the hottest wedding trends for 2012.
“Weddings have been sexy and bold, but now the world is ready to embrace the traditional…with a modern twist, of course,” says Carley Roney, cofounder and editor in chief of TheKnot.com. “From the long-lasting ‘Kate Middleton Effect’ on wedding fashion to romantic watercolor details and a 1900s-inspired panoramic wedding portrait, expect more classic and formal wedding details for 2012. Just remember – brides will still take certain elements to a whole new level, like once-in-a-lifetime mega-moons or even The Hunger Games-style bachelorette parties.”
Here’s a look at the top 10 wedding trends for 2012:
1. “Snow White” Wedding Dresses: Buzzed-about movies Snow White and The Huntsman and Mirror, Mirror will inspire 2012 brides to wear wedding gowns that are light and airy, but with a mysterious and sexy vibe. Vera Wang’s stunning witchcraft-inspired 2012 wedding dresses will be the bride’s first stop.
2. Enchanting Flowers: The magical settings of these Snow White-inspired movies and even much-anticipated fantasy film The Hobbit will have an effect on wedding décor, with brides opting for a woodsy vibe. Think: soft, decadent bouquets filled with flowers like cabbage roses, peonies and dinner plate dahlias.
3. Watercolor Designs: On dresses, invitations and table designs, watercolor touches give weddings the perfect creative bent for 2012. A-list designer Carolina Herrera showed stunning watercolor prints in her spring 2012 bridal collection. And the color palette to do this in? Pastels like pink and lilac are the “it” colors of 2012!
4. The Hunger Games-Style Bachelor Parties: Forget strippers and booze, the bachelor and bachelorette party of 2012 is giving way to The Hunger Games-style action. While ladies are channeling their inner Jane Bond via programs like Stiletto Spy School where they get to learn defensive tactics, high-speed stunt driving and MacGyver-like survival skills (all while rocking a dress, of course), guys are finally fulfilling their lifelong fantasies of race car driving, learning how to play poker like a pro and even, believe it or not, herding cows and sheep.
5. The Bombshell Bride: Marilyn Monroe wooed a president, was featured on the cover of the first issue of Playboy, is the subject of Oscar-buzzed movie My Week with Marilyn, and is going to make an especially big impression on brides this year. The beauty icon’s ability to accentuate her best features, signature pouty lips and slinky dresses (we especially love a number from Reem Acra with a sexy slit up the side!) are the perfect inspiration for bombshell brides.
6. The Panoramic Wedding Portrait: Just like critically acclaimed movie The Artist was shot on film without sound, the trend in wedding photography is to steer away from all the overdone effects (like odd angles and lots of added filters). Instead, photographers are shooting turn-of-the-century-inspired wedding portraits with a formal, classic approach. One shot that’s totally mantel-worthy? A panoramic wedding portrait where every single wedding guest is in the photo.
7. Ritzy Ranch Weddings: The setting? A 200-year-old barn complete with long exposed-wood tables, large chandeliers and ambient lighting. The flowers? Lace-wrapped bouquets of wild roses, lilies of the valley, Queen Anne’s lace and gardenias. The food? Delicate wild game like juniper-spiced venison, cider-braised pheasant and pan-roasted quail, Top Chef: Texas-style. Brides will be channeling the Old West with a rustic-elegant spin à la Lauren Bush and David Lauren’s recent nuptials.
8. When Harry Met Sally-Inspired Video Trailers: When it comes to wedding videos, it’s not something brides are watching after the wedding anymore. Couples are filming their love stories à la When Harry Met Sally and then showing snippets of it in video e-save-the-dates and having it screened at the wedding…all while guests are being filmed watching it, of course.
9. Long Sleeves & Lace: Brides can thank Kate Middleton and the latest Twilight installment for this wedding fashion trend – long sleeves and lace! Strapless dresses will still rule the bridal aisle, but expect more coverage for 2012 with a sexy twist. Think: sheer backs and illusion sleeves. And don’t be surprised if the look of lace pops up on everything from the wedding cake to the décor.
10. Mega-Moons: Sri Lanka? Check. Patagonia? Check. All in one trip? Check. That’s right, for 2012, brides won’t be settling on just one dream destination, but instead, they’ll be opting for a round-the-world getaway to several far-flung locales. Plus, they’ll be virtually bringing their friends with them via social travel apps that crowd-source friend-approved recommendations from resources like Tripl and Gogobot.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Is Technology Taking The Place of...

