'Kay, so I'm SO thrilled with my new DVD that I thought I'd make it even easier for y'all to see it.  Poke this link to view it.

Cool, huh?  Again, that's the handiwork of Jensen Wedding Films.  Lemme know what you think.  I will keep this at the top of all my other entries, so newest postings follow--scroll down  and don't miss 'em!  Love ya!  Mean it!

Whitebird Ceremonial Dove Releases was inspired by the closing ceremonies of the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.  I was working on a project in my downtown apartment, television humming in the background.  I glanced up at the TV just as they released 1,500 (I learned later) white birds, and I burst into tears, I thought it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen!  I never forgot that moment over the next several years, so I researched, asked questions, and as a world class procrastinator, began Whitebird several years later.

This summer it will be 24 years since I witnessed those closing ceremonies.  And it seems like yesterday I'd sit in the loft, bundled against the cold watching for hours my first breeding pairs do their thang, imagining what was to come (I had NO idea!), and sometimes even falling asleep in my chair as the days grew shorter in fall and winter.

Whitebird has since, if I do say so myself, blazed the trail and promoted the traditional release of white doves by educating the public on the difference in using white homing pigeons that are trained to fly home quickly and safely.  I remember my first years doing wedding shows--nobody had ever seen it before!  And some had heard it was cruel to release doves.  I jumped at every opportunity to explain that, yes, releasing ring-necked doves WAS cruel, since they couldn't find their way home or find food in the wild.  But not only can white homing pigeons fly home upon release, but they put on the most magical show as they circle overhead before heading home.  Be sure to see my new video!

Many are the times I've received phone calls from people who don't have an event in mind, but just want to get the straight scoop.  I've always been a curious person myself, so I really love those people and welcome those phone calls.  Each one is a believer when they hang up.  Only a couple million to go.     

"If you don't like someone, the way he holds his spoon will make you furious; if you do like him, he can turn his plate over into your lap and you won't mind."

Irving Becker said that.  I don't know who Irving Becker is, but he's right.

The Dove Lady LOVES her birds and doesn't mind at all having to feed and water and tidy up after them every day, twice a day, even when they're not working.  If she didn't love them, they'd be in deep doo-doo.  And she begs you forgive her English.

Confidential to "K"--

                 If it hurts, it's not love.

Ever since we got our Saeco Classico and its younger sister, Aroma, I realized how easy it is to duplicate otherwise spendy beverages at home.  My latest discovery is Torani Almond Roca syrup in my lattes.  OH!  Smart & Final has a good selection of other flavors AND the pumps, too, so you don't have to mess with sticky bottles.  Here's some standard fare I've recreated at home, along with a few I concocted on my own brain power:

1.  My darling and I like the matcha green tea shots at Jamba, but we don't like the price.  SO, I bought some matcha green tea at Oto's, and now we mix the shots up ourselves.  I use my Tupperware tumblers, about 4 oz. of juice (orange, pink lemonade, pomegranate, mango...), toss in a couple ice cubes, 1/2-1 tsp. of matcha green tea (that's the powdered stuff made for tea ceremonies).  Put the lid on it (make sure the seal is tight), and shake 'til well blended.  I thought they were better than Jamba's, but there was always a mess around the tea cannister.  I now buy my matcha green tea wrapped individually in five gram amounts.  One is 1/2 tsp., two packets make 1 tsp.  Stays fresh and you can keep a stash in your purse and/or gym bag.

2.  Frappucinos...yum.  Smart & Final has Ghirardelli Frappe Classico, Double Chocolate and Classic White powdered mixes in a 3 lb. cannister.  Follow the instructions on the can or get creative!

3.  I got creative.  When I have bananas that are a bit too ripe to eat right out of the peel, I peel them, wrap them in plastic wrap and toss 'em in the freezer.  When the mood strikes, I haul out the blender, pour in one cup of milk (we use Silk soy), seven(ish) ice cubes, a scoop of Double Chocolate Frappe Classico, a frozen ripe banana, and a heaping spoonful or two of Greek Gods Honey Yogurt (GGHY deserves a "Notes..." entry all for itself).   You can adjust amounts to your taste.  I calls 'em Anna Banana Shakes. 

4.  Never freeze a banana with the peel on.  Just trust me on this. 

5.  I would never do this, but if you don't like chocolate (and just for fun, send me a note and tell me about your planet, and how you found my website!), get the Classic White Frappe mix and whoosh it up with blueberries or other fresh frozen fruit.

