Of Course, Never, Maybe? December 14, 2009

(Blog 15)

I believe, that as in the last post, since this blog helped me so much in my career that I will hold onto it. I am not sure, however, if I will continue to post or not. I think it would be fun to look at a couple of years from now and find myself interested in the same things. I can’t imagine how things could change. It would also be interesting to see if I know more about the topics discussed on my blog.

I can see myself blogging about various things in the future. I always thought blogging was some difficult thing that only certain people could do. I now realize that anyone can write a blog about anything. It gives me the idea to share this information with my family. My mom goes to Jordan every year for 2 months on an archaeological dig. She sends countless e-mails during this time period, and it would be so much easier for her to create a blog. That way people could keep up with her and how she is doing, and respond where everyone can see and contribute.

I can see myself blogging about a number of things when I get older. I used to write in a diary (not personal, but just what I was thinking about the world) and I think it might be neat to share that with people.

Parties, Events, Planning, oh my!

(Blog 14)

I have learned a lot about my topic by writing this blog. I have always been interested in event planning for a career, but also enjoy entertaining in my own home for small groups of people. I was able to combine both of these interests in my blog and learn a lot through research.

It has helped me to narrow down my choices for my career based on my degree. For example, my major is Advertising and Public Relations. I was not sure before this blog if I wanted to work for a large company planning corporate events in-house, work for an event company, or work for an event venue. I believe this blog has helped me realize I am interested in all aspects, therefore, I want to be a part of an event company that plans all different events.

I was able to use some of my own experiences in the blog. As I interned for an event planner in Dallas this year, the letter (Blog 9) helped me realize that I want to do it again this summer.

I am very thankful for everything that this blog has helped me realize on my own. It has taught me that writing does not have to be about a boring topic given by a teacher, it can be interesting to both you and others. It has also taught me EVERYTHING, even event planning, is an argument.

Party Like a Rockstar

(Blog 13)

“Celebrate good times, come on”  -Kool & The Gang

“Party every day, p-p-party every day”  -Black Eyed Peas

“Party in the USA”  -Miley Cyrus

“Everybody want to party with you”  -Madonna

“Get this party started”  -Pink

“Tick tock, and the party don’t stop”- KeSha

“The road goes on forever, and the party never ends”  -Robert Earl Keen

Why are there so many songs about parties? They consume our lives and something that we do for others to appreciate them, to celebrate an experience, or to make us feel happy. These lyrics above remind us of the feelings we achieve at a party.

Martha, Martha, Martha

(Blog 9)

Martha Stewart. One name, and everyone knows her. Equitable to Oprah, Martha has created a following of people with various interests. She has built her empire by publishing, broadcasting, and merchandising. However, she is not received the same by all groups of people. Her personal life influenced public opinion of her talent and capabilities.

Martha Stewart originally worked for a caterer until she wrote her first cookbook in the 1980′s. H her business empire began by writing books, newspaper articles, and magazines articles. She started her own magazine, Martha Stewart Living, which led to an hour long TV show on CBS. With her success, she felt that it would be more efficient to own the companies which produce her programs and publish her magazines and books, therefore starting Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.

However, Martha suffered a terrible loss in her following and reputation when in 2001 she was convicted of illegally obtaining information about the stock market. She sold stock before it went down and therefore paid the price by serving a five month sentence at Alderson Federal Prison Camp in West Virginia.

I believe that she will not be remembered for this, but for her fame and success. Since her release, she has gone on to guest star on prime-time television shows, and had added to the Martha Stewart empire. More magazines have come out, Martha Stewart Weddings being one of them.

The audience that loves Martha is her tried and true followers who appreciate the work that she does. People might have different opinions based on her personal struggles. I will always love Martha and the things she has taught me.

Expanding My Future December 13, 2009

(Blog 4)

Dear Todd Fiscus,

During the previous summer of 2009 interning for your event company, I learned more than I ever could have in a classroom. Observing you and your staff made me realize that I want to become an event planner one day. Your impressive take-over of Dallas is admirable. You have dabbled a bit in every business and have created your own companies: event planning (todd.events), public relations (Rest+Revolution), floral store (Avant Garden), lighting company (Switch), event venue (The Apartment), hotel bar (Poolside at the Joule), restaurant (Tillman’s Roadhouse), furniture company (Suite 206), graphics company (todd.too), wedding department (todd.weddings), and nightclub (PM). In order to learn more about the business and help you in your efforts to expand your resources to Fort Worth and throughout the metroplex I would like another opportunity this coming summer to learn more.

