I Really Don't Want to See Your Collection, Thank You

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Columnist Adrian Chamberlain writes on Canada's Times Colonist website, "You have a friend whose hobby is stamp collecting. And he (because it will be a he) is keen to show you his collection. In a perfect world, you could say: 'I couldn't care less about tiny bits of paper once attached to that archaic form of communication known as the 'letter'. So please shut up and never raise the subject again."

According to Chamberlain, "And in this perfect world, your friend would understand. He would offer a humble apology and suggest a refreshing trip to the pub."

He goes on to pen, "But I've found such discourse doesn't wash in polite society. People label these kinds of remarks as 'rude,' 'inappropriate" and 'evidence of being socially maladjusted.' So you have no choice but to nod your head politely while your friend repeatedly uses the word  'philately' and goes on and on about his 1859 Canadian beaver stamp."

To read his entire column, click here.

George Bernard Shaw - Stamp Collector

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According toWikitelic, a new philatelic Facebook page that says it is "A fun place for stamp collectors to share information, ideas, resources as well as show and tells," Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) was a stamp collector.

The site says Shaw was once quoted as saying, "“Words are only postage stamps delivering the object for you to unwrap.”

My Fair Lady was adapted by Lerner and Loewe from George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion.  

Shown above, George Bernard Shaw working on his stamp collection.

To visit Wikitelic, click here

Sir Paul Smith - Stamp Designer

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The Japan Times features an article about Sir Paul Smith whose "creations are more commonly found paraded on fashion catwalks or on hangers in boutiques around the world" rather than on postage stamps.

The British designer has now added to his portfolio the seven stamps shown above which he created for the Isle of Man Post Office to mark this summer's London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Smith is quoted in a recent interview as saying, ""l looked at posters and artwork from previous Olympics and realized I wanted the stamps to be positive, powerful, colorful and, above all, optimistic."

Reporter Danielle Demetriou points out, "The apparent simplicity of the diminutive designs, however, belies a string of challenges posed by the fact that stamp design is strictly governed by rules and regulations."

"Actually the job was quite huge and I worked on the project for about a year," Smith explained. "Because stamps are governed by law, you have to incorporate certain things: the Queen's head in certain size, the Olympic logo, the price. And then, in addition to those restrains (rules), stamps are very collectable, so I had to design gift sets and collectors' items."

To read entire article, click here.

Keeper of The Queen's Stamps Visits Bermuda

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Bermuda's RoyalGazette.com reports,"Mr [Micahel] Sefi, the official Keeper of the Queen’s stamps, was recently in Bermuda to oversee some of the Queen’s most valuable stamps that were briefly on display in a special exhibition at the Masterworks Museum in the Botanical Gardens.

The stamps were part of an existing exhibition at Masterworks commemorating the 200th anniversary of Bermuda’s Post Office.

Reporter Jessie Moniz pens, "In today’s world of flashy technology, few children have the patience for stamp collecting, but when Mr Sefi was a boy, stamp collecting was all the rage. It was the height of excitement to pour over the little slips of paper depicting the faraway countries they came from."

According to the article, "Mr Sefi worked in the finance industry for many years, before taking early retirement. He eventually became President of the Great Britain Philatelic Society and was on the council of the Royal Philatelic Society. He also helped with several stamp exhibitions organised in London. Meanwhile, Charles Goodwin, who was then Keeper of the Queen’s stamps, asked him if he wanted to help with the Queen’s collection, and he agreed. Then Mr Goodwin fell ill unexpectedly and had to retire and Mr Sefi stepped in."

"Mr Sefi’s job involves administering the collection, logging and filing new acquisitions, conservation work and also dealing with researchers. He has also accompanied parts of the collection to various parts of the world to oversee exhibitions," writes Moniz.

To read the entire article, click here.

Get Ready For Summer!

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Hey guys! If you're looking for a pair of philatelic shorts to impress your stamp club buddies...Sears has them!

These colorful swimming trunks (which double as walking shorts) feature whimsical Hawaiian postcards, Hulu girls and Honolulu cancellations in their design.

