Affordable Wedding Planning Services

I plan weddings. I plan meetings! I plan event! I do love what I do! What is it that honors a man? God? What is pleasing? What is good? We are good in our own eyes, however is good, good?

Years ago my sister wanted me to plan her children's weddings. I prayed, thought, pondered and because I run a business I asked her how much she w*s willing to pay me. She then explain she wanted it for free. At that point I respectfully declined which angered her.

Here is the thing. If it cost $35, OOO est.to plan a wedding times three. Honestly I couldn't afford it. Her and her husband needed to be willing to pay for her own children's wedding. I offered advice, however that wasn't good enough. She wanted free things. Decor venue, food. I can't afford it, I said. Items to start their household. The anger grew more intense and that's when I learn driving with the cell phone on isn't a good thing. I'd receive angry phone calls. Stressed out mother of the bride or groom yelling at me to give her things. Cell phones today let people know their driving. I wish there was a button you could turn the phone off and still use the other apps. Like music and maps.

What I think is most important is parents understand it is their responsibility to pay for their children's wedding. No one else unless they offer. The event planner doesn't ask grandma for money for or aunty Flo. We have a contract with the parents of the bride or the bride and groom. That is usually the  case. The couple about to get married  if they are responsible enough to desire to get married they are responsible enough to pay the vendors they want to plan it. We don't have an abundance of free items to give you for your wedding , event. We have them when our vendors give them to us. Then we pass it forward. 

Here is what I recommend. Take time and figure out some goals or dates you want things to happen. How much money you want to spend. How much money you can afford from each paycheck. Then you have the beginning of your budget. Life lessons are difficult sometimes, take time to learn them. If I would of had the money and all the free things she wanted I would have given it to her. I didn't.

What is it Opera says: " you do the best you can with what you know. When you know better you do better."

Can't afford a wedding planner? I have a new service I'm providing . You can purchase an hour, thirty minutes or even fifteen mintues and we can Skype, Google chat or whatever way we pre-arrange on your appointment day. Charges apply. Visit website and book appointment today.

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I Have a Ninch Social Ediquette

Hi there, Diamond Glamour Girls

There are several things that I have discovered since I left the working place, corporate world and started my own business. I recently heard another business woman discussing how does one do well as a woman entrepreneur.

 The truth is you have to find a group of people who want your success as much as you do. Difficult to find. They have to want their own success, and have to be enlightened enough to understand there is plenty of room for successful people. That’s why I love social edituette. You see, I worked in what used to be “Corporate America” for many years. After two miscarriages and a long commute, I decided to stay home and raise my children. Went back to teaching part time.  Verses the 9-12 hour days I would spend in the office. This wasn’t my bosses requirement, I just wanted to do a good job. This was the blessing of my life. There wasn’t too many people in home based businesses back then. I tried my hand at other things, such as Mary Kay and was somewhat successful.

It always came down to the same thing. Whom did I love more? My children or money?  Every working person has to answer that question for themselves. I believe two miscarriages had a great impact on my life choices. Work/home life balance changes.

Now is a different time. I do know there are more than one way to have income. Yes, I mean a paycheck, money that you can go to the bank and deposit. That will both help your family purchase food, clothing, service and lifestyle. This time when I re-entered “Corporate America” I was hit shockingly by social media. Overwhelmed I did the best I could in helping everyone I could understand that what was hitting the world was bigger than I. That’s when it occurred to me what I am good at in event planning. Social etiquette. I love learning about the apps, what they do and how they will make the life of others better. What I don’t like is how rude and assuming some social things can be. If I assume I am rich and wealthy with money does that make is so?

How does one get respect if your dealing with the head of a corporate app?

1. Honesty, one has to be honest with ones weaknesses. We all have them. So do apps.
2. Accept that not all things are good for all people. Not all people are good for apps.
3. Let’s get real. Products, apps, corporations are about making money. Thats the bottomline. I believe that's what it's called. How one understand how good the corporation is. a) It's product working. Does it work to the standards stated?  b)Does the corporation have a social conscience?
4. That’s where etiquette comes in. 

That is why I enjoy etiquette. It can test what is being spoken. It is a social conscience. That’s why I enjoy watching certain types of you tubers when they purchase a non-sponsor item and talk about the pros and cons. When they are honest they help thousands. Integrity helps people.

I hope you will take this simple knowledge and apply it into your knowledge base as we explore the possibilities of what applying etiquette to a social situation can produce for you personally as well as your business. 

How social is social?

What good comes out of social?

Are social real relationships?

If in need could I depend upon my socials?