6.  This isn't cheap, but sometimes easy trumps cheap.  Probably everybody knows about Jose Cuervo's just-add-ice-margarita-in-a-bottle.  I discovered it at a wedding years ago.  It was my last job of a very long day hauling the doves around, and the bride insisted!  Refusing would have been rude, right Michaela?  The just-add-ice margarita is SO easy, not to mention the instant gratification factor, but I think it's a bit on the potent side, because it's designed to be whooshed up with ice.  I don't always want to have to pull out equipment, so I dilute it with pomegranate juice.  Yum-oh!  And pretty, too.  If you want to garnish it for parties, wedge up a blood orange and let it ride the rim.  For you snobs (am not...am NOT!) that insist on Patrón Gold, the JC margarita mix is just fine for instant margaritas a la Patrón!   

7.  I'm digressing, but for the prettiest cocktails that call for a sugared rim, buy a bag of sanding sugar.  You can find it at Cake Castle or other stores that carry cake decorating items.  It's very easy (and cheap!) to color/flavor your own (ask me!).  Experiment, then, brides especially, create and name a signature cocktail for your celebration!

8.  I'll be adding more as I remember them, so be sure to check back!

The Dove Lady's definition of  Hell is having sticky on her fingers and no place to wash up.  And she thinks white chocolate is wrong, just wrong.  In so many ways. 

One of the classiest details I've ever seen at a wedding is live musicians playing at the ceremony.  Yes, there is a time and a place for a professional D.J. and s/he is worth his/her weight in gold for getting your party started and keepin' it rockin'.  But nothing compares to, say, a harp & flute duo playing everything from traditional to popular pieces as you take your much anticipated walk down the aisle.  That's them on my home page.

I'd like to say I've seen it all over the past 18 years, but I still brace myself for what's to come.  A few years ago, the birds and I attended a wedding at a lovely facility.  They had a D.J. for their ceremony.  So, I was waiting for things to get underway...okay, showtime--there's the groom and his mom, flower girls, there's the bridesmaids, ring bearer, all the usual suspects taking their positions...then the bride's music started.  It was the duet version of "From This Moment". 

From the Digression Department--The first time I heard "From this Moment" at a wedding, I thought it was among the cheesier selections I'd ever heard.  But, now!?!  I LOVE THAT SONG!  When it comes on the radio, I call my husband and sing it to him.  (Talk about cheesy--he tolerates me very well. ) 

From the Further Digression And Speaking of Cheesy Department--I was at a beautiful church wedding last year.  The birds and I had just finished doing our thang, and as I was departing, I heard footfalls behind me closing in fast.  I turned around and there was the wedding coordinator.  She said, and I quote verbatim, VERY enthusiastically, I might add: "When (Bride) said she was going to  release white doves, I thought that sounded cheesy, but actually, it was VERY beautiful!"  I blushed and thanked her, and chalked up one more believer for the books.

Anyway, I now think "From This Moment" is a lovely non-traditional choice for the bride's processional.  But, here's what happened...bride was in place on her father's arm, music started, bride started walking.  Now here's the thing.  There are a couple versions of that song, and this particular one had that really long intro.  By the time the bride had finished her walk down the aisle and took her place next to the groom, the intro had JUST finished, and we only got a few words out of Shania before the D.J. had to cut the music.  Maybe no one else noticed, but I was terribly disappointed.  Did I mention I LOVE that song?

Live musicians can adjust the music to make it fit perfectly to whatever's going on.  Okay, you say, you timed your unity candle ceremony and it will take 1.5 minutes?  Great.  A D.J. can queue up 1.5 minutes of your selected music.  But what if your lighter won't light?  What if it takes longer to get that candle to stay lit?  What if the wind keeps blowing them out?  These can all be charming parts of your wedding story, but the minute and a half your D.J. prepared for is history, and everybody's still giggling over that stupid lighter!   

It CAN be different with a professional D.J., but there's only so much a human can do with what the gods hand you on your wedding day.  What YOU can do is call Music A Due'/Harp & Flute, (916) 456-8223.  And go to their website and hear their music.  These guys play like ANgels!  And because they've played together for SO long, as their website states, they're like Borgs, always in sync, always anticipating the other's moves.  Listen to the fifth selection under "Popular".  Moon River.  Story is, that intro wasn't planned by the flutist, it just happened.  Hard to believe that sound comes out of mere mortals. 

