Kick back relax and plan a Spa Party!

Have you had a long week at work? Do you need to relax and kick back with the girls without spending a ton of money? Then a Spa Party is just what you need. Check out our step by step guide to creating your own spa party.


 The invitations: To really keep it simple, www.Evite.com has several cute spa party invitations. If you are feeling a little more ambitious, there are many spa-oriented pre-printed invitations or papers you can use to create one on the computer. Slip your invitation into the envelope with a piece of tissue paper you’ve scented with a calming aromatherapy oil. Be sure to state on the invitation which spa services will be included, the cost, and what (if anything) your guests should bring. See below for suggestions.

The setting: Many girlfriend groups like to reserve a block of time in a real spa, bring some bubbly and let girlfriends simply book and pay for the services they desire. This is a simple approach, and you’ll have a blast. If this appeals to you, go for it! But if you have a smaller budget or want the more intimate ambiance of a spa party at home, read on. You really don’t have to do a lot to transform your rooms into spa-dom. Your girlfriends will feel relaxed just being out of their own homes!

Create a spa-like atmosphere with dimmed lights and plenty of candles. Use scented candles or an aromatherapy diffuser to infuse the air with a relaxing scent such as jasmine, lavender, or rose. Play soothing music in the background, fresh flowers here and there, while not absolutely necessary, add some natural beauty. Be sure to have plenty of comfortable seating and a good selection of trashy magazines to make your girlfriends feel like they’re in spa heaven!

Food and drink: Cut off the caffeine and offer light, relaxing beverages such as wine, herbal tea, or juice spritzers. If you’re handy with a blender, you can whip up smoothies for one and all. For simple yet satisfying nibbles, use healthy whole finger foods you can simply purchase at your supermarket and set out in a buffet. Nuts, cheese cubes, a sushi platter, and a fruit plate create a well-rounded snack offering. Squares of dark chocolate are a healthy way to feed everyone’s sweet tooth. With slightly more work you can make chocolate-dipped strawberries for a decadent treat.


Spa services: It’s easy to get your favorite spa services–manicures, facials, massages, even reiki masters– in-home today. Invite your favorite massage therapist to set up a chair for mini massages. Call the local beauty school and ask them to send a team of nail specialists. The cost is usually quite reasonable if split among your guests. Don’t forget to tip the service provider. As the host, you may want to take care of the tip yourself, or you can put out a jar for contributions. The providers generally bring their own supplies, but you’ll probably need to set aside a comfortable, quiet area for the spa services.
Or you can make it even more fun and do it yourself! A great way to bond with your girlfriends and save money would be to do the services yourselves. To supplement the paid-for services, you can provide manicure supplies or have each guest bring her own. Ask each guest to bring a favorite nail color or hand lotion to share, for example. It’s a lot more fun to do your nails surrounded by your girlfriends, laughing over life love and friends, than doing them by yourself in front of the tv.

Do-it-yourself affirmation cards: Here’s a good activity for your girlfriends to do after a massage, when they are feeling relaxed and reflective, but before doing their nails. Give each guest a stack of blank cards you’ve cut from colored card stock. Have them write a positive affirmation and copy it onto enough cards so each girlfriend can have one. Ideally, they should use an affirmation that has meaning for them, or that has helped them in some way. You may want to provide some examples to get them started..

Party favors: There are many possibilities for simple, inexpensive party favors that let your girlfriends take home a little spa relaxation. Tie an aromatherapy votive candle up in some tulle with a ribbon. Create a relaxation CD and copy it for all your friends. Wrap up a natural soap and a loofah or bath scrubbie. Feeling crafty? Make your own bath salts and give each girlfriend a small jar or even a plastic bagful.

Tips for attending business conferences

On Saturday, March 3rd, 2011, SageEden Media Group will be hosting its annual Business Builders Immersion, which is an exciting conference that targets young Bahamians who want to start or maintain thriving businesses. There will be incredible speakers, amazing giveaways and more. We are excited to host this inspiring conference at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort, and have decided to give you a few tips on attending conferences like these, which will help you to maximize your experience at our event and others.

1. Bring your business cards -- BBI and other conferences give you a great opportunity to network with people with similar ideas or professionals who work in your field. Who knows? You may find an investor for your business, discover a new career opportunity or simply expand your network, which is always good.

2. Be an active participant by asking questions and making comments -- Business conferences are one of the few opportunities to get advice from experts without paying an arm and a leg for it. Take the chance to learn something new and share that knowledge with others.

