Pittsburgh Bridal Showcase scheduled for Sunday, March 18, 2012

Bridal Flowers by Roger Kirby

For all the brides in and around the Pittsburgh area, be sure to visit the Pittsburgh Bridal Showcase on Sunday, March 18, 2012, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.  This is probably one of, if not the biggest bridal shows of the year in the Pittsburgh area.  With over 200 wedding vendors and experts on hand to help you plan every single detail of your special day, this is an event you do not want to miss. 

For more details, read the article here I just posted in my event planning column on Examiner, including how to get $1000 in Bridal Bucks!

Last minute "instant" Valentine's Day gifts

Guys - if you haven't gone shopping for your sweetheart yet, time is running out. Valentine's Day is less than two days away. Unless you want to be stuck wandering the aisles of your local convenience store in a panic on your way home from work, it's time to get your tushy in gear. Believe me, your significant other does NOT want to receive windshield washer fluid or an ice scraper again this year.

Every woman has imagined what it would be like to have a love song written in her honor. Imagine presenting your Valentine with her very own customized song, performed by none other than Joe Pizzulo, singer of one of the most romantic love songs ever, "Never Gonna Let You Go." Simply go to InstaSong, answer a few questions about your sweetie and your relationship, and your song will be created on the spot. You'll get big points for this one.

Put your love on a magazine cover! Check out Your Cover, where you can make your own personalized cover, celebrating your love, or any number of milestone events and occasions. There's an entire gallery of templates to choose from. For last minute shoppers, you can download and print your own cover, or if you have enough time, Your Cover will print a high quality copy of your design and ship it to you. Make sure you stop by your local crafts store to frame your cover, for the perfect finishing touch. Your lady will appreciate this little detail.

How about printing about some Valentine's Day "love coupons" for your sweetheart? If you're not the creative type, use the coupons provided here. Add a pretty flower bouquet and some chocolates, and a nice dinner at home (don't forget the candles and a nice movie - romantic comedy preferred), and she'll love you for the effort.

Remember, it's really not about the gift at all. It's the thought that counts. Show your Valentine you know her, and you know her heart, and she'll be happy with whatever you give her.

An introduction.

For my first post, I just wanted to introduce myself, and explain a litte about how EventSpiration came to be.  For years now, I've worked in the marketing and sales fields, and in turn have planned many events, on-site promtions, trade shows and parties.  I realized that I really enjoyed the party planning aspect of my job, and I took a position as the Event Coordinator for a historic (and haunted!) inn here in Pittsburgh.  I worked with many different people and organizations, planning all sorts of events - weddings, surprise engagements, soroity parties and corporate events. I enjoyed every minute of working with my clients and meeting with their vendors.  After several years at the inn, I had to leave my position due to health reasons, but I never lost my love for event planning and entertaining.  My daily reading still consisted of wedding and party planning blogs, even though my two rescued dogs weren't planning a wedding anytime in the near future.

While searching through the internet, I came across Examiner.com and found out they were looking for an event planning writer for Pittsburgh.  I've always enjoyed writing, and since I had all this event planning experience, I submitted my application and thankfully I was hired.  Writing for Examiner has been amazing.  I truly enjoy every minute of it, and I've met some wonderful people because of my articles.  However, because I am the "Pittsburgh" Event Planning Examiner, I am limited to only writing about local events, people and things.  While Pittsburgh is a wonderful city full of vibrant and talented people, there are national trends and celebrities I would love to write about but can't.  So, the idea for EventSpiration was born.  This blog will give me the opportunity to spread my wings and be a little more creative.

I have also been given the title of "Pittsburgh Animal Advocacy Examiner."  From time to time you may see animal and animal-advocacy related posts here.  Animals, animal adoption and preventing abuse and cruelty are my true passions in life.  As I write this, my two dogs are laying curled against me.  I honestly don't believe that I'd be here and be able to do anything, had it not been for my two dogs after the last year and a half of my life.  I feel very strongly about giving back to them after the uncondtional love they provide me with every single day.  If you're an animal lover, I know you'll understand.  If you're not, I hope you'll bear with me and hopefully find the rest of the information I provide useful enough that you can indulge me a bit when I write about my "boys" or animal advocacy issues.