Made by Trader Bay, they can be purchased for just $14.99 (normally $30) at your nearest Sears store or on line by clicking here.

Hurry! Sale ends May 12!

Collection Goes Into the Guinness Book of World Records

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India's Bangalore Mirror reports a philatelist and naturalist Daniel Monteiro, 50, from Bramhavar in Udupi district, who specialises in bird philately, has entered the Guinness Book of World Records for his unique collection of 4,911 stamps on birds from 263 countries.

According to the article by Deepthi Shridhar, in 2011, Monteiro had entered the Limca Book of Records for his rare collection of stamps on ducks and for securing 10 international awards. He has about 1,000 stamps on water fowls and claims it to be the largest collection of its kind in Asia.

To read the entire article, click here.

Letters - The New E-mails

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The Spellman Museum of Stamps and Postal History believes letters are the new e-mails. That's the theme for this year's Annual Letter Writing Day on Sunday, May 20.

Recipients who received an e-mailed announcement about the event were asked, "When was the last time you wrote or received a personal letter?  Do you have some letters that you have saved because they are special to you?  Do your children ever write a letter rather than sending an email?  Are you just tired of receiving and answering emails?"

It goes to say, "Children's book author and illustrator Jennifer Morris will read from her book about sending a letter, demonstrate how she illustrates books and show pictures of her studio. In addition, she will help both children and adults create illustrated stationery and envelopes to use to send letters to friends."
In addition, visitors are being asked to share their personal stories about favorite letters they have received and even encouraged to bring some of these to the program. 
Museum Education Director Henry Lukas is quoted as saying "People should bring their friends' mailing addresses to send their letters.  The Museum will pay the postage." He added, "people will use a stamp rather than hit the send button."
For more information, click here.

Handbag Designer Uses Stamps in Her New Creations

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Reporter Olivia Alabaster writes on the Daily Star website, "Drawing inspiration from her stamp collection, handbag designer Astrid Honein used images of vintage Lebanese stamps in her latest offering. 'Greetings from Lebanon' marks Honein’s sixth collection, but the first to be exhibited publicly.

Alabaster goes on to pen, "The vintage stamps, from the ’50s and ’60s, which depict the cedar tree, or cherries, also feature on a range of loose-fitting cotton T-shirts ($45), which would go perfectly with denim shorts for the beach, or could even be dressed up with trousers and high heels."

Honein is quoted in the piece as saying, "“I really loved this image from the stamps, and I’ve just been obsessed with using it in my work."
To read the entire article, click here.

'Servicio Sanitario' Stamps

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Stamp columnist John Weigle writes on California's Ventura County Star website, "The current issue of The American Revenuer, the magazine of the American Revenue Association, reports on two German towns that are issuing revenue stamps to show a tax levied on street walking prostitutes has been paid."

According to Weigle, "The magazine says that Bonn and Dortmund issued the stamps for prostitutes who walk the streets rather than work in brothels or sauna clubs, where it's easier to collect the taxes."

"The article doesn't say," Weigle writes, "but I suppose stamp collectors who wanted samples for their collections could buy the tickets if they visited the cities, but I'm not sure what spouses might think of the idea."

Apparently this is not a new idea and several other countries around the world have issued similar revenue stamps in the past.

Shown above a 1920 Argentine servicio sanitario (medical service) stamp that was pasted into the prostitute's libreta sanitaria (medical booklet) and cancelled in a way that showed the result of the exam.

For more on this, click here.

Blind British Photographer Takes Photo for "UK A-Z" Stamp Sheet

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U.K.'s Leicester Mercury reports a picture taken by a photographer who is visually impaired is on the "UK A-Z" stamps sheet

According to the article, Brian Negus, 65, who is legally blind, took the photo last year while on a trip to Belfast. He then posted it on the image sharing website Flickr, not thinking anyone would show much interest.

Well, they did.

About seven months later he was contacted by the Royal Mail to ask if they could use the shot and offered him £200. Negus, who is chairman of the Leicester sight loss charity Vista, donated the money to the organization.