3. Stay for the entire conference -- you never know who you'll get the opportunity to meet before or after the conference. Also, even though the speakers' topics are listed in the programme, sometimes they will divert from the topic and say the exact thing you may need to hear, so don't skip out on anything.

4. Get to know new people -- a conference is not the time to hang out with people you already know. Take yourself out of your comfort zone and introduce yourself to new people. It's likely that they are also looking for the opportunity to meet new people.

5. Attend different types of sessions -- Just because you work in Public Relations doesn't mean that you have to attend the session on Public Relations. Expand your horizons and learn something new that will broaden your points of reference.

Remember these tips and put them to use on March 3rd at the Business Builders Immersion. See you there!

New Year- Get Married Here! (In the Bahamas)

It's a New Year, maybe this is the year that you and your fiance intend to make your wedding day happen. Feeling flustered as yet? Last October we shared some questions that would help you as you are deciding whether or not a destination wedding is right for you. They were:

1.      How much does the couple plan on spending? 

2.      What type of climate do you want to get married in? Cold, warm or hot?

3.      How long do you want your wedding “weekend” or “retreat” to be?

4.      How far do you want to go or willing to travel?

5.      How far are your most important guests willing or able to afford to go?

6.      What will the cost be for your guests?

7.      How important is your ceremony and what locations can accommodate your religious needs?

8.      Will you be providing any rooms, airfare or meals for your guests?

9.      How many guests do you want to share in your special day?

10.   Do you want a formal or casual destination wedding and location?

Trackback URL: <http://sageedenmediagroup.blogspot.com/2011/10/is-destination-wedding-right-for-you.html>

Have you and your fiance answered these questions? If you have then you should know if a possible destination wedding is for you. But now you may face the issue of not being sure about where you want it. Why not here? It's a New Year, all about changes and growth as a person and couple. Getting married here in the Bahamas is the perfect choice. If you haven’t completely made that decision here are five great reasons why other brides have gotten married here.

1.      We are less than an hour away from Florida by plane. This proximity means that you and your family spend less time traveling to get here. Less time traveling also normally means less money spent on travel expenses. This also means that you have more options in terms of traveling to our islands. You can choose to come by plane and stay in an amazing hotel or come here via a cruise and get married while you are in Nassau on any number of our beautiful beaches.

2.      Choices. Just as we give you choices in terms of travel- we give you choices in terms of location. The Bahamas is an archipelago- meaning we are a chain of islands. We have over 700 islands, rocks & cays- so many islands, so much fun, and so many beautiful venues to choose from. From having your wedding on a beach with trained dolphins doing tricks as you exchange vows; going cliff diving in Eleuthera after you say your “I do’s”; to the beautiful St. Peter’s Catholic church in Long Island you have more places to get married here than any other destination. You also have choices as it relates to the accommodations you and your guests will be at. So many hotels, bed & breakfasts, inns and guest houses to choose from.

3.      Romance. Many celebrities have chosen our islands for their getaway nuptials because it is so beautiful, quiet and romantic. Imagine the low tide with sand dollars and starfish littering the beach, twinkling in the moonlight. The moon above your head is full and high over the ocean floor blanketed by a heavy curtain of diamond like stars. Walking the beach and feeling like you two are alone and away from everyone. It doesn’t have to be quiet- you can come during Junkanoo season and party in the streets, or enjoy some of our nightlife as a couple. Then on your wedding day the designers and planners that we have are known the world over for their stunning creativity when it comes to the world of events. Whatever it is you are dreaming of- we will create it for you. Every aspect of your wedding is catered to your idea of romance.

4.      Detail oriented professionals. It is all about you and your dream wedding here. From the planners & designers, to the ministers, to the officials at the Registrar General- they all pitch in to make your wedding day the best day ever. We take out the hassle for you. We have simple requirements for the marriage license, the designers are world renown for their creativity, and photographers search for locations that will give you the most stunning photos. We want you to enjoy every moment you have here on your wedding day.

5.      Family Friendly. Bring your mom, dad, granddad, kids, nieces and nephews- our islands accommodate them all. We are a “family of islands” in so many ways. Here is a place where the children in your family can play on the shores of swash buckling pirates, your parents can golf and treat their selves to the spa, the place where everyone can be their own island but come together for your best day.

In the end I want you to remember that a Bahamas wedding, vow renewal, or even honeymoon is all about you! Nothing is impossible for us when it comes to our guests. I hope you enjoy every moment that you have here in the Bahamas. Be blessed, stay safe, and stay planning!