Eighteen years and over a thousand weddings to my name means I've seen alot.  Here's a few P-POOs that come to mind:

1.  I would never suggest you hurry your ceremony along just because your guests skipped lunch to make room for the fabulous feast that awaits them.  But, all those songs that make up the story of the night you met, your courtship, that wonderful weekend away when s/he proposed, do not all have to be played during your ceremony.  Save some of the fun for your reception.  Have your D.J. explain the significance of each song during the party.  Tres romantic!

2.  When it comes to weddings, "professional musician" means they have a history of performing at weddings.  Just performing professionally doesn't qualify.  Both is a plus! 

3.  Wedding professionals know the drill, and will offer you selections for different parts of your ceremony, such as your prelude music (as your guests arrive), all the way through your recessional..and then some.

4.  Hear their music.  Most will have samples on their websites.  Listen and compare.

5.  You can also extend the elegance of live music to your cocktail hour prior to dinner, as well as entertaining out-of-town guests the following morning for an open-the-gifts brunch. 

6.  Playlists are good, but chances are you wouldn't recognize some of your favorite music by their names.  Ask to hear particular pieces, or better, have the musicians make suggestions.

The Dove Lady LOVES to open presents, especially her own (second best is watching others open theirs), almost as much as she likes French toast, applewood smoked bacon, and mango mimosas for brunch.  And she thinks the harpist and the flutist of Music A Due'  (www.harpflute.com) must be lesser gods.   

I'm sorry.  You can't just call three D.J.s and ask them what they charge.  All you will get is numbers and you need WAY more than that to plan your celebration.  It will take gruntwork, just like hiring your photographer...so many choices your head will spin, go see 'ems...apples, oranges, kiwis, guavas...  Unless you have someone on your team who can narrow your list to a few tried, true, experienced party pros (that would be your cousin who's been married seven times  or a professional wedding coordinator), this is going to eat up some time.

As is with almost all other wedding vendors, the product they offer and the service by which they deliver it are also VERY important if you care at all about having a successful reception.  How are you supposed to know what to ask?  Some will offer you a list of questions, which is very helpful.  But, you have to get more...a second, third, 17th opinion.  Ask ALL your friends about their weddings.  Ask your other vendors.

I am NOT, by any means, an expert on D.J.s, much less hiring one.  Never done it myself, nor have I seen that many in action.  By the time a D.J. starts the party, the doves and I are ususally home, fed, and on our perches.  But, I ask lots of questions whenever I can, because I'm the curious type, and having rubbed shoulders with many of them for the last 18 years, I do know that there is a Sacramento D.J. for every style, personality, and budget.  So what you want for your party is where you can start narrowing down your choices.

So you've made some calls, huh?  You never needed a D.J. before, so, of course, you're mortified at their prices.  Sorry, again.  A great D.J. is an invaluable...no, they're THEE tool for a successful party.  It's true, MAYbe anyone can spin CDs.  But, not everyone knows the ins/outs/whys/wherefores and anatomy of a wedding reception.  Many have lots of other gadgets they can bring to the party, including lighting.  Ask them.  Talent and personality is a must, experience is really important, but everyone has to start somewhere.  But, be forwarned if hiring a newbie...I've seen them come and go...really fast.

There are MANY people out there calling themselves D.J.s and it's just impossible to look into their souls and know what kind of party they'll craft for you.  If budget is an issue, do this exercise--this is how I buy shoes.  I pretend to walk away and then try to imagine how I'll feel the next day.  Will I regret not making that purchase?  It's sorta the same with your D.J.--will you wish you'd spent the money on a professional the day after your wedding?  Here's some homework.  Write this 100 times, long hand, preferably.  You CAN'T type it on your 'puter and copy and paste.  That would be cheating.  Here it is:  If they can't compete with their product, they compete with their price.   Keep this in mind when hiring all your wedding vendors.

Again, I am not an expert on D.J.s, so I can only share stories about things I've witnessed.  I only mention a few, because these bloopers, and variations thereof, have been duplicated countless times over the years.  And besides, I don't want to scare you.

1.  Called a groom the day before his wedding last December and asked how everything was going.  Sounding ever so slightly frantic, he said we was "driving all over town to find a CD!"  I asked him who his D.J. was.  His answer?  "A friend."  A professional D.J. will save you TONS of time, not to mention brain room, taking care of those details for you.