I believe I fulfilled all of my duties as an intern that were required of me in each department: production, floral, corporate, and the wedding division. Having experienced the way you run your company I believe I could do an even better job this summer. I have an understanding and a knowledge about the computer system. I know the vendors that you work with and who to contact. I can create proposals for clients, create floor plans to scale, and create proposed budgets. I have done an install while working in all four areas and know what is involved and required of each employee. If you give me the opportunity to learn more this summer, maybe one day I could help you develop an event company in Fort Worth using my social connections.

Thank you for teaching me.

Sincerely,

Allie Kobs

Holiday Entertaining November 18, 2009

The holidays are upon us and that means entertaining for family and friends. Decorating, planning, and cooking may seem overwhelming, but with a few simple tricks, you will be ready to impress in no time. I will walk you through a centerpiece idea, menu, and gifting techniques to throw the perfect Chinese Gift Exchange Dessert party. Bring on the people, and your doorbell will be ringing more than the Christmas sleigh-bells.

Poinsettias, a traditional holiday flower, can get boring in that potted plant with a foil bottom. To dress it up, but still stay in the holiday spirit, try cut white poinsettias. A single stem is all you need in one silver bud vase, and for a centerpiece start a collection in varying heights. Try silver candelabras or candle stick holders and place a colorful candle stick in each one.

For the menu, take  it easy on yourself. Take a hint from Sandra Lee, and try something “semi-homemade.” I found a great product at Williams Sonoma the other day to make Pumpkin Dessert Squares, a twist on pumpkin pie. Buy the jar of Pecan Pumpkin Butter. Here is the recipe from Williams Sonoma:

Williams Sonoma: Pecan Pumpkin Butter

1 box yellow cake mix

8 Tbs. (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, plus 4 TBS. (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small chunks

3 eggs

1 jar Pecan Pumpkin Butter

2 Tbs. milk

1 Tbs. all-purpose flour

1/4 cup sugar

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees. Lightly great a 9-by-13-inch baking pan.

Reserve 1 cup of the cake mix in a small bowl. In a bowl, stir together the remaining cake mix, the 8 Tbs. (1 stick) melted butter and 1 of the eggs. Pour into the prepared pan.

In another bowl, stir together the Pecan Pumpkin butter, the remaining 2 eggs and the milk. Pour over the cake batter in the pan.

Add the flour, sugar, and cinnamon to the bowl with the reserved cake mix and stir to combing. Add the 4 Tbs. (1/2 stick) cold butter. Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter until pea-size crumbs form and them mixture clumps together. Crumble over the pumpkin butter mixture. Bake until golden, 35-40 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool, then cut into squares and serve. (with champagne of course!)

For dressing up holiday gifts, don’t underestimate the power of something a little bit crafty. Next time your at the store, pick up an extra deck of red playing cards. Tying a group of these (just hole punch the corner of three cards) onto a present provides an eye catching and creative addition. Other things to try: buttons, feathers, flowers, and sparkly snowflake ornaments. Everyone will be wanting to choose your gift in the game!

Be Creative With A Playing Card

 

Mix Gold and Silver and Add Some Sparkle

 

 

 

Miss Allie Connell Kobs, presented by her father, Jeffrey Huffman Kobs November 9, 2009

Chandeliers

Celebrations and parties do not have to be just for birthdays, weddings, holidays, and corporate events. Some cities and social networks have their own traditions that can be very meaningful to the people who take part in them. I am taking this opportunity to share a recent personal experience of being a debutante.

In Fort Worth, there are two social clubs. One is a young mens club, Steeplechase, and the other a women’s club, Assembly. Each year both clubs present young women to society. If your mother, grandmother, or aunt is not in Assembly, then girls can be sponsored by their fathers or a close friend in Steeplechase. Each club throws a ball.

As my mother is a member and Secretary of Assembly, this is where I made my debut. It was held at Ridglea Country Club at 8:30 on November 7, 2009. The presentation started at 9:00, where each of the 12 Assembly debutante’s made their bow (nose to the ground) to the president. The James Davis orchestra played a song of our choice as we promenaded to the President, Vice-President, and Secretary of Assembly. A waltz with our fathers signified the end of the presentation, where drinks, food, music, and dancing followed.

Making my Bow

Promenade with my Father

This experience is memorable to me because my mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother all made their debut in Assembly, and have all been president or held office. I will always remember last weekend, from the decorations, to the people, and hope that one day, my daughter will choose to make her debut as well.

Three Generations of Assembly Debutantes