My favoritist store for interiors ever

You know when you're a kid and you go shopping with your mom and you're forced to shop for boring things all day? That used to happen to me at Home Depot, paint stores, or even Safeway. However, there was one store that even though it would have probably bored some kids,  ever since I was LITTLE I never minded being dragged in there by my mom. 
This store was Z Gallerie. I absolutely LOVE this store. It is trendy but always classy. It has a bunch of different themes so you can pick and choose what you like not like some stores where you have an overall feel (Pottery Barn/ Crate and Barrel?) 

Some people like to match and mix the styles of different rooms in their home and considering I love interior design of all sorts, I think that is way I like Z Gallerie so much. 
There used to be one at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek and thats where I went when I was little. But that one is no longer there so for the past couple years I've just been to the one at Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. 

Its week 8....almost done

It's crazy to think that my college days are almost over. I'm starting to recognize all the things that I have to leave behind, but at the same time see all of the opportunities that lie ahead of me. It is nice to know that some things will never change. There are some things in the life of Ashley Bloom that will always be. 

New Business Cards

I finally got my new business cards in! They are super fun and showcase exactly what I want my company to be about. Fun, fabulous, bold, and classy. 
If you want to get some cards to show off your style, try out Moo. They allow you to use up to 50 of your own pictures on the back side of your cards and they have lots of different colors and fonts for your information. 

Self Serve Bars

Self serving bars aren't just a good idea for guests to have a good time, but they can also make for fabulous looking decor. 

Sometimes, a signature cocktail can be a great idea for an event, but sometimes its a lot more fun to give guests variety. There are so many different ways to dress up drinks and having a self serve bar where guests can pick and choose makes them feel super comfortable while the bar itself is super cute.

 

(photos courtesy Martha Stewart)

Lately, its been a trend that everyone is busy shopping for an outfit for a specific occasion. With the end of Spring quarter and a lot of things wrapping up or a lot of new beginnings for people, I have found there are 3 major events occurring that everyone is shopping for. However, they then come back to me and tell me they didn't find anything. So I wanted to try and help out with my opinion on where to go to get what you're looking for without wasting time. Those three events are...


1. Prom/Formal
2. Weddings (whether that be your sister's, your friend's, your best friend's sister, or whoever)
3. Graduation


Let's start with Prom/Formal-
Jessica McClintock- all I'm saying is this is where I got my prom dress
 


Nordstrom Bridal- I would also look here for dresses if you are attending a wedding

Express has some really fun looks that will stop everyone in their tracks to see what your dress is all about
Now for Weddings- 
Obviously, you know about the  J Crew Bridal Wave. If not, what rock have you been hiding under?



Max Studio will get you anything from long and elegant to short and fun 



For the Graduation/Graduation party- 
I would opt for Zara for a under the gap and gown selection to showcase once the commencement is over or if you are attending a graduation party 

and TART Collections is always a great option for an amazing look that won't leave you uncomfortable all night long

Planning an event and eating your cake TOO!

For those who simply don't have the time or for those who just don't feel they have the right creativity, I always suggest hiring an event planner to help make your event exactly what you image in your head. However, some of us do love the thrill of planning our own event for friends, family, coworkers, etc. 

For those of you who do, this blog entry is for you. 

The simplest of lists when it comes to planning an event:

Three week before the event:

1. Decide on a theme which might relate to the purpose of the party

2. Find the right location

3. Make an invitation list

4. Send out invitations (email, snail mail, or phone calls)

5. Plan a menu

6. If you plan on serving alcohol, what will you serve, and will you have a signature drink?

7. Ask people for help if you need it, think about before and after the party (staff, bartenders, caterers, florists, etc.) 

Two weeks before the event:

1. Get decor ready- whether that be plates, eating utensil, tables and linens ready

2. Start thinking about creative centerpiece ideas

3. Decide on music- you can use your own music (ipod, stereo, laptop and large enough speakers)- or hire a DJ 

One week before the event:

1. Clean! 

2. Set the furniture- arrange the furniture in a way where all your guests will be comfortable. In my opinion, its best to have a centralized area to everyone to congregate as to not separate and spread out guests. 

Three days before the event:

1. You've gotten a lot done! Relax!

One day before the event:

1. Set everything up so in case you are missing something, you can go out and get it

2. Set up garbage cans in convenient locations

3. Designate area for coats and jackets

4. Shop- groceries, the decor that would have gone bad if you bought it earlier, alcohol, florals

5. If you're cooking- start preparing the food!

6. Put away all valuables at the venue!!

Day of:

1. Set everything up, get music going, have your booze and appetizers out, and welcome your guests!!

My advice- 

*Most of the time people have a party to give their guests a time to relax and enjoy themselves, but don't you deserve that as well? I believe in being able to completely melt into your own party and not run around trying to make sure everything is right. If you have done your chores, then your party is pre-set and ready to create those memories that you want. 

*Unless you love taking pictures, have someone designated to take photos on the day of the event so that you enjoy yourself and then have something to look back on. 

*Can't you image yourself sipping champagne and laughing with your friends while listening to music and enjoying the compliments on the amazing cake you provided for all your friends? Unless this is a party you are throwing for someone else (your best friend's bachelorette or your sister's birthday) you shouldn't have to worry about whether they are enjoying themselves, you should have an amazing time as well!

My New Logo!!

Notice Anything Different?? 


I have been working with a group at Cal Poly to help me with the look and design of my website, because lets face it, I may be able to design events, but there is no way I could design my website without help!


The website is still under construction but after spending some good quality time at Starbucks today, we were able to come up with my logo!! I am so excited to send out letters, invoices, business cards and everything under the sun with my new logo on it!


Super CUTE and Super EXCITING!!!