What is the difference between social advice and the advice of others?

Just a few topics we will be discussing in the next few blogs.

I look forward to reading your comments as I explain some of the edituette I learned in my business for social living.

Like, subscribe, leave a comment in the comment box. Disclaimer on communications page. You can follow me on social media at Instagram, Tweet, Facebook @MKPDE. If you like photography then may photographs are posted as Maria Kamon Photography or on Instagram as Nodsish.

Invitation Social Etiquette

Hi there,

Since my YouTube friends threw a party and I wasn’t invited it got me thinking about how I could react to the situation. After all they did front the fact they were having a party for a 24th year. Pirates, such a good them. I can’t believe they didn’t invite me until after the fact. You see I believe they, my YouTube friends want me to covet of become jealous of the fact that they are young dumb and beautiful. Is that the right song?  In case you don’t know who my friends are I have linked her video to the word YouTuber, that’s what she’s famous for. Be careful she just might take you for a donkey ride. On second thought maybe I'm doing the same thing with this blogm

What is the proper social etiquette for invitation? Acceptance or declining an invitation?  Is there a difference between invitations? How does this affect the attendees also known as guest. The guest of honor and the party planner? In this blog I hope to discuss some of the more dignified social responses. Talking on it on a blog may not be the most socially correct way, however I know my YouTube friend would agree. All joking aside. My YouTube friends are very entertaining and good at what they do. Let's talk invitation.

Invitations make a social statement within the group you are inviting. There are formal and informal invitations for parties. Here is a way of telling the difference of when to use what. All styles of invitations take some time to write them out. Children can help with their own invitations if the party is not a surprise.

1. Email invitations are considered informal. 
2. Write in the information such as invitations for children’s parties are also considered informal, although they are more formal than email invitations.
3. The most formal are the ones I discussed in the blog titled “Invitations”.
4. Texting and apps are considered social invitation and unless it is a wedding are not always for parties that have taken some time to plan.

I am a believer that people enjoy receiving an invitation in the mail. Although we are a paperless generation, we still can apply the rules of etiquette to a social activity. Here is a good rule of thumb to practice. The longer the party takes to plan the more formal the invitation. The reason for this is the people planning the party have taken a great deal of time and it shows appreciation for their labor.

 This doesn’t mean...I am thinking of having a party for six months doing nothing but thinking about it. The night before the party you call your friends for the party. This means for six months I am working on the party. Planning food, people to invite, invitation, decor, invitations, etc. Therefore, if it is an informal party give your guest a minimum of 30 days notice.  I would say that would be the minimum amount of time. They can RSVP and you’ll know exactly how much food to have.

Invitations act like a keepsake, a placemarker for the day of the event. Plus here is the fun part you get to practice your lettering. I linked one for you. There are many to choose from.  I don’t know about you. For me when I receive an email invitation I react differently than one when a person has hand written or printed invitation.

The email I tend to put it in my reminder to respond and wait until the reminder that I didn’t respond, reminds me to respond. Whereas the written, I tend to RSVP right away. I know it was important to the person that send it to me. They took the time to write and send it in the US Mail also know as snail mail, due to the fact it is slower than a computer. The fact that the mail will take time means I have to react more promptly

The etiquette would say to answer both in a timely manner. A week is plenty of time for you to look at your calendar and ask your significant other if they would like to attend with you. Please RSVP with the correct number of people attending. Also if for some reason that number changes tell the person throwing the party. It's not fun for the person who invited you to know they had to pay for a meal uneaten. It's even sadder to know it will get thrown away at the end of a party at a venue.

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National Wedding Planning Day

Hi there, Diamond Glamour Girls:

Known for June 21, 2018 hosted by Wedding Certification. Hosted by the National Wedding Council, is the official annual kickoff to wedding season!  The perfect day #sharetheLove, celebrate marriages and thank our talented wedding professionals.

The Knott magazine is offering several free items for you to start planning your day! If you are looking for a wedding planner you can look on Instagram @MKPDE for live stories, visiting my website at http://mkpurediamondevents.com    

To honor the day I will give the bride a wedding bouquet of value up to $500.00 with the booking of MK Pure Diamond Events for wedding planning services, from start to finish. For first three wedding planning services booked with a sign contract to plan wedding from start to finish.

Please visit The Knot to see what services they have to offer you on this day!

Photographs courtesy of pexel.com

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More information on Instagram @MKPDE

Encinitas Lifestyle

Hi there, Diamond Glamor Girls;

I often get asked "What is it like to live in Encinitas?" The reply  "What is it like to live in your city?" Most of the time I realize that people don't really know what it is like to live in their own place, city or town. They ask this to make conversation. Most people want to help, they just don't know how to. They want friendship. They just don't know how to be a friend.

