Thinking Thursday - RSVPs - What is that?!

We all are guilty of it. Not RSVPing, or waiting until the last minute to call, or worse - showing up after not RSVPing. Why do we do this and why is such a crime?

In my business, everything depends on the guest count. From how many tables and chairs to how many individual hand-made appetizers I have to roll - believe me, it matters.

Let's talk about why most of us have such a hard time picking up the phone, or emailing, or sending in the pre-stamped RSVP, or any other forms of letting the hostess know you will or won't be there:

Commitment phobia. What if something better comes along? What if I can't get a sitter? What if Brad Pitt shows up at my door and sweeps me away? What if? You can always call and let the hostess know (I promise she'll understand if you're on your way to France with Mr. Pitt.) The whole reason for RSVPS is so that the hostess can plan on how much food, beverages, chairs and space she will need AND how much money she needs to budget for all of it. If she knows she is having 100 guest instead of the 250 she invited, she may serve lobster instead of chicken. Likewise, if she does have all 250 RSVP, she knows she can never afford lobster for everyone and will have to go with the chicken.   

You want to help the hostess with her budget.  Don't try to save the hostess that per-person catering fee by saying "I won't eat" or  "my child can share off my plate" because the truth is, you WILL pick up a couple of pieces of cheese and your five-year-old will visit the dessert table at least twice. If you show up unannounced and do eat, there may not be enough food. It's better to have too much food than to not have enough so go ahead and say "yes" even if it's a "maybe." If you wait or don't RSVP you could be left empty-handed. You CAN change your mind but at least you will be covered

You simply forgot. Solve this problem by immediately responding the minute you get the invite. Don't put it in the pile on your desk or leave it in the car. Go ahead and pick up the phone or mail in the card. If it's an Evite, immediately respond online.  If your hostess was gracious enough to put a pre-stamped RSVP card in the invite, at least mail it back to her. That's alot of postage down the drain if you don't!

You're afraid you will hurt her feelings by responding "no." Yes, this is a possibility but hostess know that not everyone can attend her event. She does expect some "No's" but I also know that she would rather hear something from you than feel like you are avoiding her by not responding. For big events such as weddings, the hostess is going to make around of phone calls to those she has not heard from. Don't ingore her to save her feelings, save yourself (and her) the grief by simply being honest and RSVPing your regrets. You don't have to say "I'm going to Jenny's wedding instead." or "I'm allergic to your cat and can't come to you home Christmas party." Just a simple, NO on the RSVP will suffice.

THINKING THURSDAY - How to Hang A Flag

Another totally random thought but - have you ever gone to hang your flag for Fourth of July or Veteran’s Day and not been really sure if you are doing it correctly? Well, I do - every single time! So I decided to do a little research for us and here is what I found:

According to Better Homes and Garden July 2009 Issue "The flag should be displayed with the stars at the upper left whether hung horizontally or vertically."

The flag should only fly between sunrise and sunset, if flown at night, it should be illuminated.

It should be raised briskly, but lowered slowly and directly into someone's hand, never touching the ground.

There you have it now go show your patriotism and hang that flag!



I am off for the Annual Memorial Weekend at the Lake – see you next week.

THINKING THURSDAY - How to Hang a Picture Correctly

Thursdays are for "thinking" around here and today I am thinkin' about hanging some new framed pictures. One of my life's little irritants is when I bang the nail in the wall and well, it's wrong and I end up with 5 holes.
So I hit the research wagon once again and found out how to properly figure out where to put the hole in the wall - and only have to do it once! Been there have ya? Read on:

First off, if you need help deciding where to place your frames on the wall, trace the frames on kraft paper and cut them out. Then use removable painters tape to tape the shapes onto the wall, moving them around and spacing them as you like. (You can also practice arrangeing the frames on the floor before taping the kraft paper to the wall.) Remove each individual kraft sheet and hang the actual frame using the directions below.

1. Hold your frame at the level you want to hang it. Mark the top of the frame on the wall by aligning a post-it-note across the top of the frame itself.QUICK TIP: Most people hang their art or photos too high. You should hang the piece where the average person can see it at eye level. It may seem too low when you are hanging it, but it will dramatically change the way the art is viewed once hung.

