Sunday, March 25, 2012

My First Wedding Expo!

Okay, so obviously I'm obsessed with weddings. Enough to get me to wake up before 6am on a Sunday, which let me tell you..is not an easy task. Today I volunteered with a club that I am part of at school called Special Events Society which is a student chapter of ISES. We worked the Simply Elegant Platinum Wedding Expo at the Marriott Long Wharf in Boston!

The owner of Simply Elegant Expos, Gina Karlsson is a woman on a mission. Besides running these wedding expos, she also has a several other ventures. One of the most prominent is her magazine (Simply Elegant Platinum Weddings Magazine) which I got a copy of today and it is great. She also runs Simply Elegant Linens and Platinum Weddings Group. All for a woman who majored in nursing, impressive.

Celebrity wedding planner, Collin Cowie, was present at the event. He gave a presentation, which I am so sad I missed because I was upstairs preparing for the crazy chaos of a fashion show that was about to ensue. A lucky couple won a free wedding valued at $200,000 and Collin is planning it! I would absolutely die for that. Luckily we got a picture in with him that I wish was up online so that I could post it here.

When my day started soooo early, I was thinking 10 hours of volunteering! I am literally going to die! That is how many hours I work at my paid job between two days! Haha! But it actually went by pretty quickly and there was a bunch of different jobs to do which I enjoy more than just sitting around waiting for time to pass. I started off helping set the tables, then went down to manage and coordinate all the vendors coming in through the loading dock. So many of the vendors were so thankful and appreciative that someone was down there controlling the traffic flow in and out of the one loading dock and that they had people to help bring up all their supplies to the ballroom, so it felt good to have my help appreciated. Next we greeted brides and their guests as they arrived and handed out copies of Gina's magazine (which hits stands in New England next week) to all the brides. Then I got to be a dresser for the bridal fashion show. I am used to quick changes from when I danced, but trying to switch girls into different bridal gowns in 3 minutes and completely pin them because they were swallowing the models up was no easy task. Forget accessories and bouquets, we were lucky they were dressed on the runway. Through everything we had to work with for the fashion show I think we did a pretty good job. Then we got to walk around and enjoy the expo ourselves and taste some yummy cake. Finally we helped clean things up a little and then the 10 hours were over and we were back on our way to Providence!

All in all, it was worth the early morning wake up and just further reconfirmed the fact that I definitely want to work in the special events field, especially weddings! I hope I get to work another wedding expo soon!

xoxo
Holly

Thursday, March 22, 2012

I Hope You Dance

Today I was watching the college dance championships on TV. It made me really miss dancing and competing. I started dancing when I was only 4 years old. I started competing when I was 11. Then in high school I was accepted into a performing arts program as a dance major. Even my first two years at college I took a dance class every semester just to try to fill the void of dancing for hours every single day of my life for so many years. I haven't taken a dance class in a year and tonight jut made it very real. I have dance to thank for most of my best friends in life, and the most amazing memories with them.


For my own selfishness, I hope one day I have a little girl and that she loves dancing just as much as I did. That way I can experience it somewhat all over again (but not as a crazy mom like the ones on Dance Moms..although I have seen my fair share of crazy experiences like that in real life)

Having a passion in life is a great thing.
Embrace what you love.

xoxo
Holly


Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Happy Spring!

It is officially Spring and I am loving this perfect sunny mid 70's weather! Not too hott, not too cold. And I can start breaking out brighter colors, sandals, and dresses with bare legs (they're in desperate need of a tan though). Today was a pink day!
Tomorrow is my first test of the trimester, they really do go by so fast, I feel like they just started and I am already doing projects and taking tests. This beautiful weather isn't helping either, all I want to do is sit outside and enjoy it.

Just a quick post for today!

xoxo
Holly

Friday, March 16, 2012

Weddings..or Basketball?