Negus said he took up photography in 2000 after camera companies began putting large LCD screens on their digital SLR cameras. He uses the screen and a magnifying lens on one eye which enables him to see the image.

He's quoted as saying, "Before digital cameras I wasn't able to take photographs but now I'm hooked. I can't use the viewfinder, so the LCD screens are perfect. I still need a lens which magnifies the screen 12 times."

Shown above, UK A-Z stamps sheet. Negus' photo appears in the lower right hand corner.


To read the entire article, click here.

Dresses of Interest! Dayton, Ohio Wedding Planner

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Well I promised that I would be sharing with you what inspires me daily. I have been horrible at doing a daily blog! God bless those who do. I admire them so.

Aside from my non-blog life exploding this past week I have been plugging along and trying to remain inspired everyday.

Ever go to find something on youtube and run across something else you definitely weren’t looking for? Well that was the case… but what I did see was so super cool that I just HAD to share it with you.

Look at this AHHH mazing cupcake wedding dress made the fantastic ladies at DC Cupcakes!

 

Amazing huh!

Well the search led to some really interesting wedding dresses! If you’ve read further back in the blog you’ll know I am a paper product fanatic. Imagine my joy when I ran across some of the these pictures! Paper wedding dresses from Anthropologie!  LOVE!

This last one is just jaw droppingly stunning! I would have loved to see these in person!

Ever considered crafting your wedding dress from paper?

Au Revoir!

Question, Queries and Conundrums? Dayton Ohio Wedding Planner

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I receive loads of questions all the time from my clients, brides I meet, and emails that I thought it might be fun to answer them right here on the Planny Pants blog!

Here’s our very first question?

“So everyone as of yesterday started getting their invites from us in the mail- and everyone is already telling me VIA text that they are coming. After all the time I spent licking and stamping I sure hope they plan to send their cards back. Should I accept the texted responses as a yes? Should I text back?”

In this technological day and age sometimes the importance of the paper RSVP gets lost on your guests. While a quick text to indicate that they are excited about your wedding and are looking forward to it is fine and welcome it should never replace an actual RSVP card.

Here’s the reasons why.

1. Texts are nearly impossible to track. Having a paper card arrive in the mail is a much easier way to track not only your positive and negative responses but also a way to help you track who you’re still missing responses from and who you might need to follow up with in the weeks before the wedding.

2. Often times an RSVP card will indicate what menu selection the guest would like to choose from. I highly doubt you’re going to receive a text that says… Hey Bride, so excited for your wedding. We’re coming! Oh and BEEF! Those selections are uber important for your catering company and for your bottom line budget.

3. Texts make no real commitment. It’s a common known fact that when you don’t really want to talk to someone or don’t really want to make a commitment that text is the way to go. Never count on texted RSVP’s as they aren’t always accurate. When someone takes time to respond to your stamped envelope it typically (not always however) means they’ve checked their calendar, written it down, and actually plan to be there.

So then How Do You Respond? 

Send back a quick and sweet response… something like this…

Hey Guest, So glad that you are excited about the wedding. I can’t wait to see you there. Please be sure to send back the RSVP card. Trying to be super organized! See you soon!

On that note. Remember that if you’re planning to not accept texted RSVP’s, when trying to collect confirmations from guests closer to the wedding, you’ll have to pick up the phone and call guests. While it isn’t Kosher for them to send a texted RSVP it also isn’t Kosher for you to send a “hey are you coming text”.

Many of the traditional etiquette rules are changing but in the case of invitations… I say erring on the side of caution is always the better way to go.

Are you accepting texted RSVP’s? Share your thoughts!

Au Revoir for now!

We Predict! Dayton, Ohio Wedding Planner

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In our next installment of We Predict! we’re going to talk a little about something old becoming new again!

We Predict we’ll see an increased number of these beautiful arrangements! The Composite Bouquet!

The concept behind the composite bouquet is to start with one single flower as the center of the bouquet. Then petals are individually wired and layered in around the center flower.

It creates a large and singular looking flower.

Composites are typically made using roses. But can be creating using a variety of gorgeous flowers. Here’s some examples:

 

Composite Bouquets can also be called Glameria. Here’s a little history!