2.  Was at a wedding--everyone but the bride had taken their place at the "altar", and all eyes were at the back waiting for her entrance.  Oh, she was there, alright, but she was waiting for her music.  Turned out, the CD she gave her D.J. wouldn't play on his equipment.  Guess who the D.J. was?  A co-worker.  A professional D.J. will help you choose your music AND you can be assured he has checked the format (especially for home burned CDs) and that his equipment will handle it.

3.  Hire a professional.

I started writing about each of the following D.J. companies individually, and found that I was saying the same things over and over.  I've known most of them (and love ALL of them!) since I started Whitebird, or shortly thereafter, which was 18 years ago.  They're fun!  They're professional!  Very energetic!  Highly experienced!  Go beYOND the call of duty!  Remember--you are entrusting this person with your celebration.  Here's my faves, in alphabetical order.  Calling all of them will not only be an education, but you will see/hear for yourself their differences.  You will find at least ONE of them is a perfect match for your style and your budget!

A&A Music Events, 916 714-9099,           www.aamusicevents.com

Creative Memories JD, 916 714-9099, www.creativememoriesdj.com

DJ Crooner & Assoc., 916 722-5971

Entertainment Team, 816 933-5882, www.entertainmentteam.com

Exquisite Entertainment, 916 925-7873, www.exquisitedjs.com

Extreme Productions, 916 773-4329,                      www.extremeprodjs.com

Music In Motion, 916 923-DJ4U (3548),                          www.formotion.com

Music On The Move, 916 991-3738, www.musiconthemovedjs.com

Premier Entertainament, (916) 565-3700, www.premierentertainment.biz

Even though the Dove Lady has no plans, yet,  for  the  soiree to showcase her wedding cake, she is already planning her Lotto party.  And her D.J. will be instructed to limit the playlist to all Beatles, all night,  1960 through December 8, 1980, in chron order, and repeat. 

(tsk) My husband feels sorry for me.  He thought that after we got married, I would stop watching "A Wedding Story" and all those other weddingy shows.  He knows that when he's surfin' channels, it takes me a micro second to hone in on one.  And that it's a good idea to stop clickin'.  Marital harmony, and all, knowwhuttumsayin'?  I think he's starting to get the fact that I love weddings!  Anybody's wedding!  Whoever's getting married! 

And what he doesn't know is that I had been planning our wedding for a long time in numerous 3 a.m. sessions.  I still couldn't decide between summer or winter.  I always thought Christmas Eve would be a perfect time for a wedding.  It's my siblings-in-law, Dan and Stella's, anniversary.  But, I know that in spite of the early October plans to sip egg nog by the fire on Christmas Eve while gazing into each other's eyes, it usually turns into last minute create-a-thon, so my darling doesn't have to navigate last minute shoppers at the mall.

I never wanted a big wedding.  Actually, getting married was never even a goal of mine.  But, you can't be in the wedding business and not compile at least a mental list of what yours would be like.  LOADS of flowers would figure prominently in mine: a bouquet of white lilacs and white peonies hand tied with pale blue ribbon, gobs of same with gardenias, white and cream and palest pink roses, and lily-of-the-valley.  The yard would be lit with candleiers hanging from sky hooks (I still haven't figured that one out, yet).  The ceremony would be very brief, but at that part where the officiant said, "...love, honor, and respect," a huge gospel choir who had snuk in the back gate would start a rockin' acapella rendition of Aretha Franklin's R-E-S-P-E-C-T and march down the aisle and all around  and then back out the other gate.  And I mean R-O-C-K-I-N'!!

And a GREAT! cake--a gigantic Seville Marnier Torte with gumpaste gardenias and palest pink camellias tumbling down the sides, and a sculpture of us, our two cats, Chloe and Lulu (who are with us only in spirit now), Molly (our very low maintenance baby girl), Miss Frank (our Japanese Reeves turtle), and various and sundry doves in various and sundry positions around us.  Still waiting for that cake.  Our wedding turned out to be a different kind of perfect.

I would say 90 percent of the weddings I've done were pretty much the same ol', "Do you...?"  and "Do you...?" and "I now pronounce you husband and wife."  Traditionally speaking, that's good.  I like tradition.  But, unless you're planning a VERY formal church ceremony, you can make your wedding your very own by personalizing it.  I've always said a wedding is like live theater, but never was that more apparent as at a wedding I did last September at The Grand Island Mansion.  This guy owned half of San Francisco and was VERY clever.  He wanted a fun, unique wedding.  And under the direction of his wedding planner, no detail was spared down to the Beefeaters heralding the beginning of the formalities, groom entering in a vintage Harley sidecar wavin' like rock star, and everyone in period costume. 