Normally I am not the type of girl to be interested in sports nor do I pretend to be. Even when I went to Maryland which has some pretty good sports and free tickets..I still didn't go. Butttt get some kind of bet involved and I will be right there screaming more than any of guy. Case in point - March Madness. This is the second year I have made my own bracket. Andrew and I play against each other for our own personal bet. This year it's fro-yo if I win, Chipotle if he wins. So for the past two days I have been watching nonstop basketball and checking scores on my phone during class and work like a crazy boy, screaming at my television when they miss the basket at the buzzer. I thought I would take a little break from my sports mania to watch TLC Brideday! My favorite! So here are my thoughts on tonight's episode of Four Weddings.


Sarah - Monster truck limo? Woah never seen that before. Definitely not my style. Also not a fan of the ceremony chairs, they look like plastic chairs you'd have at a backyard BBQ. Very country and western. Horseshoes, cowboy hats and boots, tea, lemonade, keg.. works for them and their theme. Table decor is too grandma's house for me, I think there's a way to do country and stay contemporary. Buffet of BBQ food..obviouslyyyy. Country is clearly not my style and since everything in the wedding from the dress to the food to the venue all sticks to the theme it's hard for me to get around. Props to her for planning a wedding under $10,000 though, not something I think I could do! Overrall score..5!

Ashley - Alice and Wonderland theme! Such a bold theme isn't for me but I think it could be really fun to attend. The ceremony is after the sun has already gone down, I like how the lights strung around make it look romantic. Chair covers..blahhh. I think they always look tacky and like you need to cover up an ugly chair underneath. The courtyard for cocktail hour looks really cute with red and black paper lanterns hanging! I love signature drinks! Lots of things to keep with the theme well in this wedding; croquet, tea pots, cards. Hookahs at a wedding though...not so much. Overrall score..8!

Dena - Pretty simple outdoor country club ceremony. I don't like her bouquet made of daisies. I love daisies, just not in a bridal bouquet. Awkward that the event is not separated from others at the country club. Not a good move on the facilities part. A buffet dinner, not something I would do for my wedding. The decor was pretty simple, but I liked her colors. The tips from her kindergarten students for a happy marriage is adorable. The theme seemed more pink daises then kid themed? My overall score.. 6!

Shannon - I think the antique keys with table numbers attached and hung on a tree is cute. Wait..it's been four months since they've kissed?! Why was that not explained further? Anyway, love the flower petals set up like keys down the aisle, great use of theme. I like the reception space with the antique looking chandeliers, a little draping, and purple uplighting. I don't think there was an option for dinner, a big no-no for me, I think you should always give people some kind of choice. Card board cut-outs of the bride and groom...kind of strange? I don't really know how I feel about it. My overall score.. 6!

Ashley's got my vote in this one! And the winner is...Ashley!

Eeeee I cannot wait to plan my own wedding one day! Or hopefully assist in planning others in the meantime! That is why I am getting into events, to help bring people happiness on their special days!

xoxo
Holly

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Easter Wish List

Every year for Easter my mom gets my sisters and I some new spring clothes, so today I made my wish list! It's full of a lot of brights, especially corals. J.Crew seemed to dominate the list, there are just too much things I want from there!

Here are some of the things that were on it!


1. J.Crew Trudy Peacoat - Sale $118
2. Target Xhilaration Bikini - $14.99 each
8. Derng Pave Sideways Cross Bracelet - $11 !!! (So cute and thought this was a perfect gift for Easter)
9. J.Crew Origami Mini - Sale $89.99

It was just decided today that Andrew is flying home for the weekend and spending Easter with me too so I am extra excited! Even though my youngest sister is 13 now, we still do an Easter egg hunt in the morning. I love the tradition and the chance to feel like a kid again, even though were super competitive with each other about it now. We also like to battle our dyed Easter eggs, we bump them against them each other and whoever's egg cracks first loses. I love little traditions that families have. Does anyone have any fun Easter traditions with their families?

xoxo
Holly

Monday, March 12, 2012

Anniversary Weekend!