When we were children we use to do things like roller skate, ride bikes, talk with our friends for hours, sometimes we would just do nothing.  That was my Saturday, for the first time in a long time I sat and did nothing. I told myself I was tired, but what I think it really was is over filled with those around me who what this, want that, give me, buy me.  I needed time to just be with me, myself and I long enough to enjoy, watching a moving, reading a magazine, painting a painting and time to gather myself, so I can be myself again.  My priorities may not be important to my clients, but they are to me.  Quiet time for me is giving myself, my mental health back without the demands of my to do list.

Working in this business we come across many people who are sincere about the event in their lives and others that just want!  I guess I grew up in an era where the person was more important than the thing.  The feeling of the person was so important that we could actually show them we cared about them by giving up the thing.  Sharing, talking and loving them was more important than the thing we just had to have.  It concerns me todays youth makes the thing more important than the person.  Events are created by the people that share them with us.  If business then our co-workers and spouses.  If personal then the people we invite. For some of us friends are the family we choose, because we have no one else.

Today we are connected to Ipad, cell phones, computers and televsion.  Everything is constantly at our touch.  Oh ya, we can touch them, but where is the human touch factor? Knowledge, power and the desire to have it all.  The question is should we. I am just as guilty as the other person of wanting the best for myself and my family.  The new Ipad coming out made me think...I just bought one and still haven't completely learned how to use all of its benefits and now they are throwing another one out there to purchase.  The Apple company is doing it's job by making money for themselves, but are consumers purchasing power or just losing money?  Are trends being made faster than we can control them?

When I first got in this business it was all about meeting the person and seeing if you and your client were a match.  Now I find we are competing for the same client and event planners are about the things rather than the client goal.  Self respect in any profession is most important, brides want the trendiest things, grooms sometimes just want to be able to afford things, mother of the brides want the best for their daughters, mothers of the groom want what is best for the groom and save him money, business people want to show off they are on the cutting edge of business, upwardly futuristic in thinking.  What will bring in the biggest profit.  I wish I had the answer.  The one thing I do know, it is not about the things you own, but about the people you work with, the people at home, your friends, family and how you treat them, repect them and what how they treat you in return.  The love, caring and sharing between relationships is the most precious trend one can have.  Is it in your life?  I know in mine I don't have enough moments with my family ever.  Time is the greatest gift, health is the second.  God is always the first.
With this said here are the top trends in technology: from CNN

