Live! from Palm Springs California - Benita's 30th Birthday Celebration

Part 1 & 2 -To get parts 3, 4, and 5 delivered to your inbox, sign-up here!

A little background about this video:

Okay, so, my friend Benita decided that she wanted to celebrate her 30th birthday in a rock star fab way. She didn't just want to party somewhere in Richmond, VA. She wanted a complete experience. How forward-thinking is she?

Anyway, I committed to going along with whatever she decided she wanted to do. So, this fabulous chic decided on having a party, but not in Richmond. She wanted her friends to party in Palm Springs, California. Awesome, right?! Well, maybe not as cool for you folks that already live on the west coast, but for us mid-atlantic people, this is a spectacular idea!

Once the hotel was decided and the tickets were purchased, it was only a matter of counting down the days until the trip. Oh, by-the-way, Benita has friends scattered all over the country, so those going on the trip would fly from a different airport. It was minor logistics nightmare, however, it all worked out because all of our plane's got in at roughly the same time.

...Speaking of American Airlines, can I just say that I was so impressed. It's no secret that Jet Blue is my fav airline, but AA did alright. At least my luggage arrived when I did...this is important to know because on the return flight, we made it to the check-in counter with only 23 sec. to spare before the gate attendants closed the gate for boarding...it's that whole "being there at least 30 min. before the flight - post Sept. 11" deal. Nevertheless, I expected the worst from AA, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Enough about that. So, why the video montage of the trip?! Well, first because I just bought a flip and wanted to play with it. Two, because I thought you might want to see what a fun 30th birthday party looks like and might need some help planning your next milestone birthday (or any in between).

Due to some 'production delays', we had to put Part 1 and 2 together in this 5-part series. But be sure to check back tomorrow for part 3 and you certainly don't want to miss part 4 because it involves the night life. To get parts 3, 4, and 5 delivered to your inbox, sign-up here!

For more info about All About Presentation or other great party ideas check us out on the web. Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter

The All About Presentation Sample

Just wanted to share some of our early work with the audience!

Putting my foot down...finally!

I am sick and tired of bad news being the only news that you hear, aren't you?

If I hear another word about the record number of unemployed or if another news anchor says "these are the worst times since the great depression", I am going to scream!

I think by now, we understand what is going on, but we can't change anything by just complaining about it so I've joined the Good News movement and I hope that you will too.

My friend and business partner, Phil Daniel created a radio show dedicated to those of us who believe in positive thinking, motivation, and uplifting spirits through inspirational words, thoughts, and music.

How can you participate?

Tune in this, and every, Sunday from 12:00pm - 3:00pm on EZ 100.5 FM or online at ezfmradio.com.

The best part is that if you can't make it to the radio on Sunday, the show is available anytime online at ezfmradio.com

IF you own a business and are looking to advertise to like minded people...people who know the importance of positive thinking and who want to buy from businesses that believe in the same, we encourage you to contact Phil using the info above. OR, if you want to donate to the movement, contact Phil.

Join us this Sunday on the radio 100.5FM at 12:00pm to tune in to "Cool Jazz and Romance. Think and Grow Rich."

Help us combat negativity with positive thinking and motivation.