If you're still soil testing to determine why your money tree won't bear fruit, there are many things you can do that cost little or none that will make your wedding ceremony like no other.  I may have mentioned sometime back that I was at a wedding where the bride was to enter by a horse drawn carriage.  There was the usual buzz at the site while all the guests were visiting with each other, but then after a while, the buzzing subsided.  Everyone stopped to listen...whazzat?  Somehow someone had miked the carriage, and still out of sight, the guests could hear the clip, clop...clip, clop of the horses hooves, and within a minute, Bride appeared.  It was brilliant.  Still gives me goosebumps.  Details.

Another memorable wedding was that of some Notre Dame fans...he and his buds were, anyway.  As the groom and his men came down the aisle, I saw that the FOG (Father Of the Groom) was holding something and there was some unusual activity and commotion as each passed him.  I asked later, what was up with that?  Someone said the FOG was holding a sign that said, "Play like a champion." Sweet.  But, it was years later that the whole meaning of it was revealed to me.  Supposedly, there's a sign at Notre Dame in the stairwell from the men's locker room to the stadium that says, "Play like a champion", and the team members each slap the sign as they walk past it.  See for yourself--rent the movie, "Rudy".  What a sweet story!  I mean, it's about football, guys.  Yeah, that's the ticket!  

If you're determined not to have a cookie cutter wedding, here's some P-POOs for inspiration:

1.  Unity candles are not new.  But, neither are dove releases, and both have significant symbolism attached, and add a beautiful, meaningful touch to a wedding.  I've said this before, if your ceremony is outdoors and you plan to light candles, use a hurricane.  This is one you'll want to plan WAY ahead, because a hurricane may not fit on the lovely candle set Aunt Betty sent you.  There are ways to MAKE it fit.  Call me if you get stuck.

1a.  Another repeat--if you're going to do the unity candle thing, don't make me look at that red plastic, disposable lighter that no one can figure out how to work, anyway.  If you have the bucks, a sterling cigar torch would be tres chic, but I just found a really pretty refillable one made by Zippo.  Ten bucks.  Refillable--repeat that and look for that word whenEVER you shop.  Our landfills are screamin'!  I bought mine at Linens 'n' Things.  Buy extras for goodie bags.  Take it to your rehearsal and make sure the principles receive ample instruction on how to use it!

2.  I saw a petite bride that, when it was time to kiss her way taller new husband for the first time, she made a "wait a minute" sign with her finger, went behind the candle table and fetched a little step stool.  Placed it in front of him and went in for a very comfortable smackeroo.  Very cute. 

3.  I LOVE to hear the stories!  How you met, what you love about each other, mushy/sweet stuff.  It's nice when you write letters to each other and your officiant reads them.  Writing your own vows is a nice idea, too, but really puts alot of pressure on some people.  And there's alot of pressure there, ANY way.  So think about that one if you can't handle it.

4.  This probably isn't the first time you've heard this one, but try to incorporate something of your family history, ancestry, culture, or tradition.  OR, this is your chance to create it for future generations.  Hard to imagine, but most likely, you'll be somebody's great grandparents some day!

5.  One clever bride recorded an audio message to her friends, family, and future husband that was played just before she made her grande entrance.  It was SO much fun watching the groom who had already taken his place at the "altar".  It's stuff like this that makes video mandatory!

6.  Overwhelmed with the research of ways of uniqueifying your celebration?  Your professional wedding service providers: officiants, 'ographers, musicians have been to hundreds of weddings and have seen lots of "interesting" things.  Ask 'em!  

The Dove Lady says she will release her doves at your Sacramento area wedding at a 50% discount if you're the first bride to call her and PROMISE to walk down the aisle to Jimi Hendrix's "Foxy Lady".  FOX-eh! 

Fine Print--Release of doves based on availability and your start time allows the doves ample space to return home before sunset, TBD by the Dove Lady.  Employees of Whitebird Ceremonial Dove Releases, associated agencies, vendors, and their immediate family members are not eligible to win.  Prize is not transferable and once accepted, no changes can be made.  Well, maybe little, teeny, tiny ones.  No cash redemption or substitution by winner permitted.  Amen.

