Unique Wedding Favour that will Peak Your Senses

Looking for a unique wedding favour idea? How about a gift that will stimulate the senses and leave a lasting impression with your guests? Why not consider a personalized Bamboo pouch filled with your choice of 3 products such as THANN Rice Extract Body Milk, Bath and Massage Oil, Aromatic Soap or Shower Gel.

I love their product lines because they appeal to both women and men and all their products are dermatologically tested, suitable for even the most sensitive of skin types. To personalize the favours even more, take a trip to the store to experience the smells, pick and choose the products that peak your senses the most and watch your guests love the creativity. To personalize it even more, tie a ribbon with both of your names, wedding date or a personal message that you'd like to share.


About THANN - THANN features all-natural and paraben-free skin, body, hair and aromatherapy products. THANN collections include natural face cream and skin moisturizers, body lotion, natural body butter, natural massage oil, essential oils, paraffin-free candle, sls / sulphate-free shampoo, shower gel, natural salt scrub, clay mask cleanser, toners. Wholesale for spa products is also available. THANN promotes only environmentally friendly products and packages, supports human rights and is against the use of child labour and animal testing. In addition to THANN's retail presence in over 22 countries, the brand is active within the industries of hospitality, supplying amenities to five-star resorts, lounges and hotels worldwide. Feel free to visit their store at 829 Bank Street Ottawa, Ontario or shop online.

Hidden fashion gem indeed...in Ottawa

I was recently introduced to a great designer here in Ottawa...Demu label is a hidden fashion gem in Ottawa.

Apparently "Demu stems from the word "Demutig", a German term that denotes Humble; the human characteristic we deemed one of the most admirable. Regardless of where this venture may take us, Demu will remind us to never take anything for granted and always give back to the world that provided us with the opportunity to write our own story and give us control of our own destiny."

Very cool website - check out their gallery!

Explore, Savour and Enjoy Ottawa

I was invited by to join C'est Bon Cooking on one of their Food Tours of the Byward Market. It just happened to be a beautiful day and perfect walking around the Market weather! And the company was fantastic...


I must admit that like many Ottawa natives, I thought I knew what the Byward Market had to offer: bars, restaurants, and an outdoor market of fresh produce. But when I attended this Food Tour, it really opened my mind and I learned alot about the wonderful businesses and unique offerings they each have. Not only did we visit several locations, but we tasted many different flavours, learned alot about the history of the Market, and were given an appreciation for cooking with different ingredients...exlored everything from truffle salt, fresh cheese, to beef tartar, and fresh herbal tea.




One thing that really stood out was the Savour Ottawa program - "Savour Ottawa works to develop and promote Ottawa and area as a premier, year-round culinary destination, with robust offerings of local foods and experiences for both locals and visitors to the area." What a wonderful program and I highly recommend everyone support them and the local farmers!

As an Event Planner, I'm always looking for unique ideas for events. C'est Bon Cooking Food Tours is a wonderful idea for anyone looking to organize an event such as a bridal shower, birthday party, anniversary, or even a bachelorette to which the traditional at-home parties or bar hopping are not as exciting or appealing. Not only do you get fresh air and exercise but great recipes and recommendations of what to try on your own.

I would highly recommend that everyone join one of these Food Tours...it's a wonderful experience and the ladies of C'est Bon Cooking are a pleasure to be around and really know alot about food and Ottawa!

Photobooth fun!

Just had to post some fun photobooth moments from the Posh Wedding Show! Thanks to Nat from NDS Photography and Shakira from Little Cakes for making me smile (actually giggle)!

Looks like Allison, my awesome Wedding/Event Coordinator was also having some photo fun with the Ottawa Marriott Hotel folks!

Photobooth courtesy of Shutterbug Photo Booth - book them, it's a fantastic idea and alot of fun!

Hope everyone is having a fantastic Easter!

Networking for Ottawa Wedding and Event Professionals - spring is in the air!

Calling all Ottawa Professionals in the WEDDING & EVENT INDUSTRY - Welcome to "Spring is in the Air"...mixing business with pleasure and mingling with our peers working in the same industry.

Bring lots of business cards - this is your opportunity to collaborate, share ideas and stories, get to know who is new to the business and who isn't, and to meet some of our best Ottawa professional talent!

Stella Osteria - an intimate and unique event space - will be our host for the evening. Don't miss this great networking opportunity in the heart of the Byward Market. Meet Ida (co-owner) and Laura (Sales and Marketing) - the Team behind not only Stella Osteria but Blue Cactus and the Luxe Bistro.

This special night is presented by Beyond Events and will feature:

•Inky Designs - customized suite of artistic and hand-tailored stationery
•Fuschia Factory - express networking at lightening speed events
•Authentic Foodie Travels - exotic destination weddings
•Sage Designs - wedding decor and floral designs
•Eventbots - premium photo and video machine services that bring people together
•Elliott Smith, Magician - close-up minor miracles of magic

**Price per person includes opportunity to meet and network with 50 other Professionals in Ottawa. It also includes 1 complimentary drink: Red or White Wine, Draft Beer, or Basic Bar-Rail Drink and a chance to sample the delightful canapes by Stella Osteria:

1.Tuscan Grilled Chicken Skewers
2.Margarita Flat Bread
3.Antipasto Station
4.Caprice Bites
5.Prosciutto Wrapped Figs Brûlée
If the weather permits, a visit to the beautiful Rooftop area is also planned.

Don't miss out on this great event - tickets are limited as this is a private event... our last two networking nights sold out fast!!!

To see what the November event was like, please visit my November blog post.

We look forward to meeting more fantastic vendors!

