Wacky Wednesdays: The Man Registry

I came across this website just recently and I am totally diggin' it. It's a website that is just for the groom and is dedicated to everything groom. There's information on finding the right vendors for such things as the Bachelor Party, Rehearsal Dinner, DJ's, Groom's Cake, Groom Etiquette, and everything else that deals with the male perspective of the wedding. It's a perfect accompaniment to the bridal help sites. The best part of this is that it also has a wedding registry that caters just to the groom...non of the fancy shmancy china stuff.

I think it's wonderful and I am kinda sad I did not come up with the idea first! Go check it out or better yet tell your groom to check out, The Man Registry.



-Percy

Photo and video from The Man Registry

Wacky Wednesdays: Fidelity: Don't Divorce (Courage Campaign)

"Fidelity": Don't Divorce... from Courage Campaign on Vimeo.

Today I am doing a little political blog...because I believe that Love is Love and in Equal Rights.

Tomorrow, my partner/husband and I will be celebrating our 17th anniversary, longer than most of our heterosexual friends. Yet, we have only been legally married since June 17, 2008 (8 months)...the first day that it was legal and recognized that ALL Californians had the right to marry the ONE PERSON THEY LOVE. As of today, our marriage is still intact, but Ken Starr is wanting to have our marriage taken away...basically force us to divorce, even though we were married before the November 4, 2008 passing of Prop 8. I urge all of you who stand on the side of love, support marriage equality, and believe that my marriage should remain valid, to visit www.couragecampaign.org/divorce and sign the petition that will be sent to the Supreme Court of California.

From the Courage Campaign. "On December 19, 2008, Ken Starr and the Prop 8 Legal Defense Fund filed legal briefs defending the constitutionality of Prop 8 and seeking to nullify the marriages of 18,000 devoted same-sex couples solemnized before Prop 8 passed.

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in this case on March 5 2009, with a decision expected within 90 days." People signing the petition are asking, "That the Court enforce the equality promised to each of us by our constitution and invalidate Prop 8. By doing so, it will protect all loving, committed couples in California -– including the 18,000 who said "I do" last year –- and prevent the initiative process from being a tool for stripping vulnerable minorities of precious constitutional rights.

As Americans who believe in the rule of law and fundamental civil rights, we know that Ken Starr and the Prop 8 Legal Defense Fund's shameful attempt to nullify equal protection and all these bonded unions will be condemned in the eyes of history. We know that, ultimately, love will prevail, no matter how hard they try to fight it."

Support Love, Support Equality.

-Percy

P.S. This video was very emotional. We submitted our family photo to this, but unfortunately, we did not make the cut. However, it's still a great video and a wonderful song.

Video from Courage Campaign

TIPsy Tuesday: Knowing your Diamonds

Since Valentine's Day is one of the biggest days for proposals, I thought I would write a blog for the proposer, so they understand what to look for in a diamond. Sure the proposal is more than just the diamond, but we all know that once the question is asked and the answer is given, the first thing the proposed one does is show off the bling.

So here's your tip in understanding what to look for when buying a diamond.

Diamond 101: The Four C's from Buying Diamonds

The 4Cs about buying diamonds are used throughout the world to classify the rarity of diamonds. Diamonds with the combination of the highest 4C ratings are more rare and, consequently, more expensive. The four c's of diamond covers numerous aspects of each individual diamond's qualities, but there are four grades which are critical to understand i.e cut, clarity, color, and carat weight.

The four c's about buying diamonds are:

Diamond Cut

The cut of a diamond has a tremendous affect on its brilliance. Even if the diamond has perfect color and clarity, a poor cut can make a diamond look dull. Cut is probably the most important quality factor, and most challenging, of the four Cs to understand. The brilliance of a diamond depends heavily on its cut. More info on diamond cut.

Diamond Clarity

Most diamonds have inclusions (minute traces of non-crystallized carbon). Usually, the inclusions are not visible to the naked eye (excluding Imperfects). I think that the minute inclusions that there may be, make every diamond unique like a finger print.