March Means Green

March 2009 - Green With Envy Leprechauns. Shamrocks. Green Beer. St. Patrick's Day... Wind?! Green is the color most widely associated with Ireland, with Irish people, and with St. Patrick's Day in modern times. Since we celebrate this feast day in March, most would associate the color green to the month of March. In keeping with the spirit of green while taking a twist on the topic, this months newsletter will focus on one of the hot button issues of our country "Going Green" and provide tips on how little changes can make a big difference. So much of the green movement can be confusing. But instead of focusing on the macro side of energy efficiency and creating sustainable environments, this newsletter will give you some helpful hints that you can start doing today to reduce waste, save yourself some money, and help the environment. Admittedly, events do not necessarily lend themselves to being part of a tree-hugging industry. In fact, the nature of events are meant to be temporary. However, if each of us does our part, little by little, we can reduce our trashy footprint. Happy reading and all the best to you this month! Do Five and Keep Earth Alive Here's the challenge. For the next 30 days pick one of the following five activities (taken from greenissexy.org) and commit to making it your effort at going green. Or, if you're feeling especially overzealous, trying doing all five. skip it and shake it. Just entered a public bathroom that doesn't have a door? You know, those oddly placed circular entrances you can typically find when the bathroom capacity is over 20 or 30, like a theater, concert hall, football stadium, or airport? Well, if there's no door to close on the way out, there's nothing to touch once you're hands are freshly rinsed. And knowing this, you can kick your jazz hands into effect, skip the paper towel, and shake your hands dry! For extra emphasis, try the "it's raining!" trick to a friend. It never goes down well, but you can mention that you saved a paper towel and they'll probably remember. energy-less date. Hot date coming up? Show how sexy you are when you put less energy into your date - and get more out, if uknowhaddaimean. 1) Cook a meal without cooking: forget that ol' stove and oven and, heck, even your unplugged microwave. Go light, go raw, go fresh salad! Get your bean taco on! Show sandwiches who is stylin'. 2) Candlelight dinner: It's romantic, it's sincere, it's been a long time since you had one last, hey? 3) Play a game: Yes, RockBand is super fun to play on a date - but what about that power and creativity that lies in charades? Or Apples-to-Apples? Or even just some good ol' fashioned competitive WAR? You'll be skipping those extra watts to power your projector and getting back to the basics: getting to know someone. Go spend your energy where it counts, you sexy thing! dial it back. Here's a quick and easy way to reduce waste in your life: give condiment packages and napkins back to the restaurant that gives them to you. Try asking fast food chains and takeout joints to leave out the extras from your next lazy dinner, but if they still throw in a handful of ketchups or a months worth of napkins, consider giving them back to the person who doled them out. By actually returning these wasteful extras, you'll be reducing your own impact while reminding the restaurant that no means no. Who knows? Maybe they'll think twice before overdoing it on the soy sauce for the next customer. natural food dyes. Want a truly green beer for St. Paddy's Day this year? You've probably already found yourself a nice organic pint, but the green food coloring you buy from the grocery store's baking aisle just really isn't all that green when you look at its ingredients. Instead opt for natural food colorings to truly green that beer for St. Paddy's Day this year! Try mixing chlorella (derived from algae) or liquid chlorophyll in your organic pint for an intense green- they are both available at your local health supplement store. Or for a pint to make Popeye proud, add some juiced spinach strained though a piece of cheesecloth. Hmm, does this make beer healthy? nice stems. 122lbs a month. This is how much food a family of four throws away every month, estimated through a survey that appeared in the New York Times last year. There are a lot of things we can do to drop the pounds on this surprising stat, like eat your leftovers and planning your meals so that you don't end up buying too much. But today's simple tip includes using a piece of food you might not consider to be edible: the broccoli stem. Packed with vitamins, the stem can be boiled or pan fried, adding a crunchy water-chestnut like texture to your stir fry. For more tips check out: http://www.greenissexy.org It Ain't Easy Being Green It ain't easy being green when an event is meant to be temporary, but with these tips, being green is a breeze. Whether you are hosting an event for 10 or 10,000, here are some easy ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Reduce by: 1. Using electronic registration or invitations (such as eventbrite.com or evite.com) and putting the program, speakers' materials and handouts online or send ahead via email. 