It's important to know who you are to before you ask others who they are. There is a point where one can have to much information, therefore not be able to use any of it, others seek it too.

Here are a few photographs I took of Encinitas, CA the place I call home.

The city is located just south of Carlsbad, CA and north of San Diego.

If you enjoy quiet peaceful living then you enjoy my little city of Encinitas, CA. The temperature is between 60-80. Most of the time the people are friendly and kind.

 Once you see the sign you know you have entered iconic Encinitas. With its historical buildings that are protected by the historical society. The La Paloma threatre is such an interesting place. One can read about its glory days. I had the privilege of asking the owner how he was able to keep the place looking so original. He explained when they need to make repairs they have the fabric and other items custom made. It's new, however it looks old.

Mexican skeletons! Need some? Just stop by the trading post! They have thirty stores in one. I'm sure you'll find the right one for you.  You can probably walk the whole town in a day. I'm sure you'll find the hidden historical first school or the two ships that mysteriously appeared on land. There is always a stop here and there for food, music a beer or two.  Don't forget to stop by the Lumberyard, while your there stop at St. Topaz, order a coffee and pastry. If your not into the classic things or cars then move off of 101 and head towards El Camino real.

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The New Addiction

Hi there, Diamond Glamour Girls;

This is the age of the new addiction. We see it on all the reality television. What is it? Could it be you are holding it in your hand. Lets talk a little about what is addiction.

Addiction is defined as:
the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity.

In the twenties (1920's) it was Alcohol.
  In the thirties (1930's) it was Morphine.
    In the forties (1940's) it was Opinite
      In the fifties (1950's) it was Narcotics or Prescription Drugs
        In the sixties (1960's) it was Pharmaceuticals
          In the seventies (1970's) it was Heroine
           In the eighties (1980's) it was Cocaine
             In the nineties (1990's) it was Cocaine and Heroine
              In the two thousand's (2000's) it was buprenorphine
                In the two thousand ten (2010's) it is Internet aka "Smart Phones"

Now, I know you think I am being ridiculous. The smart phone the greatest invention to men. It gives us instant information. It is so helpful, we can reach our family and friends at any time. I confess I have even used it in my business constantly try to get more business. Now I have come to the realization checking my messages constantly isn't the best for my mental health.

Brides can call me with their problems and I will try to answer them. However, my practice is to plan out when I am going to answer my emails, text messages and other information. I do search the internet for immediate answers when I don't know it. I do confess to even trying to answer a trivia contest by searching the internet only to discover that other were faster at it then I am.

I have now done some things to protect myself. My facebook, twitter, and other social media sounds are turned off. I check it once or twice a day to see if there is something I need to follow up on. I no longer check in all the time...honestly, I don't need you knowing everywhere I go. I like living a private life. Letting people know who your with, what you're doing, and what your doing can attract the wrong kind of person. The way I look at it is I am not making a salary that movie stars make wo what is the point of letting you know what I am doing unless you're going to pick up the tab for me. I don't need to be your porn star. I need to financially support myself.

How to break the addiction. Event planners are doing this for couple and others. Asking people to turn off their smart phones at their events. To concentrate on the moment. Pastors use to ask people to turn off their smart phones until they decided to be with the trends instead of stick to the word of God. I know there are bible apps that are just as good. I've heard. Nothing compares to having a good book in your hands and reading it. They encouraged people to open up their bible and read. It encourages us to read more than a few words, something we all need to improve on is reading skills.

Here are some steps you can take to Stop the Addiction this was take from Dr. Phil:

Seven Steps to Breaking Your Addiction

Most people make resolutions at the beginning of the year, only to break them before the month is over. Whether you want to stop drinking, quit smoking, gambling or simply spend less time on the computer, Dr. Phil has advice.

1) Acknowledge the purpose.
Why do you do it? You have to be able to answer that question. Is it to help you deal with anxiety and stress? It may be hard for you to admit that you have a drinking or smoking habit, but you can't change what you don't acknowledge. Dr. Phil says, "What purpose does the behavior serve for you? If you're an alcoholic, you're not just drinking because you're thirsty. Admit to yourself: 'I'm medicating myself for anxiety, depression and pain. It numbs me to life.'"