Most diamonds contain some inner flaws, or inclusions, that occur during the formation process. The visibility, number and size of these inclusions determine what is called the clarity of a diamond. Diamonds that are clear create more brilliance, and thus are more highly prized, and priced. More info on diamond clarity.

Diamond Color

Most diamonds have a slightly yellow or brown color. With the exception of some natural fancy colors (blue, pink, violet, green, or red (expensive one), the colorless grade is the most valuable.

GIA developed color scale for colorless diamond. Diamond color is graded on the scale from D (colorless) to Z+ (fancy yellow). Your price range will determine what color, cut and shape that your diamond will have which color range.

Colorless diamonds are the most desirable since they allow the most refraction of light (sparkle). Off white diamonds absorb light, inhibiting brilliance. More info on diamond color.

Carat Weight

Carat weight is the obvious factor in determining the price of a diamond. However, bigger is not always better in the diamond business. If there are two diamonds of equal weight can have very unequal value, depending on their cut, color and clarity.

The weight of the diamond is measured in carats. The metric carat equals 0.200 gram. A carat is the unit of weight by which a diamond is measured. Because large diamonds are found less commonly than small diamonds, the price of a diamond rises exponentially to its size. Read this guide to get a better understanding of what a carat is and how it affects the appearance of a diamond. More info on diamond carat weight.

Hope this helps is picking the right ring for your loved one. Good Luck and Congratulations!

-Percy

Photo from Buying Diamonds

Wacky Wednesdays: 45 Life Lessons and 5 To Grow On by Regina Brett

This was sent to me today and I thought it was appropriate to share for my Wacky Wednesday post. This list of 45 life lessons and 5 to grow on was originally published in The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, OH and written by Regina Brett, to celebrate growing older.

So as I look forward to my own odometer turning 40 next month. I thought I would share Regina's list with you. When I read it, all I can think was...this list makes total sense!

So here's the list:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.

17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. The best is yet to come.

46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don't ask, you don't get.

49. Yield.

50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

I hope this list made you think of your own life and that you enjoyed it. If you would like to contact Regina Brett you can reach her at rbrett@plaind.com or visit her website www.reginabrett.com

-Percy

Photo from Regina Brett Website

TIPsy Tuesday: List Making

You think you have it all under control? You know exactly what to focus on? There's no need for a list! Think again. Making lists for any event, especially a wedding is crucial to knowing what you want your outcome to be and the elements that is most important to you.

Here's my tip in making a well focused list for your special day, which I ask all my clients to do:

• From the the onset both the bride and groom should each make a list of what they want as part of their wedding and want they definitely do not want.
• Once you have BOTH made your list, combine the two and see where you agree and where you don't.
• Make an agree list and don't agree list and discuss what from the don't agree list should make it to the agree list.
• Once you have your agree list, now it's time to do a want and need list that would correspond to the elements of the agree list. This will dictate what you you will focus on that will make the most impact on your day and what elements is a wish list if dollars are still available. (e.g. Agree List: Great Music; Need List: DJ, Guitarist; Want List: Live Band, String Quartet, Soloist).
  

Not only will these list help you focus on what you want for your special day, it will also help you focus on your budget and think about the importance of such "wanted things" would really mean.
Additionally, if you are working with a planner, it will give your planner a better sense of what the two of you want.

Have fun creating your lists!

-Percy

Photo form Flickr

Sorry for the lack of Blog

Hi All,

Sorry for the lack of blogging in the last month. But life has been crazy with weddings, events, and other life goings-on, and it has interfered with my ability to blog properly. I barely had time to put up my tree, but actually got to late Saturday night...glad that I finally did. The holidays seem to use all of my extra resources and with a 4-year old, anticipating Christmas...it is even more so.

As the holidays approach, I want to wish my readers, friends, clients, and colleagues Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and a Joyous and Prosperous New Year! I hope that 2009 brings all that you hope for and provides some magical and unexpected surprises!

I will continue my blogging on January 12, 2009. Taking time off to enjoy the holidays, finalize plans for a New Years Eve Wedding for a client, and spending time with my family. I hope you will all do the same and take in the season and the time to renew!