Fashion and Glam in Ottawa - all in one weekend!

Ottawa Fashion Week has become THE event to attend in Ottawa! Now on its fourth season, fashionistas and art enthusiasts from everywhere are brought together in the Nation’s Capital for a weekend of glamour and fashion. This year it was held at the spectacular National Gallery Grand Hall.

Over the three days, Beyond Events was a part of the Vendor Gallery. We were among some great vendors such as: Karen McClintock whose gorgeous jewellery hit the runway on Opening Night, Lilac Lingerie, Ottawa Flowers, Dress it Up by NZ, and Beauticontrol. We had so much fun having our table beside two event sponsors, Le Spa Ottawa/The Loft Ottawa and Rob Reid. A shout out to George and Rob - both entertained us and made the weekend fly by!

We had a great view of the runway and the gorgeous models sporting 21 of the most talented Canadian designers such as Adrian Wu, Rachel Sin and Kania Couture.


Among the crowd of media there every night, I had the pleasure of meeting MaryLou from Twenty York Street, a “Fashion and Lifestyle Blog that showcases the latest trends in fashion, style and events in the city”, Julie from Pop Champagne , an “outrageous commentary on celebrities, fashion, popular culture- as well as the happenings in Ottawa, Canada and Holly from My Journey 613, a blog to share ideas and events around Ottawa with everyone. Loved meeting these ladies and can’t wait to read more of their blogs…


There were lots of laughs, I connected with many people (including Max Keeping), enjoyed plenty of beauty and style, and of course took pictures for my readers to enjoy…I'm looking forward to the next one!

V for victory for my dear friend Brenda

There are times in our lives when we are forced to really see things in a different perspective and be thankful for our family, friends and their health! I've recently met a great woman who is not only a cancer survivor BUT who's making the most of her second chance at life! While some of use would have given up with a diagnosis of cancer, Brenda decided to turn it into an opportunity. In 2009, while completing chemo, she successfully planned her first ever Survivorship charity fundraiser in hopes of finding a cure. This year she's back to celebrate being a survivor and to plan her second event for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation., in hopes of doubling last year's target. It took me some time to convince her that she really had a reason this year to celebrate and I'm so happy to be a part of it! She has a great line up: Spoken word by Greg Frankson "Ritallin". Comedy by: Catherine Doucette-Smith, Rachelle Todd, Jenninfer Hayward, Jennifer Woodworth - lots of great prizes, silent auction items and so much more! Everyone should join us April 17, 2010 to celebrate Brenda and other cancer survivors and more importantly show support in finding a cure for this deadly disease!!!

For more information.

Sangria and Networking event for Wedding Professionals in Ottawa

As usual, I saw a post on the internet about interesting networking events and low and behold, I receive a message on twitter from @TrixieTulip that a sangria networking event would be a hit! That was only a week ago and here we are with over 37 vendors ready to be our guests at Ottawa's first ever sangria and networking event for wedding professionals!

The time and date is: Wednesday April 21, 2010 at Lago Bar & Grill.
Presented by: Beyond Events and Trixie Tulip
DJ/Entertainment by: Quality Entertainment

Registration information will follow soon, in the meantime let us know if you are interested on the Facebook page.

Supporting Ottawa Talent

After moving back from Toronto, I now appreciate Ottawa that much more. I truly think that Ottawa is a great city to be living in. This week I had the privilege of supporting (actually "enjoying" is a better way to describe it) the local talent that the Nation's Capital has to offer.

I was invited by Chef Aliza Hutman to experience her four course Spanish and Moroccan inspired dinner. She created the menu and was the overall chef instructing a team of Algonquin's student chefs to cook the menu at The Restaurant International. Not only did my group of friends provide them with an opportunity to learn but we all enjoyed a lovely 4 course dinner at a very reasonable price ($19.99 per person). If you haven't tried the Restaurant International, Algonquin's School of Hospitality's teaching restaurant, you must...as a lunch/dinner guest, you experience fine dining at very reasonable prices in their well appointed dining room.

Chef Aliza owns a catering company called Octogon Catering in which services include: Private, Corporate, Personalized chef, Cooking Lessons and Gift Baskets. For catering enquiries: aliza@octogoncatering.ca

Phyllo pastries with orange-flower custard strawberries and orange marmalade.
(credit: Photo by Lois Siegel)
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To add to this week's local talent events, I attended Yuk Yuk's Great Canadian Laugh off here in Ottawa. After 6 weeks of competition between Ottawa's best comedians, Wednesday was the FINALE - Ottawa's very own top 6 comedians putting their best efforts to make us laugh: Peter Grunstra, Wafik Nasaralla, Jason Harper, Mike Beatty, Dave Atkinson, and Martha Chaves.

The Ottawa rounds of Yuk Yuk's 2010 Great Canadian Laugh Off contest were, as always, a huge success. It was my first time visiting their new location on Elgin Street and we even enjoyed half price Wednesdays at Hooley's beforehand. Not only was it my pleasure to be there and support our local artists but a portion of the proceeds from my ticket sales were donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Thanks to Howard of Yuk Yuk's. Not only did I get great entertainment but I shared the night with a group of fantastic friends for a great cause.

This year's winner in Ottawa was Martha Chaves. She will be competing in a heat with 7 others on Friday March 19th at Yuk Yuk's flagship club in Toronto. Should she win that round she will compete in the final on Sunday March 21st for a chance at $25,000. This round will be taped for national broadcast by the Comedy Network to air in the fall of 2010. If you haven't seen her before, you have to..she's hilarious and it's apparent why she won BUT kudos to all the other comedians because they truly have talent!!!Can't wait for the next event in support of local talent!