2. Hold the wire up tight and use a tape measure to measure the distance between the wire to the top of the frame.
 3. Take the measurement and measure down from the bottom of the sticky note. Mark the spot - this is where you will pound in the nail.

4. Hang your frame and wha-la! No problems!

WORDS FOR WEDNESDAY - Bob Dylan

For all the soilders who have been/are over seas fighting for freedoms and in rememberance of 9/11:

"A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom."
Bob Dylan

WORDS FOR WEDNESDAY - E. Davis

"This nation will remain the land of the free only as long as it is the home of the brave."
E. Davis

WORDS FOR WEDNESDAY - Scarlett O'Hara

"After all, tomorrow is another day."
Gone With the Wind, Scarlett

Her Barry and My Harry Save the Day

I don't know about your family, but my family has always put our Christmas decorations up the day after Thanksgiving. (Lucky for me, I'm not a Black Friday Shopper.) You see, I am one of those people who hate to see Holiday stuff out the week of Halloween, houses trimmed with lights the week before Thanksgiving, holiday music blaring in Wal-mart by November 1st and getting my first Christmas card BEFORE Turkey Day (you KNOW who you are, lol.)

But this year, well, to tell the truth, I just didn't have it in me. Usually the boxes are out of the "Christmas closet" on Thanksgiving night - and they were. But, also usually, by Friday afternoon my house is twinkling all over. This weekend, I broke tradition. I waited. And waited. And waited - until today. After 7 days of walking around the huge pile of totes loving holding my holiday treasures, I gave in. After 30 minutes of unpacking every bow and bell, I still wasn’t into it. What was missing? I cranked up the heat, brewed a fresh pot of coffee and then set off to work again.

I still struggled. Was it the pile of work on my desk calling me? Was it my sick daughter lying in bed unable to help? Was it that my husband mysteriously disappeared the minute he saw me open the first box? What was wrong with me? I LOVE Christmas – and I love changing up my house even more.

As I pulled the top off the last tote to unpack, I found what was missing…..the Christmas CDs. Barry and Harry to be exact. As in Harry Conick Jr. (my favorite) and Barry Manilow, (my mother’s favorite.) I think I actually caressed the CD cover as I sashayed over to the player. I gently placed the first CD in, pressed “close” and held my breath as Harry belted the first note.

My shoulders relaxed. I let the air from my lungs. I was ready. Christmas was officially here.


You can hear a sample of my favorite songs’s by clicking the links in the Amazon sidebar box – Enjoy!

My baby FINALLY lost her first tooth! - Yes, she made me post it!

My daughter, who is 6, decided I needed to post her picture on "my work," so here it is!

 She is the last one of her friends and schoolmates to lose her first tooth - I hope the Tooth Fairy is ready!! The pillow she is using belonged to MY GRANDMOTHER - who bought it back when my dad was little!

This is my grandma, or Memaw, with Grace the day she was born.

I can't tell you how long I have waited for her to use it. It has been prestine, in the box, since she bought it LONG ago. It has a little  pocket on the front to hold the tooth. She would be so proud (tear).

The book is a book I read to her sisters when they were little - "Abra Cadabra and the Tooth Witch" by Nurit Karlin. Thanks for letting me a proud mommy for a sec!

Room Within Holiday Open House

Last night was WET and RAINY but we still had a great event. Heather and Renee were grateful enough to hire me to cater their Open House. Check out the food pix below - yum!

If you are local to Cartersville, Georgia, check out their shop too. Heather is a interior designer and Renee can help you put together a room with great things from their shop, Room Within.

Since the weather was so awful last night, they will be having an additional Holiday Open House THIS THURSDAY evening so be sure to stop by!

Thanks again ladies!

Show Your Patriotism Today - Fly your flag.....

What exactly IS Veteran's Day? Let me tell you what it means to me.

My brother VOLUNTARILY re-signed up with the Marines shortly after 9/11. He was scheduled to be released and was given the option to re-join or go home. He felt it was his duty to stay and was almost immediately sent overseas. I am in tears as I write this now. I cannot express the feelings I felt then (and now) at that the PRIDE I have for him. He was in a group that went into Baghdad BEFORE the war was even officially announced to set up communications for the incoming troops. Our family was terrified for him but very proud as well. He came home in one piece but suffered from Post Traumatic Stress for quite awhile. He is fine now and we are so thankful to have him home. Every family's story I hear tugs at my heart and I get emotional at just the thought of the things my brother and his fellow troops endured and the sacrificed they make for us and our country.