Ten years and one month ago today, I was wrapping chocolate truffles at 10:30 in the evening as favors for my parents' 50th anniversary party which was to be held the following morning.  My then boyfriend noticed I was gnashing my teeth and he pitched in to help.  Grateful, I said, "Thanks, hon, now I know you REALLY love me!"  He said, "I just feel SORRY for you!"

Well, of course, he really loved/s me, but I truly was pitiful that night.  Waited 'til the last minute, though with the finest chocolate truffles, you can't buy them TOO far in advance, freshness and all.   So, anyway, I wrapped them in antique gold lace tied with a gold ribbon--pretty, but I know it took a few days off my life, even though I only had to do 50.  And didn't have a zillion OTHER things to do!

If you want something really nice, and I guaranTEE you will have a zillion other things to do the week before your wedding, you will want to hire a professional to design and produce your wedding favors.  As I've said before, if you  don't think you have the budget, consider what your time will be worth those last few days before your wedding. 

Susie, owner of Favors With Style, has put together some of the prettiest little packages I've ever seen.  Tell her a little bit about the two of you, hobbies, etcetera, and she'll suggest a favor, AND she'll custom design a gift tag, add some significant embellishments, all wrapped up perfectly.  Every favor is completed by hand.  She can also deliver the favors to your reception site and place them on the tables.  Some locations charge you extra if they have to futz with your stuff.  Susie can work miracles with short notice, so even if you're two weeks out, need 75 or more favors, and are starting to panic, call her.  You will be SO relieved! 

Bride Sarah asked me for favor ideas.  I told her to call Susie.  But, here are some P-POOs from my 18 years in the biz:

1.  Offer favors that will be appreciated and/or used.  You can't go wrong with good chocolate.  Notice I underlined "good"?  That's because you shouldn't cut corners and offer cheap chocolate. 

2.  Beware of cute chocolate--you know, little molded shapes.  Cute chocolate tries to get by on being cute.  It doesn't always taste good.  If you're the kind of person who can't tell the difference between Coke and Pepsi, or real and fake whipped cream or lemonade, enlist the help of someone who can.  M&Ms are okay, but (Personal Opinion Alert!) don't waste your money on customizing them.  If you have a message, print it on the favor box or tag.  All M&Ms need is an "M".  Anything else is just wrong.  And they come in such pretty colors!

3.  No one but your mother will keep that plastic cowboy hat that was filled with butter mints!  99.9 percent of anything cheap, tacky, or plastic will be in the land fill by week's end.

4.  Hire a professional.

5.  Be careful with breakables.  One wedding, they gave out spun glass do-dads, and it became a real safety issue once the kids got bored.

6.  If you must make your own favors, please dial WAY back on the tulle.  The only way you should use tulle is to cut strips and use it as you would ribbon to wrap a gift.  Speaking of tulle, please try to avoid festooning your wedding site with it--it's tired.

7.  If you're looking for the "pink link", here it is/was.

8.  Want something really tasty and unique, and FABulous?  Oh! Babette's 24 Kt. Caramels are gilded with real, edible 24 kt gold.  Swanky! 

9.  Yes, the favor itself is important, but remember, if they're going to be placed on your beautiful linens with your beautiful flowers as a back drop, the packaging is EXTRA important.  I won't say they have to match, but they should be complementary.

10.  We went to Sonoma the day my then boyfriend proposed exclusivity.  We stopped for supplies on our way out of town, and I STILL have that (now empty) box of animal crackers, and the mini Milky Way (it's in the fridge).  If you're a sentimental fool, too, and have a similar story of your courtship, use it!  Tie up that box of animal crackers or Cracker Jack with beautiful ribbon and a tag with your names and wedding date, and maybe a synopsis of why it's significant.  People love that (stuff)!

11.  I LOVE BUBBLES!  They're fun, and I almost always have some in my purse.  But, save them for merrying up your grand departure, because (Personal Opinion Alert!) they're not favors. 

12.  No matter how pretty they are, or clever the shape, (Personal Opinion Alert!) soap does NOT belong on a breakfast, lunch, or dinner table.

The Dove Lady stamps her tiny feet when she is served Coke after ordering Pepsi.   She will NOT eat faux whipped cream.  And you already know what she'd rather do than drink fake lemonade...that's right...parch and get eaten alive by vultures.