Pete Cashmore is the founder and CEO of Mashable.com.
Pete Cashmore is the founder and CEO of Mashable.com.
1. Touch computing
New input methods will be the dominant trend of 2012. Tablet computers such as the iPad might seem like a nice alternative to desktop and laptop computers, but I believe they're more than that: They're replacements. Just as the command line (remember that?) gave way to graphical user interfaces, so the mouse will be superseded by touchscreens.
The signs are obvious: Windows 8 and Mac OS X Lion, the latest desktop operating systems, borrow heavy from their mobile counterparts. These new interfaces essentially impose a touchscreen-inspired interface over the traditional desktop environment.
Over time, this half-step will become a whole one, and mobile operating systems will dominate. The transition won't be complete by the end of 2012, but we'll be much further down the path, and using computer mice much less often.
2. Social gestures
In the social media realm, social gestures appear to be the leading trend of 2012. Launched by Facebook in September, this so-called "frictionless sharing" functionality removes the need to click a button to share media with your friends. Instead, everything you listen to, read or watch is automatically posted to your profile once you approve the relevant app.
If you've seen apps such as Spotify or Social Reader in your Facebook news feed, you're already aware of these features.
The trend makes sense for social networks: With 800 million people already on Facebook, its growth is bound to slow. But if sharing becomes automatic, the volume of content on Facebook will grow at an accelerated pace. There's a big problem, however: Users may be "creeped out" by all this automated sharing of their Web activity and grow suspicious of the apps using it.
3. NFC and mobile payments
Google Wallet, Google\'s mobile-payment system, may become more widespread in 2012.
Google Wallet, Google's mobile-payment system, may become more widespread in 2012.
Next year is likely to be the year when mobile payments blossom. While we've seen a great deal of innovation in mobile payments technology this year -- including the success of Square's iPhone dongle, allowing anyone to accept credit card payments -- 2012 is the year of NFC.
What's that, you ask? Near Field Communication essentially lets you replace your credit cards with your phone: Wave an NFC-enabled phone near the credit card reader in a store (or taxi cab), and the money is deducted from your account.
By 2013, 1 in 5 cellphones are expected to be NFC-equipped. Early contenders include Google Wallet, Visa Wallet, Serve (by American Express) and ISIS.
4. Beyond the iPad
If touch computing is the future, then the iPad is surely king. And yet the iPad came up against serious competition in the latter part of 2011: As I wrote previously, I expect the new Amazon Kindle Fire to outsell the iPad in 2012. Why? Simply put, the iPad costs $499 while the Fire costs $199.
Amazon's advantages don't stop at the price point, however: The company owns an entire content store of movies, e-books, TV shows and other media. With tablet devices, the hardware is somewhat important but the content available for the device is absolutely critical: With plenty of media available for the Fire right away, it's an appealing proposition.
Why does one device constitute an entire trend? Well, as a true competitor to the iPad emerges, content producers, distributors and even app developers may have an entirely new platform on which to push their wares. (And yes, the Kindle Fire does indeed run Google's Android operating system, but Amazon's version is so unlike other Android tablets that neither users nor app developers will perceive it as "yet another Android device" -- it's a whole new platform.)
5. TV Everywhere
So you thought you'd be able to watch all your favorite shows online and get rid of your cable subscription for good? Not so fast!
The cable companies have a cunning plan: They'll let you watch live TV, plus on-demand movies and TV shows, on your connected devices if you keep your cable subscription. Dish Network, Time Warner and Comcast are among those offering the service.
TV Everywhere has been buzzed about since 2010, of course, and could be a dud -- but the rise of tablet devices would seem to create increased demand for a "TV in your hands."
6. Voice control
Here's another trend that's got a moderate chance of taking off in 2012: Voice control.
Siri, the voice-control feature in the iPhone 4S, may spread to other devices.
Siri, the voice-control feature in the iPhone 4S, may spread to other devices.
The novelty of Siri on the iPhone 4S -- which allows you to send texts, create reminders, search the Web and much more using just your voice -- may be the start of a new trend in voice controlled devices.
Surely voice control has been around for years? Yes, but it wasn't very accurate.
Siri and its ilk define a new era in which we talk, and our devices understand -- often on the first attempt. Other device makers will likely follow suit. What's more, Apple may use voice control to replace the TV remote.
7. Spatial gestures
Other input methods are gaining traction too: Microsoft's Kinect, for instance, has given rise to interfaces that use spatial gestures. Just like in "Minority Report," your devices can be controlled simply by waving your hands in the air.
Thanks to the many innovators who have hacked Kinect to work with other platforms, we may see more devices using this input method next year.
8. Second-screen experiences
"Second-screen experiences" is a buzz-phase among TV and movie execs these days. It refers to apps (mainly on the iPad) that listen to the audio output of your TV and display content related to the show or movie you're watching. The chances are that you already use your tablet computer or phone while watching TV, so there's ample opportunity to make the viewing experience a more interactive one.
Disney already has second-screen apps for movies such as "The Lion King" and "Bambi," while multiple TV networks have similar offerings: We can expect many, many more to be released in 2012.
9. Flexible screens
Personally, I just can't wait for flexible screens: These awesome new bendable interfaces will let you zoom in, zoom out and scroll around a page simply by twisting your phone or tablet.
Nokia and Samsung have both hinted they may release phones with bendable displays in 2012. The really exciting stuff, however -- like paper-thin devices that roll up to fit in your pocket -- is still years away.
10. HTML5
Can I squeeze in one more trend? It's HTML5 -- the fifth iteration of the HTML standard -- and it lets developers create richer, more interactive applications than ever.
Why does this matter? As developers tire of building applications for every operating system out there -- from Android to iOS to Windows Phone and beyond -- HTML5 offers the opportunity to build an app once and have it work everywhere.
The rise of HTML5 is bound to be accelerated by a recent revelation: Adobe is killing off Flash for mobile devices, meaning one of the primary methods of serving videos and rich applications on mobile phones is about to disappear. HTML5 will fill that gap. For us as consumers, that means richer applications and experiences on all our devices.
In short, 2012 is all about new ways to interact with our devices through touch and voice control, new lightweight ways to share content, a revolution in mobile payments and a plethora of rich Web applications -- not to mention the hundreds of new innovations that we've yet to dream up. I can't wait.