Veteran's Day is a day to show appreciation for the sacrifices the soliders and their families make for everyday people - just like YOU and ME. I truly believe that this country should show more support for those who are enlisted or are veterans. Fly your flag, tell them thank you, and send care packages.

I wanted to share with you a wonderful post from The Mother Huddle. Often they will share another follower's blog and their "Bullet List". Being Veteran’s Day, I had to share this list with you. Read the word’s of actual solider AND wife of a deployed solider her thoughts on Patriotism:

http://www.themotherhuddle.com/?p=1068

Please check yesterdays postings for specials offered for veterans today and pass them on! Some additional  posting related to supporting the troops:

Sending Soilder Care Packages

Anysoldier.com is a wonderful place to start when looking for information on what to send, how to send it and who to send it to.

"A soldier in Iraq cannot see your ribbon

or the flag at your front door

But a letter they hold in their hands

To them, means so much more"

Liam Sweeny

When my brother served in Iraq, we sent him weekly packages. He passed many of the items onto friends who did not receive things from home. He had so much that often he had to leave much of it behind when they had to pack up quickly and move. First tip: Instead of sending large volumes to one soldier, send smaller packages to many soldiers. Do not send food and non-food items in the same pack. If ants or other bugs get into the food, then your other items will not be damaged. Some of my brother's requests - Containers of powdered Gatorade, sweat-proof sunscreen (Bullfrog is great), socks, chewing gum, baby powder (for gauding), vasolene (can be used for wind-block) and batteries.AnySoldier.com discourages sending DVDs and CDs as they're often stolen and re-sold to the soldiers.

Small Talk Six - Six Reasons You Would Be Doomed if Stranded on a Deserted Island

6 reasons why you would be doomed if you were stranded on a

deserted island all by yourself

Here are my six:

1. I have to steal from Bless Your Hearts - lack of caffine would be my first issue - I would probably be very irritable to all the native animals, start twitching and then crash and burn for about 7 days

2. I would go crazy not knowing what to do with myself. The entire island would be scrubbed cleaned and organized long before  the caffine was out of my system and I would be bored out of my mind!

3. What? No Internet? I may just crawl up and perish at the thought of that one

4. I would probably be okay on the creative food issue, but no frosty beverage at sunset - pure torture

5. Another horrid thought - unless my destered island has volcano pools, my need to keep warm and for long hot baths would take over and I'd have to bake naked in the buring sun to keep warm

6. Lack of companionship? Good for about the first 72 hours as I bask in the glory of not having to cook dinner and wipe snotty noses, then the social butterfly in me would have to start talking to the native marinelife about how good a long bath, a cold brew and a shot of esspresso would be as the sun sets on the horizon ...wait!....is that Sawyer I see swimming towards me in the distance? Nah, must be all the sun I'm taking in.

Now go post your own list on your blog (don’t forget to grab a button) and then leave the direct link to your post on Mr. Linky. Then go check out everyone else’s Small Talk Six lists and leave them a comment so they know you stopped by.

PS: I must apologize if I have linked this incorrectly. I am new to the Mr. Linky and found this post originally on Bless your Hearts.

A Little About Me

With the exposure of my blog from my first blog comment contest, I've had lots of new viewers. I've had a few emails wanting to know more about me so I've decided to add copy over my "About Me" page form my website (http://www.thekendalcompanies.com/) Read on for more about me. Thanks and welcome all my new friends!

From my webiste: " For those of you who do not know me, I am a stay-at-home mother of three girls, two dogs, two cats and a wonderful, but messy, husband! My husband owns his own fire protection business, HALL FIRE PROTECTION CO., INC. and I have been lucky enough to stay at home for the past several years and help him out. When my youngest starting Kindergarten last year, I decided to take my own small business ventures and start The Kendal Companies. Like many stay-at-home moms these days, I have been helping out my family and friends for years with everything from planning family dinners, organizing travel, cleaning, shopping and everything else under the sun! I finally have the time to gather my talents into something profitable. The Kendal Companies has really taken off from day one and I couldn't be happier. The website is getting a lot of attention, I am meeting new people and I am learning everyday. The support I have received from everyone has been worth all the effort and hard work.