2. Limiting or eliminating styrofoam (polystyrene) cups and containers. 3. Encouraging the use of mass-transit, carpooling and other environmentally preferable transportation choices. 4. Serving food that does not require plates or utensils such as heavy hor d'oeuvres on skewers, toothpicks, or finger foods Reuse by: 5. Producing signs and banners from durable, recovered materials. 6. Handing out gifts such as reusable mugs or sports bottles that can be used at the event, take home and use again. Recycle by: 7. Creating displays or giveaways from recovered materials that can also be recycled. 8. Setting up a system for recycling extra materials left behind by speakers, exhibitors and other attendees. Off The Shelf - Gorgeously Green This month's book off the shelf is, "Gorgeously Green. 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly Life". Are you confused by all the advice you hear and see daily on how to "go green"? Do you want to incorporate earth-friendly practices into your life, but you don't know where to start? Don't stress! Green guru Sophie Uliano has sorted through all the eco-info out there and put everything you need to know about living a green lifestyle right at your fingertips. In Gorgeously Green, Sophie offers a simple eight-step program that is an easy and fun way to begin living an earth-friendly life. Each chapter covers topics from beauty to fitness, shopping to your kitchen, even your transportation. Whether it's finding the right lipstick, making dinner, buying gifts, or picking out a hot new outfit, finally, there is a book that tackles your daily eco-challenges with a take-charge plan. Just consider Sophie your go-to girl with all the eco-solutions. Find out how to: Green your entire beauty regime Detoxify your home Indulge in guilt-free shopping Adopt a home fitness routine Prepare eco-licious treats Give your kitchen a green makeover Become more aware of your impact on the earth The book's dozens and dozens of eco-friendly tips, products, and practices combine to form a treasure trove of practical advice for every possible way to become stylishly green. Your questions about dressing, makeup, eating, shopping, cleaning, travel, and more are all answered right here. Adopting a green lifestyle is among the most positive, forward-thinking, and personally fulfilling choices that anyone can make--and Gorgeously Green shows that it doesn't have to be tedious, time-consuming, or glamourless! Purchase Gorgeously Green Seared Scallop Martini Salad SERVES 4 Ingredients Salad: 3/4 cups mixed greens 12 sea scallops, patted dry 4 T black & white sesame seeds 1 T extra-virgin olive oil 8 dilly beans (pickled green beans) Dressing: 2 T lemon juice 1 t dry vermouth 2 T good quality vodka 1 t caper juice 2 T extra-virgin olive oil 8-10 jalapeno-garlic green olives, coarsely chopped salt and pepper to taste Coat both sides of each scallop with sesame seeds while heating a cast-iron frying pan over medium-high heat. Sear scallops in olive oil, turning once. Mix all ingredients for dressing immediately before serving (use a martini shaker if you wish!) and loosely pile lettuces into martini glasses. Place scallops on top of greens and garnish with dilly beans. Click here to view the original recipe Green Tips for your Vehicle Motorists can do their part to help the environment by practicing a few 'earth-friendly' car care habits. 1. Get pumped. Keep the tires properly inflated and aligned. Under-inflated tires waste fuel by forcing the vehicle's engine to work harder. Moreover, properly maintained tires last longer, saving you money and lessening the burden at landfills. 2. Slow down. Speeding and hard accelerations waste gasoline. 3. Lighten up. Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle to reduce weight. This information was brought to you by Express Auto Center - "we don't exhaust your funds". All About Presentation is an event management company located in Richmond, VA. with event planners focused on your success. For questions or comments on Presentation newsletter contact the editor via email: benita@allaboutpresentation.com All About Presentation : Social Event Planning : Business Event Planning : Shop : Contact Us :