Let's Party with Percy Sales Events will also be revamped next year. Each day a blog will be posted to reflect the theme of the day. Here is what we have in store!

Mondays will be "Inspiration Mondays" and blogs will include inspiration boards and other things that inspire me to do what I love to do...plan weddings and events.

Tuesdays will be "TIPsy Tuesdays" and blogs will provide tips for planning events, etiquette advise, suggestions, reader questions answered, and DIY projects.

Wednesdays will be "Wacky Wednesdays" and I will blog on whatever comes to mind that week. It could be musings, contests announcements, casting calls, great new blog finds, or whatever else needs to be talked about.

Thursdays will be "Trend Thursdays" when we will reveal some hot trends in fashion, decor, gifts, registry items and other things to get you in the shopping mood. Additionally we will highlight great new vendors.

Fridays will be "Guest Blogger Fridays" when we get professionals in the wedding, event, and fashion industries to blog on our site for you. We will also hear from brides who want to talk about their planning experience. So if you are a vendor or a bride and want to guest blog on a certain Friday, please contact me at percy@percysales.com

Saturdays and Sundays will be my days off from blogging. I will take this time to think of things to blog about for the coming week, spend time with my family, and execute weddings and events.

I think staying on focus with what to do on my blog will help me provide you all with some great reading context to inspire your journey as well. It will also alleviate the stress for me to write something just for the sake of blogging. I hope you will enjoy the new format and I look forward to you all rejoining me on 01/05/09 as I start my new blog year!

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

-Percy

Photo by Percy Sales

With Liberty and Justice For All - Let your Voice be Heard - VOTE TODAY

Today is one of the most important days and it's your chance to have your voice heard. Please get out today and Vote Your Truth...it's your right. Let your voice be heard and VOTE!

I encourage exercise your right!

Californians - I ask that you vote on the side of love, stand up for equality, and to stop the hate. Vote NO on CA Prop 8.

-Percy

NO on CA Prop 8 - YES to Equality

It's my political statement for the month and this one is very close to my heart. If you are a Californian, I urge you to VOTE NO on CA Prop 8, which would eliminate the rights of same-sex couples to marry. I also ask that you tell your friends, family and loved ones to do the same. The proponents of CA Prop 8 have put out ads that lie about what Prop 8 is and I just want to put the facts in front of all of you.

Fiction: Teaching children about same-sex marriage will happen here unless we pass Prop 8.

Fact: Not one word in Prop 8 mentions education, and no child can be forced, against the will of their parents, to be taught anything about health and family issues at school. California law prohibits it, and the Yes on 8 campaign knows they are lying. Sacramento Superior Court Judge Timothy Frawley has already ruled that this claim by Prop 8 proponents is “false and misleading.”

Fiction: Churches could lose their tax-exemption status.

Fact: Nothing in Prop 8 would force churches to do anything. In fact, the court decision regarding marriage specifically says “no religion will be required to change its religious policies or practices with regard to same-sex couples, and no religious officiant will be required to solemnize a marriage in contravention of his or her religious beliefs.”

Fiction: A Massachusetts case about a parent's objection to the school curriculum will happen here.

Fact: Unlike Massachusetts, California gives parents an absolute right to remove their kids and opt-out of teaching on health and family instruction they don't agree with. The opponents know that California law already covers this and Prop 8 won't affect it, so they bring up an irrelevant case in Massachusetts.

Fiction: Four Activist Judges in San Francisco…

Fact: Prop 8 is not about courts and judges, it's about eliminating a fundamental right. Judges didn't grant the right, the constitution guarantees the right. Proponents of Prop 8 use an outdated and stale argument that judges aren't supposed to protect rights and freedoms. This campaign is about whether Californians, right now, in 2008 are willing to amend the constitution for the sole purpose of eliminating a fundamental right for one group of citizens.

Fiction: People can be sued over personal beliefs.

Fact: California’s laws already prohibit discrimination against anyone based on race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. This has nothing to do with marriage.

