Independent Views 2011-07-30

My first stop was Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, home to the famous Ben Franklin (seen below in a bust made of keys and operating a printing press) and a city full of art and history. I got to see where the Declaration of Independence was signed, the chair where George Washington sat, the Liberty Bell (which is much smaller than you would imagine) and the U.S. Mint where coins (among other things) are made.   The 4th of July was the perfect time to be in this historic city to take in all the tourist sites and some of the fun sculptures throughout the city.  Have you ever seen life size game pieces from Sorry!, Monopoly and Dominos?  Well, I have and it was so much fun to feel like I stepped into my favorite childhood games. The Love statue did not disappoint, other than again being smaller than I pictured.  I spotted newly married couples posing and kids frolicking in the nearby pond.  Summer love in the city, is there anything better?Speaking of LOVE, I love architecture and Philadelphia did not disappoint.  City Hall was my favorite.  From every angle, it was a delight with its intricate details and carvings.  Out of place in a city that has grown up around it, but that is one of its great charms. A happy surprise while visiting the National Constitution Center, was that I spied a copy of President Obama's Inauguration Invitation and Program.  Yay! So great, but part of me can't help but wish it had a little more personality to fit the First Family. If he is re-elected, maybe he will consult me.   An interesting bit of information that I discovered while in Philly, was that it is the basis for the game Monopoly (though Wikipedia states it is nearly an hour away in Atlantic City).  Whatever the case, I enjoyed the ideas presented.  My hotel was right around the corner from Reading (pronounced redding) Market with a delightful selections of every possible type of food you would want...including Flying Monkey.  It is a bakery that I was aware of because of its awesome logo, but thoroughly enjoyed the creamsicle cupcake too.  Yum! Back to Monopoly, on my double decker bus trip around the city, I spied Pennsylvania Railroad station, the Eastern State Penitentiary (jail), the Waterworks (now a restaurant) and other places that now escape me.  But if nothing else, it was a childhood dream come true and a pretty interesting spot to kick off my vacation.On my way to Boston, I cruised past New Haven, Connecticut to see Yale University.  Let me just say for any of you Gilmore Girls fans, Rory chose wisely.  On my trip, I also visited Harvard and it paled in comparison to Yale on all fronts that I could see in my brief visits. The library was beautiful.  There is a room filled with old card catalog files, now empty, but not forgotten.  It was a sleepy morning in this little town, but I felt wiser just being there.Last stop on my way to Boston was Newport, Rhode Island - home to many summer "cottages" of the Vanderbilt family.  I say cottage because that is what they called them, but in reality one of the homes I toured was over 100,000 square feet.  That is a summer retreat!  Enjoy the eye candy! Boston, Massachusetts was my last stop on the road trip...another great city with a long history and significance.  It is definitely a rich city and despite rumors, I found the locals to be quite nice.   I only wish I could have met up with my local clients, but that is what I get for traveling on a holiday week. Again, I did all the touristy things like the Duck and Trolley tours, visited the U.S.S. Constitution, rode to the 50th floor of the Prudential Center for the sweeping views of Boston from above and of course, enjoyed the city's architecture.  One of the delights of the trip was the interior and courtyard of the Boston Public Library. In very small print in one of the travel guides mentioned the library, but because there was not a lot of talk of it elsewhere, I almost skipped, but I'm so glad I squeezed it into my last day there.  Incredible is the only word that comes to mind. Who can make a trip to Boston without visiting Fenway Park, the oldest American baseball stadium.  While it was a sight to be seen, I'm a Cubs fan from way back and nothing quite compares to Wrigley Field, in my humble opinion. I'm also a sucker for a good park and the Public Garden did not disappoint.  I just followed the ducks to the pond surrounded by weeping willows, where I sat and enjoyed the summer sun and the shady relief the trees provided. My last day in Boston was rainy, which was a perfect time to head to Salem.  While I found the town more kitschy than I expected, I did come across some fun signage, logos and witch themed tourist attractions (Salem Witch Museum, House of Seven Gables, etc.) not to be missed.   Luckily, I didn't encounter any ghosts (that I know of), but while jam-packed and not restful, I certainly made the most of my week in the north! Next year, international road trip here I come!]]> (more...)