Re-Cap of "Constellations"

An Event Location that is out of this World!

The other day on our Facebook page we were asked to give a list of places that we would suggest for events to be held at. In the Bahamas there are so many different locations to choose from- with varying themes and capacities. I would like to put forward to you an event location that we found to be unlike any other, the place we are holding our event at tomorrow- Compass Point Restaurant.

Located in the plush Compass Point Beach Resort, this restaurant is renowned for its innovative cuisine and unique atmosphere. It is out of this world (really it is- its situated on the other side of the island to most of us)- but the drive to this location is definitely worth it. The sunsets at this restaurant are spectacular, the rainbows, the starlit sky above at night. You won't feel like you are in New Providence anymore. This restaurant is a vibrant colored, beautiful and secluded place. The decor of Compass Point Restaurant features rich fabrics and bold use of color. 

As you walk in you feel like you are at home- the professional staff and their warm, friendly greetings can be something to ease you and your guests. This location has the down home feel of many B&B's that are throughout our islands, but with its own brand of elegance that can be found nowhere else in the world. For potential brides- you can do so much here & the manager Viktor will ensure that his staff takes care of all of your worries.

If you are like me- tired of looking at locations where they serve every other thing but native food then this restaurant will give you what you want. Bahamian Cuisine is available in abundance here. My favorite from their menu is their Fish & Chips. A beautifully crusted fillet of Snapper (one fish that I normally avoid like a plague) with thinly sliced freshly made potato chips on a bed of greens that was so tender, flavor filled and delicious that I am ready to find a way out there for a taste. Outside of their regular menu they have a menu specially created for events. With a variety of potential event menu ideas that will suit your tastes and desires- it is amazing what all you CAN have here.

If you are worried about your guests being fully entertained while they wait- don't be. There are five 50 inch televisions, an Outdoor Oceanfront bar as well as Indoor dining room, bar and lounge. With Compass Point the possibilities are endless for your event. Be it a daytime event or something at night your event will be fabulous. At the end of your successful event you can relax because this event location has that effect.

For more information about this positively brimming with potential event location contact us at SageEden or come join us at our event for a better idea of what it is like be there tomorrow- Thursday, November 17th, 2011.

Until the next time stay inspired, stay planning, stay positive!

Constellations...A Networking & Rebranding Event

We at the SageEden team are sooooo excited about our relaunch event this Thursday!

Since its incpetion, SageEden Media Group has been on a path of evolution and revolution adding and revamping services and products.

At Constellations, we will be unveiling our new logo which embodies our corporate yet creative culture. Additionally, we will be hosting a silent auction which will raise funds for donation to children living with HIV.
Our amazing silent auction partners have made this possible.

We would also like to showcase the internationally renowned Compass Point Resort who is the major corporate sponsor for this event. Not only are they providing a beautiful venue, but food and drinks as well.

Our special entertainment includes: Lenelle Michelle Mime, Kim Welcome and Giavanna Knowles with Daniel's Den musicians.

Our event will also serve as a reminder to clients and potential clients of our services which include Advertisement Production, Development of Business Presentations, Event Media Presentations, Marketing, Public Relations, Corporate Training, Event Coordination, Image/Product Branding, Media and Image Consulting, Motivational Speaking and more.

Overall I wish to say thank you to all of our supporters who have helped SageEden become the success it has become. Without you it would not have been possible, so let us say "Thank you!" See you on Thursday!

 

Purpose Packed- Anointed for Kingdom Business

I originally had planned to write about event locations in the Bahamas- but today I feel like writing about an event that I think will do so much more for this country and world at large. Many times when we hear people talking about the activities and events that young persons are involved in (or able to become involved in) and it is negative. It doesn't have to always be this way. Love, Life, Help and Hope International Ministries (LLHHICM) is embracing on a major community initiative to change this. 




LLHHICM on Saturday 12^th November, 2011 we will be hosting “Purpose Packed” a self development Youth Conference and Job Expo. Under the timely theme of "Anointed for Kingdom Business" they want to take young persons to a newer place of thought. This event will be held on the grounds of New Redeemed Tabernacle (COGIC), Refuge Court of Cowpen Road, Nassau Bahamas.