2) Think rational thoughts instead of denial. 
You understand at a conscious level, at an intellectual level that your addiction is unhealthy, yet you continue and this perplexes you. Dr. Phil points out, "If you're in denial about it, if you're minimizing it, if you're trivializing it, if you're conning yourself about it, then you'll never get where you need to be." If you can't get through the day without a shot of vodka, you may be medicating yourself for anxiety, depression or pain. You may need to count on others to help you think rationally. 

3) Use alternative coping skills. People don't break bad habits; they replace them with new ones. Recognize that you get a reward from smoking or drinking. Dr. Phil explains, "It calms you. It takes your anxiety away. It lifts your spirits. It numbs you to the pain of your life. If I take that away from you and then don't put anything in its place, then you're just there stripped of your coping mechanisms and you're going to go back to what you were doing before." Some alternative techniques to consider to replace your addiction are breathing exercises or relaxation techniques. 

4) Identify your danger zones.
A danger zone can be a particular time of day or your reaction to a particular circumstance. There are times that you're more prone to indulge in your habit than others. Recognize what those times are, and do something that is incompatible with the addiction you're trying to break. For example, if you have the urge to light up during your 3 p.m. break at work, take that time to do your breathing or relaxation exercises instead. Dr. Phil encourages, "If you get through that two or three moments of impulse, I promise you it will go away." You don't have to be strong and powerful all day long every day. You just need to recognize your danger zones, and do something incompatible with your addiction.

5) Make lifestyle changes."It's not willpower, it's programming," Dr. Phil says. You have to set your life up for success if you're going to break your addiction. If you're trying to stop smoking or drinking, try simple things like not carrying money for cigarette vending machines or cleaning your cupboards of alcoholic beverages. You may have to change the places you frequent, what you do for fun and whom you hang out with. If you are a computer junkie, remove the computer from your house. The best way to stop an addiction is to not have access to it.

6) Be accountable and have a support system.
Being accountable to someone means that that person will not only support you, but will give you the kick in the rear that you need when it gets tough and tell you the truth when you're kidding yourself. Get your family and friends involved in your efforts to kick the habit. If you're a smoker, print out these cards from Dr. Phil that warn your friends to refrain from indulging you. You can also find addiction support on the message boards at DrPhil.com. You need to find a community that supports you during this time and embraces your decision to be healthier. You may also need to seek treatment or check into a rehabilitative program.

7) Reward yourself.Overcoming an addiction can be very difficult, but it can be done. When you see yourself making progress, even baby steps, you have to motivate yourself to keep going. Give yourself credit. Reward yourself for every step you make, starting with admitting that you have a problem and asking for help.
http://www.drphil.com/articles/article/173

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Trending in Weddings (No to Social Media at My Event)

Hi there, Diamond Glamour Girls:

You know I love to talk about trends whenever possible. The funniest one right now in the trendy field of event planning is putting away the cellphones and all the trendy tweets, Instagram etc. and asking people to be with you in the moment. What a thought, that you share the most important moment in your life with the guest you have invited.

Cell Phone Case @MKPDE

As your guest nicely to put away their cell phones, cameras anything that can take away a single moment of your guest spending time with you. The thing is it is difficult to ask people today to not take pictures at your wedding. Is this because we are use to capturing things in our own way or because we have just become a society, that needs to talk about yourself constantly?

I have thought about our world today and what is important to individuals, even at a wedding. Most people tend to take pictures and post them right away. So their friends can know what they are doing. Is it really about the wedding, the couple the commitment they are making to one another or is it about or is it about the guest attend, trying to make their friends jealous, covet, desire what they have? Whatever the motive, you have spend hundreds, thousands of dollars on your day. You're about to say your vow and you hear the clicking of cameras. The worse part is at the reception, your having a good time and what is an innocent moment, someone takes a picture and it becomes something that didn't happen. How do you explain a picture away, when a picture spends a thousand words.

Here suggestions of ways you can ask your guest in a polite manner:

1. Include a note in your wedding invitation. "We would like you to be in the moment with us on this special day, in order to accomplish this we are asking our guest to please not use their cell phones, please leave it at home or check it in. We do not want our photo, our wedding on the Internet."

2. Have a check in area with receptionist. . Since we are serving alcohol at our wedding we are asking out guest to please turn in their keys and cell phones. Respecting privacy is very important to us. We prefer our wedding or event not be on the Internet."

3. Thank you for respecting our privacy and the privacy of our guest, please do not take pictures and put our day on social media. We would like to keep this day private between us and our guest.

4. Today we invite you into one of the most Romantic Days of our lives. Please respect our day by not taking pictures and putting it in social media.