Dream the Impossible - Honda Short Film

Honda: The Power of Dreams - "The mere thought can paralyze even the most heroic thinkers and keep great ideas off the drawing board."

It often happens that we, as humans, are drawn to people, ideas, thoughts, concepts, and experiences that most resemble us or our current situation. As the owner of All About Presentation, I am no different. I've recently found that all of my most recent book purchases, the television shows that I gravitate towards, and the podcasts that I download are of (or related to) doing what you love, finding your passion, and encouraging other people.

Yesterday, I came across a new series of short films that I am really excited about created by Honda...that's right, the people that make the cars that last forever. As an aside, I do not currently own a Honda (or Toyota for that matter) but if there were ever a race on which engine would last longer, I would put a large amount of money on the fact that Honda and Toyota would be number 1 or 2.

Nevertheless, Honda has created a series of short films that highlight the power of dreams called "Dream The Impossible". After all, Honda is a company created by a dreamer - someone that had a passion for motorcycles and could build the engine like nothing America had ever seen.

The first short "Failure-the Secret to Success" features Danica Patrick, Honda employees and management. Although, my favorite short thus far is "Kick Out The Ladder", I've included the first short released for your viewing pleasure. I would encourage you to see all of the shorts and subscribe to alerts when more Honda short films will be available.

Failure the Secret to Success




To view the other two films that have been released by Honda:

Mobility 2008

Kick Out the Ladder

If you're the smartest person in your group, then you need a new group"

There's an old saying that I've been hearing since I was a little girl, “if you're the smartest person in your group, then you need a new group". As I continue to age, I understand more and more how true and meaningful that statement is.

Over the last few months I've been especially careful and thoughtful about who is in my group. No one wants to be around people that drag you down. I enjoy being around people that challenge me and keep me sharp. In the words of TD Jakes, "iron sharpens iron, wood can never iron". So, surrounding myself with better event planners, better business owners, and better leaders is having a tremendous impact on my personal growth. It is forcing me to think bigger and be better. My circle is not limited to Richmond, Virginia and Washington DC. My circle has become global.

While spending time in DC for the inauguration weekend, I could only imagine what the event coordinators must have been going through. There were countless balls, parties, and celebrations. In addition, whenever you throw celebrities into the mix, it can be an event planning nightmare only because of the extra precautions and extra attention to detail that is required.

Other than being on stage, I believe that I had the best seat in the house for the inauguration. I was on the rooftop of 101 Constitution NW and had a bird's eye view of all the moving parts. In a very symbolic way, it is how I try to manage our events at All About Presentation. From the rooftop, it was amazing to see how many people gathered for such a historic event. Now, I would be remiss if I didn't mention my angel, Susan, who showed up out of nowhere, grabbed my hand and led us out of the abyss of people on First Street in order to get to 101 Constitution.

But, I digress. Standing on the rooftop got me thinking, how amazing is your group that it would help you foster or dream of becoming president?

The environment to success is so critical. In the same way that you cannot plant tomato seeds in the ocean and expect a harvest, you cannot dream and imagine around people that do not create an environment that is conducive to creative thinking, innovation, and being supportive of your efforts.

As I go forward in my business and other pursuits, I am making the conscious effort to decide who I include in my group. In the words of uncle, "everyone that comes with you can't go with you".

Change : Shift Happens

Whether one agrees with the policies of President Elect Barack Obama, there can be no doubt that he has carried the banner and is leading a generation to "change". But before Obama, there were many that led a generation to change. One such man was Abraham Lincoln who said "The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew." Another was Gandhi who most notably said "We must become the change we want to see".

And yet, 19 years before the death of Gandhi and 64 years after the death of Lincoln, arguably the greatest, most effective, leader of our time, Martin Luther King Jr. was born, and he said "The soft-minded man always fears change. He feels security in the status quo, and he has an almost morbid fear of the new. For him, the greatest pain is the pain of a new idea." And as we celebrate his birthday today, though nationally recognized on Monday, an interesting conversation unfolded.

Is change increasing at an increasing rate?

It seems as though more things are changing more often. The experience of a 60 year old with regard to race and gender relations, available technology, and entertainment choices is different than someone who is 40 years old. And both those experiences are completely different than that of a 20 year old? Is it possible that today's kindergartners don't see color, pre-judge based on gender, or will ever know what a CD is?

So, the inevitable question was eventually asked - how quickly are things changing?
For the answer, we turn to the one source where the oracle is located -- YouTube.
Although this is not a new video, it certainly shows how technology has expedited change all over the world. It is a great video and it is highly recommended for business professionals, parents, teachers, students, bosses, and coworkers.

The title is: Shift Happens