This initiative targets young people in the community between the ages of 15 - 35 years old. The Purpose-Packed Youth Conference is designed to demonstrate to young people that true purpose and potential can be unlocked regardless of life’s challenges. In a time where persons are being told that dreams cannot be achieved because of their age, socio-economic background, gender, race or other background this conference is key. It is time that youth know that they can have all they want- they just need to be diligent & strive for it. 

With Purpose Packed speakers such as: Keshelle Kerr, Minister Vanright Whylly, Chavara Roker, Mr. Mickel Lightbourne, Sharell Carroll and others the youth are getting advice from persons who are positive role models. This Conference is not just filled with speakers- it also includes a Job Expo for the youth so that they get an idea of what areas are out there for them. They want to help the young persons of the communities think outside of the box.

If you have youth in your home or neighbourhood who seem not to have a purpose for their life this is a great event to send them to. Purpose Pack 2011 promises to be an awesome time of spiritual enlightenment, development and fellowship and promises to be an amazing event to attend. For further information contact Chavara Roker (Conference Coordinator) @ purposepacked2011@gmail.com. 

Until next time- stay planning, stay encouraged, stay blessed.

Flowers & Seashells

The bridal bouquet is one detail of a wedding that can seem to be so small but can have huge impact on your big day. Today we will discuss types of flowers to use for your arrangement and the one popular non floral accessory you can use for your Bahamas wedding- seashells.

If you don’t really know a rose from a peony know that we at Sage Eden are more than willing to help you figure out what types of flowers you would want in your bouquet for your big day. Think of it in most high impact photos the bride is holding her bouquet. The bouquet should mirror the style that the bride wants for her wedding. Choose flowers that will work well with the climate that you are marrying in.

Helliconia, hibiscus, bougainvillea, Poinciana, calla lilies, birds of paradise, pink or red ginger, pin cushions, cymbidium orchids, roses, and stargazer lilies are all wonderful flowers for a bouquet. Some of these flowers are native to the Caribbean whilst others were introduced over time. Many of these flowers are found within the Caribbean growing cultivated & wild.

All of these flowers are magnificent in their beauty and very hearty for the heat of a Bahamian wedding (if you plan on marrying outdoors).

Another option is a seashell bouquet especially for those of you who may not really want flowers, or want to use something less traditional.

A seashell bouquet can be a bouquet of flowers with seashell adornishments, or a full bouquet of seashells. The creativity found in this type of bouquet can wow and amaze guests as persons have been able to craft the shells into vibrant flowers. Some persons have gone as simple as using a conch shell to hold native flowers.

I hope that you have been inspired today. If you need any help with planning and coordinating your big day we at SageEden are always here for you.

Until the next time- stay blessed, stay planning, stay encouraged and stay motivated.

Winter Wedding Themes

Wedding planning can be a chore or fun- we want to make it fun for you!

For my brides who are not quite sure what colors should be used within the next few months here are a few ideas. Firstly, talk to your fiancé about his favorite colors, and then I want you to think of your favorite colors to wear or see on other people. Figure out if there is some way to mix both you and your fiancés colors (find where they overlap), then look online for ideas of how to put your colors together. Some of the best designers I know utilize search engines for theme and color ideas.One aspect of wedding planning that can be either a comfort or a chore for brides is picking out wedding themes or colors. If you are like me it is a joy- I’ve been dreaming of the colors my girls will wear and the décor of the actual wedding and reception. I’m a beach girl so I know my wedding will be filled with bright and vibrant colors. But for other brides putting together colors is not as easy.

This winter has some of the best color palettes I have seen in a while. Winter 2011 color themes can include black and white, reds, all white, golds and dark purples. Some of my favorite themes for this winter include the ‘peacock’ and ‘blue damask’.

Today I shared on the inspiration board options for your peacock theme as I recently helped coordinate & design the invitations for a recent peacock themed wedding. If you love teals, purples, golds, sage greens and browns or any one color with ivory- this is your theme. The variety of designs that this theme affords is a great aspect to it. Many brides tend to stick with rich purples, blues and greens for this theme.

If you need help deciding on your color palette feel free to contact us at SageEden for more information.

Until the next time, stay inspired, stay encouraged, stay planning!

Customized Aisle Runners- Definite DO!

Hello to all of my fellow brides to be! As you are planning, by now you realize that a wedding is a lot of items to organize. From the dress, to the flowers you will hold, everything is a decision methodically thought out. When you are planning a wedding, a lot of times it is the little details that make a big impact but are also easily forgotten during planning. It is my goal to help you not forget any aspect of your wedding.