So today is my one year anniversary with my boyfriend, Andrew! It does not feel like a year has gone by at all. Sometimes it's hard because I am currently at school in Rhode Island and he is at school allllll the way in Indiana. Over 1000 miles separates us on a regular basis, but we find a way to see each other one weekend a month whether one of us is flying to see the other or both meeting back at home in New Jersey. This past weekend Andrew flew to visit me. It was a great weekend, we had a lot of fun and ate A LOT of good food!

After our first dinner I was so full that I was literally in pain so bad that I would regret it if everything that contributed to it wasn't so amazing.

Providence Oyster Bar
We originally had reservations at an Italian restaurant but had a change of heart (or I'm just picky) and decided to go to the seafood route instead. Andrew and I like to try a lot of new restaurants and we both agree that seafood is one of our favorite things to eat. The dipping sauce that we were given with our bread was the best dipping sauce I have ever had, it was so different! Our server told us everything that was in it but it was too much to remember, I know it had canola oil, balsamic, and hot sauce but that's all I remember, I wish I had written it down because it was really great. We started off with bacon wrapped scallops with maple syrup. AMAZE. Best thing of the entire weekend I might have to say. The scallops and bacon were cooked just perfectly and the syrup gave justtt the right amount of sweetness. Then we split a bowl of lobster bisque. I am obsessed with lobster bisque, I would say this one was good but nothing fantastic. Andrew got seared ahi tuna with lobster wontons for his meal. I thought the wontons were a little spicy, but I think any spice is spicy, I am a real baby about it. I had swordfish with asparagus and lobster mashed potatoes. The fact that it came with lobster mashed potatoes sealed the deal for me with this.

Now if we weren't full enough after this we decided to go down the street for dessert!

Pastiche
I walk by this little cafe/bakery right by my apartment all the time and it always looks crowded but I hadn't gotten the chance to try it out until now. Luckily we came in before a crowd arrived. Andrew had chocolate layer cake and I had a chocolate bundt cake. We argued over whose dessert was more chocolately, not a bad argument. The homemade whipped cream that came with mine put my choice in first place in my opinion. After this we literally could not move without being in pain, but it was totally worth it.

Next morning, brunch! I love when Andrew comes to visit, he always spoils me with such great meals that I wouldn't otherwise have at school without my parents coming to visit.

Cafe Dolce Vita
A problem Andrew and I usually face in deciding on where to eat weekends after we wake up is somewhere to get lunch or breakfast. I love breakfast food, while after a certain time even if he has just woken up Andrew prefers lunch food, so I love a good brunch. Andrew got a chicken parmesan sandwich, which is not something I enjoy so I can't say much about, but he had no complaints. Another menu item that I am a constant sucker for is stuffed french toast. It was stuffed with raspberry chocolate chip ricotta cannoli cream and topped with fresh strawberries. What a mouth-full. It was good, but a little dry and syrup just didn't compliment the stuffing right, I would have liked some other kind of dipping sauce to go with it, like a raspberry reduction sauce.



And finally a dinner at

Chapel Grille
This restaurant is really pretty from the inside and out. We were interested in knowing whether it was built as a restaurant or actually used to be an old chapel, but we didn't see anything online about it. Anyway, after a bit a slow start with our service we liked how we were given a sample of oils from four different countries and taste how each one was different. We started off with a four cheese scallion pizza, it was good, the crust was really light and crispy. Andrew got linguine and clams, I am not usually a fan of clams, but I keep trying them and I think this one was the best one I have ever had. I got scallops (after still dreaming about the appetizer from the day before) and chose mashed potatoes and penne vodka as my sides. Mashed potatoes tasted like they were instant, a disappointment. The penne vodka side was huge and very good. For my dessert I got an apple pizza which was a very thin puff pastry so I am not exactly sure where the apple was coming from but I could definitely taste it. Andrew got chocolate mousse. Dark, milk, white, and mocha. I am not the biggest fan of white chocolate normally but in a mousse it was fantastic and I loved the appearance of it.