I am originally from the small Georgia town of Rockmart. My grandmother ran a hometown store for her entire adult life. She taught me about loyalty and supporting your local small businesses.

I was raised in a family that encouraged independence, etiquette, social awareness, entrepreneurship, class and, above all, complete confidence. I thank my grandparents for passing down a legacy enriched with all of these things. I try to instill the same values in my girls and can already see that they will be strong, independent and versatile young ladies.

While I love the spirit of entrepreneurship, I also believe in reaching out to help others and our environment. I hope that my business will allow me to extend my good fortune and expertise to those in my community. In honor of my brother, who served in Iraq - sending care packages to the soldiers is high on my priority list. I create and sell cards in which the proceeds go towards an organization that send the packages. I hold contest in our Creative Studios monthly meetings to see who can recycle the most items or bring in the most items to donate. I enforce strict recycling efforts in my own home (the girls will attest to my strong-arm in this!) I am a member of the Friends of the Library, The Georgia Sea Turtle Rescue Center, and hope to begin volunteering with local groups soon. My Kendal Kleanz It Out! and eBay auction sites donate to various shelters and help keep clutter out of the landfills.

The products I have in the on line store are either handmade by me, hand crafted by someone else that I feel meets my high standards, or are products and services that I have personally researched, use and recommend. Please visit my "Recommended Sites" link for my favorite local business, groups and charities.

Once again, I greatly appreciate your support and hope that you will subscribe to my newsletters, read and comment on my blog, and pass this website on to your friends and family. Thanks again and see you soon! "

Countdown to UGA/FLA .....

(Me and my dad)

Okay, so most of you probably could care less about college football when you're stressing over finishing that homemade costume you just HAD to make from Martha Stewart - but, at our house, we bleed red and black and I had to make a shout out!

Cross your fingers for us.....!

Real Blondes Can Take A Joke....

As a natural blonde myself - I can take a joke every now and then and this joke is perfect for the Fall season! Enjoy!

For more on my tolerance with Dumb Blonde Jokes, click the link below and scroll down about halfway down the page.

Kendal's Secret Link....

Halloween Newsletter Released Today

The Kendal Companies Halloween Edition Newsletter came out today - if you aren't a subscriber, click the link below to view (and sign up for future editions). Enjoy!

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs042/1102176382703/archive/1102765101919.html

This week....

Hi everyone! I had a great weekend - spent quality time with my family and had a great "girls night" out on Sat. for my birthday. Nothing like spending time with those you love to make you feel great! I have a big wedding I am catering this coming weekend so this will be the only post this week, but I wanted to let you know that a special Halloween Newsletter will be out early next week - keep an eye out for it in your Inbox.

See you next week!

I LOVE October

Maybe it's because it brings College Football. Maybe it's the fall leaves. Maybe it's that Halloween is one of my FAVORITE holidays (after St. Pat's day - hey! I'm Irish!). OR maybe because it's my birthday!!! Anyway - I DO love October. Over the past few years I've really collected a huge Halloween decor and recipe collection. If you check my website you can find more great photos of past decor/food and craft ideas. My favorite is pictured above - My front door....all I used was a dead limb I found in the woods behind our house, one bag of fake spider web, a piece Styrofoam and a few fake roses from Hobby Lobby, and some black paint. Cutting the foam into the tombstone made a huge mess, so do that outside when you paint it and the roses. Use red roses and lightly paint the ends black (to make them look like they are dead). The kids loved it! They also loved the Witches Fingers and Toes I made from Crescent Rolls (see website for recipe). Happy Decorating!! BTW - I like real rose too - hint, hint!

Where have I been!?

Wow, How time flies! Seems like yesterday I was blogging about the warmer weather finally coming around and here it is Fall - oh wait - it WAS springtime last time I blogged! I know, I know. I preach and preach about keeping things updated and here I am months behind! Give me a little break here, I had a FULL spring/summer. Without all the gory details, let me say family just has to be put before everything else, even at the expense of other things near and dear to your heart.