Think of it- your favorite photos to view from weddings include the bride standing as a loved one is helping her with her veil or dress in front of the ceremony venue. In this photo you see the beauty of the dress, the poignancy in the love and bond she has with her family and also the hope she has for this day. Another well loved photo is of the bride walking down the aisle towards her husband. I'm sure these are two that are on your must have shot list. Have you ever wondered if there was a way for you to carve out your mark in that photo- to make your photo one that everyone will remember?

Many photos get lost in the bustle of bridal photos. But you can make yours stand out. Where do you want your wedding ceremony photos to fall? Do you want to be memorable? Do you want high impact? One guaranteed way to do this is in customizing your aisle runner. Personalized wedding items are always a big success! Especially hand painted personalized aisle runners- they are more than just a fad- they afford you the opportunity to let persons truly see the style that you and your groom have. It adds a touch of class to your wedding day.

No matter your style there are aisle runners to suit your individual tastes. From beautiful simple designs for the more reserved to the elaborate designs for the more vivacious personalities. With a little creativity anything is possible. Many couples choose to simply have a word or phrase like: "Love", "Today I Marry My Best Friend" or "And They Lived Happily Ever After" on their aisle runner.

The key to an aisle runner is to match it to your wedding theme and style. You can add flowers, sea shells, stones, candles and many other items to the aisle runner to personalize it even more. If you are worried about length, don't be, because no matter the aisle's length an aisle runner can be created to suit you.

If you really are thinking of adding a customized aisle runner to your details, trust us they are worth it. Our CEO Sharell, who was married in June, had a very creative aisle runner for her nuptials. It was creative and showcased the colors and details that they wanted. It was created by SageEden and Whatever you dream of now as you think of your potential aisle runner- know that it is possible. If you aren't sure of the style you want research and look for photos for ideas of what would work well for you.

Customized aisle runners are a definite DO for any wedding- and they can fit any budget. Affordable, custom aisle runners designed in house by SageEden can be yours. For further information please contact us at sageeden@gmail.com. Until the next time stay planning, stay inspired, stay blessed!

Is a Destination Wedding right for you?

Hello to all of our blog followers & visitors! It is not Sharell sharing with you today but Natasha, the Marketing Coordinator here at SageEden. My contribution to this blog will be bi-weekly posts about the world of event planning. I will share with you some of my experience and tips gained as a Planning Coordinator of an Events company, my experience helping friends & family with their events, and my years of experience in the NGO/NPO Events planning.

Many brides dream of their once upon a time moment- me being chief among them. It takes us just a moment to fully grasp that in just a little while we will receive that which we have waited for- ‘forever’. I personally, have spent hours upon hours researching the perfect beach, the perfect hotel, the perfect location for my dream day. This is the day that we dream of all our lives, the day that we walk down the aisle as Ms. & return as Mrs. With all the ideas, the plans, the dreams that we have had we are floored when we finally do get the chance to implement.

Forever starts with that one blessed kiss, be it with two or two-thousand guests we search for it- like Ponce De Leon searched for the elusive ‘fountain of youth’- in every guy we dated seriously, in every guy we wanted to date seriously and now you have it.

Now that you have your forever, it is time to answer the real question- where should I have it?

Should you have it at a church, in a garden, on a beach, in your parents’ backyard or just a private civil service in the judge’s office? If you have stumbled across this blog it is most likely because you want a ‘Destination Wedding’ and need help figuring it out. This is where we come in.

Destination Weddings are: a great way to spend time with your friends and family on the most amazing weekend of your life; can be cost saving in addition to weeding out the 3rd and 4th cousins that mom wants you to invite and it allows you to turn what is normally a 5 hour party into 48 hours!

There are a few questions I found that can help any couple plan their dream day. Read through, discuss as a couple, and figure out what are your true dreams for your wedding.

1. How much does the couple plan on spending?

2. What type of climate do we want to get married in? Cold, warm or hot?

3. How long do you want your wedding “weekend” or “retreat” to be?

4. How far do you want to go or willing to travel?

5. How far are your most important guests willing or able to afford to go?

6. What will the cost be for your guests?

7. How important is your ceremony and what locations can accommodate your religious needs?

8. Will you be providing any rooms, airfare or meals for your guests?

9. How many guests do I want to share in my special day?

10. Do you want a formal or casual destination wedding and location?

I hope the questions and photographs have helped you with figuring out if a Destination Wedding is truly the thing for you. Be blessed, stay safe, and stay planning!