Fiction: Pepperdine University supports the Yes on 8 campaign.

Fact: The university has publicly disassociated itself from Professor Richard Peterson of Pepperdine University, who is featured in the ad, and has asked to not be identified in the Yes on 8 advertisements.

Fiction: Unless Prop 8 passes, CA parents won't have the right to object to what their children are taught in school.

Fact: California law clearly gives parents and guardians broad authority to remove their children from any health instruction if it conflicts with their religious beliefs or moral convictions.

Regardless of how you feel about same-sex marriage, we should not eliminate fundamental rights for ANY Californians. Please vote NO on Prop 8.

PS: Congrats to the State of Connecticut choosing EQUALITY and allowing to legalize same-sex marriages!

-Percy

Facts and Fiction from No On Prop 8
Photo by the Santa Barbara Independent (Wedding Day of Percy Sales and Ross Beardsley) 06/17/08 - Santa Barbara, California

Alternative $700 Billion Bail Out Plan - Tax Payer Friendly

I have had these same thoughts about the $700 billion bail out plan...well actually I've been thinking about it since we received our stimulus checks over the summer, but these people actually put it in writing, so I am glad others are thinking like I am. Here's the gist...and a brilliant way of jump starting the economy, but in reality their calculation is wrong. If in fact they divided the $700 billion by the estimated 305 million people in the US, that would amount to only $2,333/per person, but I would take it and pay off some bills! But if they only gave the money to the "tax" paying citizens, then we would get a lot more. This is from an email I received this morning:

"This plan took us all of about 10 minutes to come up with. Instead of using $700 BILLION to bail out the mismanaged corrupt institutions that put our economy where it is right now, why don't we bailout YOU, ME, and every other taxpayer in the country.

If we were to divide $700 billion by the 300 million citizens it would amount to roughly $230,000 each! We say that instead of bailing out the big financial institutions that we give this directly to the Citizens who pay the taxes, and let them bail themselves out!

If they use the windfall to pay off outstanding debt, then the lending institutions will stay afloat. Any money left over could be spent, invested or saved, depending on what the individual decides to do. Not only would it keep the economy going, it would make it thrive. In addition, it will take away the ability of more corrupt convoluted bureaucracy thieves to rip us off even more! Amen!

Ponder this over and send it to your email list if you think it may have merit. If not simply stick with the status quo and do nothing. Send this to everyone you know! Every Congressman and representative in the Land. The current Bail out does nothing for you and I."

Now I think this is a plan that can work for everyone. When Bush first offered the stimulus plan the beginning of the year, I thought to myself, well that's ridiculous! If they want to a boost in the economy, they are going to have to give all tax payers more than $300 to do that. I was thinking $10,000 was a good round number, that way people can really make a dent in their ability to pay off debt, or what ever they wanted to do with it. But if we all received $2,333 from the government, some people can really use that to get back on track. I really think that the bailout should go to the citizens, who will use that money to help themselves and help boost the economy.

Anyway, that's my political blog of the month. Exercise your right...VOTE on Tuesday, November 4, 2008!

-Percy

They Say...Do What You Love

My passions are event and wedding planning...what are yours? I also love to blog, because it gives me the opportunity to share my passion to the world...so why not get paid for doing what you love to do. In this case, I have found a great site, through a friend, that networks me with businesses and products that I think are worthy of my readers. It gives me an opportunity to review some great new products, sites and uses for my entire event and wedding planning needs, and in turn pass on the information to my dedicated fans. The site is called PayPerPost and basically it's blog advertising. Think of it as commercials for your personal blog, but the nice thing about it is that you get to blog about the stuff you really enjoy writing about and relevant to your passion!

Regardless if you are a party thrower, party goer or anyone in between, and you have your own blog, you might want to look into hooking up with PayPerPost and making money for blogging about what you love to do. What are you going to do with all that extra moola? I'm thinking of Paris and Prague for my 40th...did I just say that out loud. I think it's a great way to support your passion and a new way to network and meet new friends and business partners. So do yourself a favor and check them out.

-Percy

Photo from personal stock photos