Congratulations!  You set the date!  Now all you have to do is tell the world!  Every now and then I talk to a bride who hasn't even set a date.  Head spinning, she doesn't know where to start.  So we have a little chat, and she's on her way once I lay out a plan for her.  Mind you, it's a baby plan...I save the heavy lifting for the wedding coordinators.  But, you can't do ANYthing until you get the real estate (ceremony/reception sites) locked down.  That information (date, time, location) will enable you to reserve all your other services.  Then you better fasten your seatbelts, because you are rollin'!

Let me back up just a minute--many of you have planned your wedding without a fiance' in site, right?  Just like Debra told Ray (anybody watch "Everybody Loves Raymond"?) when he proposed, "I've been planning this since I was 12.  You're the final piece of the puzzle!"  For those of you who met Mr. Right last night, you can't ask the most popular D.J. in town "how much?" if you don't have a date, time, and location for her/him.  It's a scheduling thang.  See? 

Let me back up another minute.  You can't nail down the real estate until you have an idea of how big your guest list will be, i.e., that darling, bitty church in Coloma that you've had your heart set on will only hold 75 people, and that number barely covers YOUR family. 

Alrightie, then.  After you get all that taken care of AND finalize your budget (THAT'S the real "B" word !), you should start thinking about your invitations.  There is SO much out there, especially on-line.  But, if you're like me, and I know I am, I want to touch and feel.  If you're planning a tres cazh celebration on the ol' homestead, you could get away with something simple.  Your invitation should reflect the feel of your ceremony.  Questions so far?

EsPECially if you've never done this before, begin this part imMEDiately.  There is so much more to it than you'd imagine.  F'rinstance, I bought these beautiful six inch square envelopes last year to mail some 4x6 cards.  I finally got around to putting the mailer together and I'll be double-dog-danged if those envelopes weren't 5 15/16ths"!!  Sigh.  I had to trim two ends of the cards so they would fit, and then the other two sides so they wouldn't be lopsided.  And if that had been my wedding invitations and I had 250 of them to mail?  I would be a cryin' fool.  Especially if I had waited 'til the last minute.

This is why you should always allow WAY more time than you think any project will take.  And this is why you don't wait until the weekend before your timeline says you should mail your invitations (most folks say that's six weeks).

The other surprise I got was postage.  I knew the stuffed envelope would be a little heavier than a regular ol' 41 cent first class stamp could handle.  Fortunately, instead of weighing it on my office scale and stamping it and dropping it in the OUT box, I walked it into my post office.  It was 1.3 oz. and the nice (though uninformed) postperson told me those pretty little envelopes would cost me $1.30 EACH to mail.  I know whining does no good, but, I couldn't help myself.  A DOLLAR THIRTY?!  EACH?!?!?  C**p!!  And a few more c**ps for extra measure.

FROM THE GOOD NEWS DEPARTMENT--I went to usps.com.  I hardly ever have to go to the post office anymore.  The part where you calculate postage has changed with the times, and now asks you if your envelope is square.  Square costs more.  If you've inserted something that's not bendy, get ready.  Non-bendy costs more.  It only gave me the choice of square OR non-bendy.  Mine was both.  Square or bendy, two oz., cost $.75.  I still wanted to be sure so I went to a DIFFERENT post office.  The Good News--that $1.30 envelope only cost me $.97 (square & non-bendy) at the 'cross town post office.  Shhhhh...don't tell. 

I remember in a past life, my boss would get these aMAZing invitations to fabulous weddings and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs!  They were giGANtic, beautiful, heavy paper, some with REAL engraving.  I LOVED seeing these invitations and just imagined what the actual party would be like.  When the invitation was something very special, I knew the party would be, as well.

So if you want to touch and feel invitations before you place the order for one of the most important aspects of your whole celebration, yes, you can walk into any large stationery store and you can do that.  But, sweetiepies, I'm here to  tell ya it's a crapshoot as to whether you'll get someone who gives half a whit about you, your invitations, or your wedding.  Will s/he be there when you have questions?  Did she just break up with HER boyfriend?  Knowwhuttumsayin'?  Sara Hamm, Bella Vita Invitations, is someone who will hold your hand and walk you through the whole process.  Call her.  She has beautiful things, she does invitations, only, and will do a lovely job for you. 

P-POOs From The Invitationary Ideas Department--

1.  Need to trim the guest list?  Everybody who knows you by your first names only, stays.  That removes parents' co-workers, business associates, etcetera.  Means you won't have to hire crowd control, AND you can buy better champagne.