Boxing is it an Art? (The Bachelor)

Hi there, Diamond Glamour Girls;

You know I am not much for TV, however from time to time I do like to watch my favorite programs. I very seldom watch them on the day that they happen, therefore I am a not always paying attention.  I have to say, I wrote a gossip piece about The Bachelor. It apparently is a bigger program than I thought. Yesterday, I watched the final episode.
  

What shock Americans felt at the thought a man would not say, I love you publicly. It makes me wonder about the integrity of a relationship between a man and a women. Is not the intimate details of a relationship suppose to be private? Is romance totally about displaying them publicly and going big. What happens after the big is gone. What new thrill are they going to seek?

Latin men are always, looked at by people as sex appeal? Much like Latin women. What if a man doesn't like or want to be sex for all those he meets. Is he not allowed to be? The though that he wanted to keep somethings just for the two of them makes me think, he thought of more than just himself. The words " I Love You." is more that just words. I have to respect a man that knows the thoughts of privacy and how valuable they are.

I love you, in spirit, is different than saying the words out loud. I love you in spirit is knowing a man is upholding the values of God what he uphold, it is what we are commanded to do.
 "And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them." JHN 17:36

When a man has to box...his way to find the one he loves, is that love? The definition of boxing. the art of attack and defense with the fists practiced as a sport.   Since I didn't watch the whole series I can say how much boxing went on what I can say is he wanted to stay. He wanted to find someone not like his first wife, that didn't understand who he was, is , is going to be. He needed time to be with whom he chose without being on television. They finished the program to discover the reality of their life and personality. He was trying his best to have privacy, it is something that was respected in the United States of America, is it no longer? Is the integrity of a man or woman always questioned? Is a marriage no longer a partnership, relationship between two people? If not what happened. This country was started on Christian Values, marriage, relationships was part of that.

For all you complaining about computer people, Juan Pablo, this computer person, says "Right on" your relationship is between you and your girl. We will be watching to see if you do right with our "American" since you are Venezuela. We will keep an eye on your relationship, and prayerful stand for our American. 

I understand, we "computer people" as you call us, have an opinion and we women love respect, therefore I suggest, if you spoke those things to the first, then you must be the last. Therefore, God's peace be with you and marriage is a commitment to be taken seriously. It is also, to be understood a relationship between a man and a women. Freedom of speech is a great thing. Guaranteed by our rights, do not offend by truth. You have a truth, also does each person on The Bachelor, so does each person you speak to. 

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"Who's Has Control of Your Ovaries?" (Aging)

Hi there, Diamond Glamour Girls,

Mom are Mothers, are daughters, are sisters are aging... Aging gracefully is one of those things I have prayed for for myself, the moment I became a mom of teens.  I realized the aging process was upon me.  How does one do that gracefully?

The thing is, men compare us to our mothers  or their mothers and we see ourselves nothing like them. The other day I was helping out my mom. She is aging with that comes illness, diabities and other things, but generations and culture play a part in our misunderstanding.  It has alway been an issue.  Growing up in California both my sister and I love the freedom women have here.  My mom's mentallity of women is "woman can't do this because if for no other reason they are women".   Yet, her other thought is women can do anything they set their mind to.  It has been this perplexing thing for us.  Growing up we couldn't decide if she was for us or against us.  That's why I stuck with what my dad said.  "Do your best!.  Get a college education. God is Good. "  I confess I loved my dads vision of the "Father, God , Almighty and how good He is."  How He is a clean God, a loving God and one who is gentle."

"Coveting is it bad or good? "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbors. " Ex. 20:17

Let me tell you as my mom ages I am always am reminded of the little things, we use to do together.  Paint our fingernails, fix our hair even cook together.  The said thing is today, she wants control I want control.  I purchase something, she purchase the same thing and tries to out do me.  If it is intentional or not. I am sure, what I do know is that I laugh about it.  In attempt to explain things and to add humor to her aging self.  She doesn't want me to mother her and she most certainly doesn't want to mother me.   I thought okay, I just purchase popcorn and she purchased a bigger bag.  I always brush my teeth after so I went and got what I thought was her tooth brush.  Jokingly, I said to her.  Here you go.  I brushed my teeth after eating popcorn now it is your turn.  She looked and me and said. "Nooooo"!  "What? Where did you get that?" I said, "The shower...where you keep your toothbrush for you dentures?'  My mom got the most unusual look on her face.   Then replied calmly.  "That is not my toothbrush. That is a foot brush. I scrub my toes with it.'  

Oh the aging process...God grant me the love and grace I need to get through it.  Most of all thank you for my mother!

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