Ah! So much delicious food! I miss it and Andrew already! I am so thankful for such a great anniversary weekend, and I hope everyone else had a great weekend too!


xoxo
Holly

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Bootless


For Christmas I got the Enzo Angiolini "Zayra" Boot in black from Nordstrom.
My mom bought them for me during the Half-Yearly Sale which is actually the price that they're still on sale for now. I thought it was a good price for a good boot. Barely two months into wearing the boots, one starting to tear at the back above the heel. As I looked closer at the boots, I noticed a seam going all the way around. It's like the boot was made from two separate pieces and glued together so that it's just asking to come apart in that spot.

I took the boots back to Nordstrom and said that I didn't even want another pair of them because I knew it was just bound to happen again. Apparently I picked the wrong saleswoman to talk to about this. Don't get me wrong I LOVE Nordstrom and if I have the option of where to buy something I usually always pick Nordstrom to purchase it because of their excellent customer service. However, once in a while you get the salesperson that makes you feel like you're inconveniencing them for asking them to do their job. So finally after I got my boots returned through sighs and grunting that she was missing out on commission by helping me with my return, she told me she had no other boots to show me? I left the store and now I have no black leather boots. Not a happy camper. Does anyone know any good leather boots for a good price right now? I need to find a new pair I like soon or I am going to be tempted to buy new Spring sandals or something with the money and I know I need the boots more! Someone help!

xoxo
Holly

School's in Session

These past two days of classes have felt so long and tiring compared to my whole week at home of doing nothing haha. I am taking 5 classes this trimester, I had to join a special honors program to be able to do this, and make sure I stay on track to graduate next Spring. I wanted to write down my first impressions of each class so that I can look back in May and see how accurate I was with my gut feeling about the class.

Facilities Operations - The topics in this class don't exactly seem like my cup of tea. They seem dry and boring. I understand the concept that it is important to understand both the front and back of the house in order to effectively manage people in a hotel or other facility, but still ... just seems boring, especially since my professor is very monotoned.

Human Resource and Diversity Leadership - Professor started the class by asking, "is this Circus Performance 2008?" I thought it was funny. 3 cases studies and 3 open note, open book test. Seems simple enough, but I have still heard that this class can be tricky. Seems like I can learn beneficial things about what to look for in companies that I am interested in working for and what companies are looking for from me.

Advanced Hospitality Sales Seminar - This is the first time this class has been offered and there's less than 20 students in the class, I have never been in a class that small. Since the class is only offered once a year I got a waiver for the class prerequisite to instead take marketing as a co-requisite and I was happy to find out that I am not the only one so any information that was taught in marketing will be reviewed. In this class I am particularly excited about working on my networking skills and our class is planning our own networking event with the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International New England Chapter.

Negotiations and Agreements - The first thing I noticed is that I think my professor talks like he is giving a motivational speech. Not that it is a bad thing, it's just something I have never seen in a professor before. I think being able to negotiate is a skill that every one can use in life and I hope that I really get something out of this class. My issue is that my professor wants us to have a 3 ring binder to put everything in, print out all the PowerPoints for class, and bring a highlighter to highlight in the PowerPoint notes. Not everyone learns the same way, and those techniques are definitely not the way I work. I am left handed, all binders do are get in my way. If I have notes printed out in front of me instead of actively copying notes down, all I do is daydream. I do not highlight any of my notes until I begin to study so I can sift through all of my notes and decide what I think is important from the whole rather than just concentrate on what is already highlighted and overlook the rest of the notes. So I don't know exactly how this is going to work out...

Strategic Marketing - Another smaller class with a bunch of annoying kids behind me that talked the entire time, including one kid who deemed that he was probably the smartest kid in the whole class. Ooooook. Anyway, since I am taking the advanced sales class at the same time, maybe it will actually be beneficial to me since I will hear some of the material twice. However the 40 pages marketing plan and presentation, sounds like it is going to be rough.