 Almost forgotten, the composite-flower bouquet dates from the early 20th century. Unable to source the wide range of colors and year-round availability found in today’s hybrid roses, florists used this ingenious method of constructing huge ‘roses’ from the petals of gladioli. Then called ‘glameria’, these oversized blooms were worn by themselves on a hat or as a corsage, or several could be fashioned into a bouquet for the bride with an unlimited budget.

And here’s the part you’re all waiting for. What’s out?

TYPEWRITERS!

I gotta give it to the creative person that came up with this cute idea… but it has ran it’s course and it’s time to go back in it’s case!

There are so many creative ways to use pen paper technology stamps etcetcetc…. to create something amazing for a guest book! Dig deep into your creativity and come up with your own unique ideas!

Au Revoir for now!

Bad Bad Blogger Wedding Planner, Cincinnati, Ohio

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Someone needs to slap my fingers, yell at me, and put me in the corner… I have been a bad bad blogger!

It has been such a busy last couple of months and today I’m starting to feel as if I’m finding the top of the heaping pile of stuff I have to do.

For the last couple of weeks I have had more inquiries and bookings than I can keep up with… I’m so excited! I suppose August can be the new January (Note: in the wedding industry January usually begins the booking season)!

Since I know all of you have been checking back feverishly to see if I have updated the blog (*wink*) HERE I AM. I have a wham-doosey of a blog post coming so you CAN get excited for that. In the meantime I thought I’d share just a little about what we’ve been working on.

October 1st, our assistant consultant Sarah has taken on her first wedding. She’s been learning the planning ropes of the business and from what I can tell… the vendors she’s worked with are happy and so are the bride and groom. You go Sarah!

They are hosting their wedding at a brand new venue in the area called Magnolia Estates.

The grounds are under construction as of right now but it’s looking like it will provide a nice space for moderate budget weddings.  Photos found on their website. http://magnoliaestate.com

Another wedding in the works for 2012 is proving to be pretty exciting. This wedding will be at the Inn at Oneonta in Kentucky.

I am looking forward to the site tour this coming Monday. They have a beautiful faux chapel in the back and great patio space for tented receptions.  http://celebrationsbydavid.com/index.html

We have several more in the works… and will be sharing more of their springboard inspirations in the very near future!

Please don’t be too upset with my blog absence. In the coming weeks Sarah will also be guest blogging here. That should help to satisfy your wedding planning yearnings! At least a little….

Au Revoir for now!

Shoe Appeal Wednesday, Wedding Planner, Cincinnati, Ohio

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Hello! This is Sarah, the assistant consultant for Kellie at Hand in Hand Bridal. Kellie and I started working together at the beginning of this year and I have already taken on my first wedding, which will be October 1. Not only do Kellie and I work very well together, but we both share a love of beautiful high heels!
I assisted Kellie in coordinating a modern peacock-inspired wedding this past weekend, thus the inspiration for sharing these beauties with you!

(Hand crafted, satin and rare-feather pumps by Maï Lamore; also available in white/ivory feathers)

Would you wear extravagant shoes such as these at your wedding? I know I would!

Au Revoir for now!
--Sarah

Zac Posen Spring 2012 = Wowza!–Wedding Planner in Dayton, Ohio

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Wow, wow, wow! Have you seen Zac Posen’s Spring 2012 line.

His dresses are all amazing. Here a few gems that would be stunning on your wedding day!

I absolutely adore that necklace also! I bet the back of this dress is amazing!

 

The lines on this gown are stunning!

Aside from the wing tips this dress is a huge stunner!

Gorgeous!

I always love seeing the new designs! Hope you enjoyed! Who wants one?

Au Revoir!

Questions, Queries, and Conundrums–Wedding Planner, Cincinnati, OH

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Q:  I keep going back and forth on the issue of changing my name after I get married? It’s such a huge decision… what are your thoughts?

In the last year or so name changing has become increasingly controversial and a major topic of discussion among couples… even before they get engaged.