Now that things at home are back to normal (whatever that is!) I can get back to my website and this blog. I've got a couple of new obsessions since I last blogged ( http://www.sothernsavers.com/ being top on the list) and I want to fill you in on those as soon as possible. Give me a few days to get it together and check back here to find out what they are. In the meantime, feel free to roam over to my website as it IS updated for the season and full of great new pictures and ideas for making life a little simpler. Read below for a excerpt from the home page.......

FROM http://www.thekendalcompanies.com/........ Fall is here and with the cooler weather, it's time to enjoy the outdoors without baking in the Georgia humidity and heat! But let me ask you a question? Do you find it hard to sit down and enjoy these pretty afternoons? Does your mind race with all the things on your "to do" list? If you have been following our Simple Life Series then you KNOW how it feels to sit on the porch swing and suddenly realize, you have nothing hanging over your head but the warm sun and the fresh breeze! If not, then it's time to get moving!

Before you know it the holidays will be here and your days will be
busier than any other time of the year and more clutter will be coming INTO your life, not just in the form of wrapping paper and presents, but in the form of stress as well.

What is the Simpler Life Series?

Our Simpler Life Series will guide you towards a clearer mind and soul. Each step will motivate you to move on from your past and towards what really matters today. If you aren't ready to tackle YOU yet, tackle your stuff instead! Our 10 Things you Can Do RIGHT NOW will help you jump start your de-cluttering! Want something even simpler? Try reducing the clutter that comes in and out of your home and begin living more "green," by clicking here for ways to start being more earth friendly.

However you start making changes to your life , just start. Just like in the lottery, if you don't play, you can't win - and de-cluttering your life is defiantly a win. Once you have the ball rolling taking care of your "stuff", sit down and take stock of yourself as well. Instead of counting your "need -tos," "have-tos" and "must-dos," try counting your dreams, your desires and....your blessings. It's much easier to be inspired by what you do have than what you don't have.

Once again, thanks for your patience through the summer and I hope to be more on top of things as the holidays approach. Love you all! K

Momprenuers of Bartow County!

Attention Ladies - I want to let you know of a great new group that has been meeting over the past few months. It's called the M.O.B.s - short for Momprenuers of Bartow County. We meet once a month to share positive advice, tips and business ideas with other women home-based business owners. Here is a recap of the April meeting group:
April Wallace - Bartow Buzz Local Family Magazine - offers advertising specials just for MOBs members
Christy Dunn - Tastefully Simple Distributor
Juwanatravel.com
Tammy Howard - Belles N' Beans Consignment Boutique of Hwy 411 in White
Kristy Carnley - Beauty Consultant for Mary Kay Cosmetics - kristycarnley@marykay.com
Debbie Payne - http://www.booking-for-you.com/ - Bookkeeping Services
Lara Jeanneret - lara@larejdesigns.com - Graphic designer
Vicky Ruggles - Scentsy Candles Consultant
Margaret Robinson - who has a dream of opening her own cafe!
and of course - me! The Kendal Companies.com

We shared thoughts on home schooling and learned you can find lesson plans at georgiastandards.org

Christy let us know that the next Mistletoe Christmas Show at Trinity will beheld on Nov. 14th. You can contact her directly for more booth rental info.

If you are interested in joining our great group of ladies, you can visit our blog at Momprenuersofbartow .bloggspot.com, search us on Facebook or use the links from my webpage to get to more info. We are casual, kids are welcome and be sure to bring business cards to swap - and best of all - it's FREE!

Our next meeting will be held the the Sweetmarket Deli on Main Street at 7pm on May 26th. Hope to see you there!

St. Pat's Day Ribbon Cutting for Room Within

With Room Within's Ribbon Cutting held on St. Pat's Day, they decided to go with the "green" foods! We served green punch made from Frozen Margarita concentrate with mint leaves and lime slices, surrounded the punch with green and white oreo balls (some mint flavored!), stuffed "Irish" potato skins with cream cheese and bacon bits and had our famous cheese ball in the shape of a clover - what fun! If you get a chance, stop by their new location, under the bridge in Cartersville! For all these recipes and more, visit our website http://www.thekendalcompanies.com/

PS: The latest MOBs group met this past Tuesday night. We had a great talk about the upcoming Spring Fling at Trinity Church in Cartersville. They still have vendor openings so call them today!