Thank you CNN, but I would rather have my family and friends.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/19/tech/innovation/top-tech-trends-2012/index.html

Thursday, March 1, 2012

The 7 Principles of Business Integrity

The True Nature of Integrity!
Now you are probably asking yourself, what is the true nature of integrity? There are in fact some very basic principles that surround the qualities of business integrity. At its core, integrity begins with a company leader who understands the qualities of integrity which then filters down throughout the company into every department and every member’s approach and attitude.
In recent research performed by the Institute of Business Ethics- an organization which is among the world’s leaders in promoting corporate ethical best practices, it was found that companies displaying a “clear commitment to ethical conduct” almost invariably outperform companies that do not display ethical conduct. The Director of the Institute of Business Ethics, Philippa Foster Black, stated: “Not only is ethical behavior in the business world the right and principled thing to do, but it has been proven that ethical behavior pays off in financial returns.” These findings deserve to be considered as an important tool for companies striving for long-term prospects and growth.
The following 7 Principles of Business Integrity are the basics of integrity and a good starting off place to consider. By integrating each of these principles within a company environment, the result will be nothing short of a major rebirth of the enterprise.
Principle #1 Recognize that customers/clients want to do business with a company they can trust; when trust is at the core of a company, it is easy to recognize. Trust defined is assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of a business.
Principle #2 For continuous improvement of a company, the leader of an organization must be willing to open up to ideas for betterment. Ask for opinions and feedback from both customers and team members and your company will continue to grow.
Principle #3 Regardless of the circumstances, do everything in your power to gain the trust of past customer’s and clients, particularly if something has gone awry. Do what you can to reclaim any lost business by honoring all commitments and obligations.
Principle #4 Re-evaluate all print materials including small business advertising, brochures and other business documents making sure they are clear, precise and professional; most important make sure they do not misrepresent or misinterpret.
Principle #5 Remain involved in community-related issues and activities thereby demonstrating that your business is a responsible community contributor. In other words, stay involved.
Principle #6 Take a hands-on approach in regard to accounting and record keeping, not only as a means of gaining a better feel for the progress of your company, but as a resource for any “questionable ” activities; gaining control of accounting and record keeping allows you to end any dubious activities promptly.
Principle #7 Treat others with the utmost of respect. Regardless of differences, positions, titles, ages, or other types of distinctions, always treat others with professional respect and courtesy.
While it is most certainly an integral and positive step for a small business to recognize the significance of integrity as a tool for achieving its desired outcomes, that is only the beginning. What must truly be recognized for true success is that while certain precise universal principles lead to business integrity, it is in the overall mindset of the company and the unfailing implementation of these key elements that an enterprise is truly defined. A small business that instills a deep-seated theme of integrity within its strategies and policies will not only be evident among customers, associates and partners, but its overall influence cannot help but to result in a profitable, successful company. By recognizing the value of integrity, and following each of the aforementioned 7 principles for achieving integrity, your success cannot be far off.
Robert Moment is a business strategist and author of It Only Takes a Moment to Score found on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. Robert shows entrepreneurs how to turn ideas into wealth, how to avoid becoming a statistic and have FUN ! Download the FREE Special Report , 17 Profitable Ways to Turn Your Ideas into Money at http://www.sellintegrity.com

New 2022 Blogpost will begin In June