I’ll back up a little to give my honest opinion… I got married to my high school sweetheart almost 10 years ago. One day after getting engaged a good friend from high school stopped in to my work and was appalled by the fact that I was going to change my name when I got married. I suppose appalled is pretty strong… but you could tell that she definitely did not agree with my decision. Oddly I remember thinking how strange it was that she felt so strongly about my decision. I married and went through the whole rig-a-ma-roll of changing my name and really never looked back.

Occasionally I  use my former last name when I know the person I’m speaking to would know my parents. Other than that… I just wish my husband could have had a cooler name that DAAB. Sometimes when people ask about the name I laugh it off and say… I married into that one.

For me, I never thought about changing my name as controversial or as if I was loosing a certain identity.. frankly, I didn’t really think I had a choice… this was just what you did. I will say, I came from a conservative home where my parents and my husbands parent had been married for years, no divorces, no step kids, no spouse deaths, pretty much your all American pastor’s kid. I always knew one day I would change my name… cause that was the way I would show my future husband that I wanted to make a family with him.

The friend I spoke about before was raised primarily by her awesome single mom and her darling grandparents. She never felt connected to her birth name either and halfway through high school changed it to reflect her grandfather (who was the dominate male figure in her life). She had already experienced choosing a name that reflected her. That reflected the ties she felt to her family. She recently married as well… and she kept her grandfathers name.

So what am I getting at here?

Wait for it… it’s a total shocker…. EVERY PERSON IS DIFFERENT!

Every single person in the world experiences a different type of upbringing, a different level of sentimentalism, a heightened feeling of ownership, liberal or conservative parents, a fiancé with a strong opinion, career paths and choices, etc. etc. etc.

It would be nearly impossible for the same solution to be the best solution for everyone. I chose to change my name because I loved my husband and wanted us to start our own family with him as the lead of the home. That was my reason.

When making a decision about changing your name, really sit down and decide why or why not you would make this decision. What is your reason behind changing or not changing. Communicate this clearly with your future spouse and make a decision that feels right for you.

In the end this is what’s going to make you happy and feel like you fit in your name.

Au Revoir for now!

Vendors Uncorked–Wedding Vendors, Cincinnati, OH

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I am SUPER SUPER excited to bring this SUPER exciting.. te he…

series of blog posts to all of you!

I have talked to several of the area’s best of the best of the best wedding vendors. I asked them to give you as the bride/ engages couples some insight from their perspective.

I wanted you to get a good idea of all the things a vendor wishes you could know or might ask.

Hence… VENDORS UNCORKED…. the real life view from your wedding vendors.

I asked them to answer a series of questions in any way they’d like. And I know…. these are things you’ll want to hear.

Here’s a little sampling of the questions….

* What is your job/business?

* What drives you to do what you do every day?

* What is a common misunderstanding from couples in your line of work?

* What is a common complaint you hear from couples about something that you do… and what is the reason why you do it this way?

* What are some of the things you do that contribute to your bottom line?

* What are some little known facts about your particular industry that brides really should know?

* If you lived in a perfect world… engaged couples would…. __________________________?

SOUNDS PRETTY AWESOME>>>>> DON’T IT!!!???

Stay tuned… You’ll be hearing from

Brandon Lindsey of Hey Mr. DJ,

Kristen Little of Five Dot Designs,

Nancy Dawson of Brideface,

Joe Penno at the Contemporary Arts Center,

Jacalyn Mains of JMM Photogpraphy, 

Stacey Sparks of Bella Bridal,

Kristen Frank of Impact Video Productions,

Marti Thompson of Marti’s Floral Designs!!

What a stellar line up!

Hang on folks… This is going to be a wild ride!!!

Au Revoir for now!!!

Vendors Uncorked- Hey Mr. DJ,–DJ Services, Cincinnati, OH

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Here it is! Our first installment of vendors uncorked!

Today we’re hearing from the amazing Brandon Lindsey of Cincinnati’s own HEY MR. DJ.

Check out his super insightful, adrenalin filled musings!