I Heart Grace Edmands Calligraphy 2011-07-01

Grace Edmands.  She is just about the sweetest person you will ever meet.  We met many years ago as we both started our businesses around the same time and shared tips of the trade with each other.Her love of the written word and affection and adoration for beautiful paper and printing, make us a great match.  Though her life has relocated her to North Carolina, we still talk when our busy schedules permit.Grace shows a mentor and teacher with blog favorite Sarah Hanna, so you know she has the skill and finesse necessary to create beautiful work.I've been so excited to see her work flourish (no pun intended) over the years we have known each other.  I wish her all the luck and success she deserves and most of all, I'm happy to call her my friend.To schedule her fabulous calligraphy services or for pricing, please contact Grace at (407) 758-7410 or info@graceedmands.com]]> (more...)

Stephanie and Matt 2011-02-12

My daughter's Disney Fairy Tale wedding began with our meeting with Darcy. That day was a whirlwind, as my daughter Stephanie, her fiancé Matt and myself had our entire planning meeting in one day! Talk about overload... it's an experience I will never forget. We went from invitations to wedding cake in one fell swoop. Since that was the very first thing we did though, Stephanie was more nervous and excited than usual. Darcy was very professional and helpful, walking us through the process, step by step. Since this was our first foray into wedding planning (being the first wedding we've been involved in in recent years) we had lots of very basic questions, which Darcy fielded without patronizing us or making us feel silly for asking them. Since I consider myself a "paper crafter" I wanted to personally make as many of the special touches as I could that fit into my daughter's ideas and desires. Darcy and I bonded while waiting for Stephanie and Matt to arrive. The decision making process was quick and easy for them, as Darcy had examples of her ideas based on their phone conversations and emails prior to the meeting. They were all very special and pinpointed Stephanie's theme. Proofs, ideas and questions flew back and forth between the three of us. Darcy was cognizant of the budget my daughter had established and was even helpful in making cost-cutting suggestions, rather than trying to up-sell my daughter into an invitation out of her price range. She did a fantastic job with the invitations and thank you notes, all carrying through the theme. I was thrilled to be able to add some personal touches on the invitations and to be able to make some of the other items as well. Darcy was a great help with card stock and was always the consummate professional through my constant questions. Overall, our experience with Darcy was an excellent one! I can see why Pearl Beach Paperie is one of Disney Fairy Tale Wedding's preferred vendors! I would recommend Pearl Beach to any Florida or Orlando bride, any Disney bride, or any person who needs stationary products. I know my daughter looks forward to working with Darcy when she needs to order announcements for my future grandchildren. Thanks Darcy for helping to make my daughter's wedding a magical success! - Bev, mother of the bride - ]]> ]]> (more...)

Wendy and Chris 2011-02-12

Thanks again Darcy!!- Wendy and Chris - ]]> ]]> (more...)

Jennifer and Cole 2011-02-12

Hi Darcy,

Now that the festivities are over, I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed working with you.  Planning a wedding was certainly an "experience."  The planning process was stressful and hectic at many points along the way and I did not always receive prompt or appropriate responses from all my vendors.  But, working with you was a highlight.  You were always quick to respond to my calls and emails, you understood and paid attention to my needs, and you helped me stay within my budget while producing a beautiful invitation and other related paper items.  You were so accommodating and easy to work with that you were never a source of wedding-planning stress.  Not to mention that the invitations and other papers turned out perfectly!  The quality of your work was exceptional and your attention to detail made all the difference.  There's no better way to say it, other than I loved working with you.  These are things I truly cannot say about every vendor --- I wish they all had been like you!  It was such a pleasure, so thank you!   Best wishes,
- Jennifer -
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