Okay, enough about school! One more day left of week one!

xoxo
Holly

Monday, March 5, 2012

Goodbye Garden State, Hello Ocean State

I am back in Providence! I hate driving for long periods, I get really bad RLS, but it feels good to be back and unpacked. I get such anxiety until I am completely unpacked at school, there is just not enough space to have bags all over the place. Classes start tomorrow, and I can't say that I didn't enjoy my week of not doing anything school related. Since it is March now and I am starting the Spring trimester I am dying to wear more spring-y clothes, but it is still going to be in the 30's tomorrow, so I think I am going to have to wait until a little later in the week. However, it didn't stop me from painting my nails a light spring-y green! It's not quite mint but it made me start thinking about all the new mint colored things that I am obsessed with!

OPI Gargantuan Green Grape




Source: tobi.com via Holly on Pinterest




Source: tobi.com via Holly on Pinterest













I am pretty tired from traveling today and my nails are just about dry so I think it's time to call it a night early since I have no time for naps with my new school schedule. I really love my naps, but I guess I'll live... haha maybe.

xoxo
Holly

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Pinspiration

Since I haven't exactly gotten a handle on how to make everything the way I want through Blogger yet, I thought I would share a few of my favorite things I have found through Pinterest. You can find a link to my Pinterest on the side of the page. I love cooking, making, decorating new things. If only I had the time and money to do all the things I want...

Anyway let's see how I do with posting pictures on this thing!



Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
My mom is making these for dessert tonight, only were using green food dye instead of red in honor of an early St. Patrick's Day celebration.



This is a craft I definitely want to do! I have so many nail polishes, I'm particularly obsessed with OPI, and I want a great way to display them. This idea using a spice rack seems easy enough and something you can really make your own style.



I am moving into a new apartment in Providence in the summer and I am in search for the perfect bed. I really want a quilted tufted headboard. I especially love this entire bed frame in the same style and the fact that it is also a sleigh bed. All that it needs is some really fluffy blankets and pillows and I'll be good to go.




And finally a dress that I neeeed for my 21st birthday, even though it is still over 4 months away. To me it just screams I'm here and it's my birthday. I say that I need a lot of things, but they're just all going to have to wait until I get back from Spain because until then it's SAVE SAVE SAVE!

Hopefully I successfully added these pictures linked back to my pinterest (crossing my fingers). There is not much else to really talk about now since I have been home all week on my trimester/spring break. I am going back to Providence on Monday, so hopefully I will have new exciting things to post about there!

xoxo
Holly

Friday, March 2, 2012

First Post!

Hello!

This is the first time I have ever written a personal blog so bear with me while I try to get used to it (and hopefully stick with it)! I had originally thought that I wanted to start a blog to document my experiences and travels throughout Spain this upcoming June, but I decided to start a little early.

I am still not exactly sure what is to come of this blog. A mix of my lifestyle, travel, fashion, food, events, whatever comes into my life or head!

I guess for my first post I will give a little introduction about myself. My name is Hollyann, but no one has referred to me by that name since about 3rd grade, it feels so formal, I prefer Holly. I was trying to think of a name for my blog and my boyfriend suggested, "Holly Meets World", I don't know if he meant it seriously or as a joke since I watched Boy Meets World all day, but regardless I decided that I liked it and it was a good name to cover all the possible things I could discuss and share through my blog. I am a student at Johnson & Wales University studying Event Management. I previously spent two years at the University of Maryland where I thought I wanted to be a physical therapist, but luckily I realized pretty quickly that it just wasn't the right fit for me. I transferred to JWU and have to say that I really do enjoy the subjects of my new classes much more. I am obsessed with weddings, literally. I don't think that planning one wedding in my life will be fulfilling enough, so rather than have to plan multiple of my own, I would like to help plan others, and that is partially how I decided on my current major. I am also extremely organized and detail-oriented, also plusses for my choice of career path.

I am going on a little longer than I wanted to with this post and I can feel my eyelids getting heavy, so I think it's about time to wrap it up, I'm sure I'll have plenty more to say in the future.

xoxo
Holly