From Brandon:

My name is Brandon Lindsey. I own Hey! Mr. DJ Entertainment in Cincinnati Ohio and I’m a DJ and Master Of Ceremonies specializing in wedding receptions. It is now Sunday at 1:45am and I’ve just pulled into my driveway. About two hours ago I stepped to the microphone and congratulated Ryan and Stacy on their marriage. It was the final note of a magical day and night that left many of their guests telling them it was the best wedding reception they have ever been to.

About ten months ago Stacy called me and we spoke for the very first time. Neither of us knew that we would share one of the most important days of her life. In fact her first question was, “What do you charge for 4 hours?” I explained I don’t have a four hour package and for most of my clients I put in about 20 hours of work before I ever arrive at their event. This piqued her interest. We talked a little more and agreed to meet at my office.

Many brides don’t like that I refuse to quote an exact price on the phone. I don’t quote a price for a few reasons. The first reason is I don’t know what they need without talking to them more. I don’t know what will be required of me. So many weddings have so many different variables. The biggest reason however that I don’t want to quote a price is, I’m not cheap! I don’t compete with other DJs on price. I compete on value and I can’t show someone my value on the phone. I want to be able to show brides what I do that is AMAZING and usually they think I’m a great deal after that.

Many brides are like Stacy. When they call a DJ they think they are calling someone to simply play music at their wedding reception. Most are worried that if a DJ says something on the microphone it will be cheesy or overshadow them on their wedding day. Depending on the DJ they call, they may be correct. Most DJs have no training at all. They are self-taught amateurs whose years of experience consist of doing the same thing they have always done year after year. This results in average wedding receptions that are cookie cutter. I’m not like that. I want brides to know that I travel the country training, attending workshops and seminars. I want them to know that I brainstorm online with DJs and wedding professionals on a daily basis developing new creative ways to personalize their wedding day. I want brides to know why saying “Ladies and Gentlemen, at this time I’d like to” over and over again on the microphone, like most DJs do, will negatively impact their wedding day. I want couples to know why I was asked to speak in Las Vegas to DJs from all over the world about what I do. I want couples to know that their wedding can be different and better than they ever imagined. I want couples to know that five years from now their guests will remember, above all other things, moments that I can help them create at their wedding. The moments that stir emotion and make them cry, laugh, sing along and dance will be what their guests remember about their wedding reception. Those moments are what drive me.

I work with select couples and their wedding vendors to create a once in a lifetime event. I charge what I charge because I’m worth it. It amazes me that a couple would trust their event to a DJ who doesn’t charge enough money to even run a legitimate business. A real business has operating expenses like advertising, phone, gas, office supplies, equipment purchases and upkeep, accounting, legal music, training, staff, taxes, office space etc. There are only so many weekends in a year to earn money in this business. Chances are those guys that are cheaper are either hobbyist or not doing things the legal way. I’m just surprised people would trust their event to either group.

Don’t get me wrong I’m not complaining. I’m very busy and forced to turn away events even at my higher rates. I just wish every bride and groom would shop around, and educate themselves on what is out there. Stacy and Ryan did and she actually cried in our first meeting when I showed her an example of something I do. They also laughed in that meeting when I showed them some creative things I had recently done. They left enlightened and super excited. It was a 45 minute meeting that changed the entire outcome of their wedding reception. Over the next few months we got to know each other and we planned, from an entertainment perspective, a reception that was full of amazing moments, lots of fun and plenty of time left for dancing. Two hours ago after an amazing reception filled with tears, laughter and lots of dancing, Stacy walked over to me and hugged me. Ryan looked me in the eye and shook my hand. They both sincerely thanked me. As they turned to walk away, a guest stopped them and I heard her say “This was the best reception I have ever been to.” So as I walked into my house I still had too much adrenaline and emotion in my veins to go to bed. I decided to take the time to write these words. I hope it gives a little deeper look into what I do and will lead a few more couples to make their entertainment a priority.

And that’s all he wrote!!  Check out Hey Mr. DJ! They’ll knock your spanx off! lol… oh come on… we all know you won’t be wearing socks on your wedding day!

Thanks so much Brandon!!

Au Revoir for now!