2.  After I got my engagement ring, I started planning.  Plan A was to elope to Niagara Falls.  I bought about 100 vintage Niagara Falls postcards which were going to be my after-the-fact wedding announcements, handwritten, with a Niagara Falls postmark.  I'm now saving them for the honeymoon.

3.  The United States Postal Service has lost sleep thinking up pretty stamps for your most important postings.  Please use them.  If you're planning a 4th of July barbeque, yes, you can use the flag stamps.  But, for your wedding invitations?  Buy the pretty ones, OR, have some USPS approved, custom printed stamps made with a favorite photo!

4.  I love sealing wax, and have used it since I was a kid.  Back then, they were sticks with a wick that involved fire and a big, fat hassle.  And messy.  If that turned you off, try again.  Now you can use a hot glue gun with your wax stamps.  Need help with yours?  Need to know where to find a fabulous selection?  Ask The Dove Lady.   She has great anti-sticking and other tips for using the new fangled sealing wax. 

5.  PLEASE, please, please, oh please, do NOT use address labels on your invitations!  Ewww!  Not even the clear ones!  The only stickers allowed are the pretty return address stickers that you use to seal your envelopes.  Check out the blind embossed ones.  They're very elegant, and if you order extras, you can use them for as long as you don't change addresses. 

6.  Sorry--you can't type the addresses, either.  That's TOtally taboo.  Enlist the help of anyone with decent handwriting to help you address them.  Bake a cake and make a party of it! 

7.  And who doesn't LOVE receiving an invitation with hand calligraphy?  It's tres chic, tres fabu, up town, all the way first class!  A calligrapher can also do your menu cards, place cards, seating cards, your program...priiiidy.  Call Sally with Monks of Age Calligraphy. 

8.  Are you the bride that wants to stack donuts for her wedding cake and serve her guests fried eggs?  Been there, heard about that.  I didn't see her invitations, but if you're an Xtreme bride, save up all your mac'n'cheese, cereal boxes, etcetera.  Cut them a uniform size, print your invitations on some heavy card stock and glue them to the pieces of boxes and then trim.  SASS-eh!!  A guillotine paper cutter will make it a breeze.  Do this only if it's so YOU, that people will exclaim, "Oh, it's SO HER!!" 

9.  If you MUST make your own invitations/programs, enlist a PP (Picky Person) to tell you, honestly, whether what you have designed is tacky or not.  You can't use cereal boxes for a formal wedding.  And do not use wimpy paper.  Xpedex has a great selection of beautiful papers.  They're at 1059 Vine Street in Sacramento. 

10.  Do you want a photograph of the two of your on your Save The Date or thank you notes?  My darling and I found a photo booth at the UA Arden Fair theater.  It took two photos of us, let us decide which one we preferred and then did a pencil drawing of the photo while we watched!  It was a perfect likeness of us, and it was only a couple bucks.  Even if you don't want something like that for your wedding stationery, go do it anyway.  It's cool.   

11.  The owners and vendors of Whitebird Ceremonial Dove Releases have been reusing, reducing, and recycling since well before the very first Earth Day to help save the planet, so we're not going to say your response card must have its very own envelope.  We're not THAT picky.  But, we feel (PPA!) we must advise you to avoid, if you can, ordering the kind of invitations where the response card is attached, perforated, and is to be torn off and mailed.  It screams "CHEAP!" 

12.  Want to add a romantic line to your stationery?  "Today I marry my best friend" is sweet, but tired.  Pick a line from a favorite song, i.e., "And I love you so, the people ask me how, how I lived 'til now, I tell them I don't know." or "I found all I waited for, and I could not ask for more."  Your wedding is a day you can get away with total mushiness.

13.  If your do-it-yourself invitation plan involves punching holes, please go to your office supply store and get a proper hole punch.  The standard ones won't do for this.  Get a punch that makes small holes and/or skinny rectangular holes, depending on what you plan to run through them.  They also have really neat ones that round off or embellish corners.  Details, details, details. 

The Dove Lady has about 15 different paper punches in her arsenal.  And  she generally prefers crowds of two or fewer.

I'm always surprised when I ask a couple who their videographer is and they say, "We're not having one." Tsk. Tsk. And one more, tsk.

I've seen good videos and I've seen bad videos. And just like, um...well, even bad videos are good. We had a 50th anniversary party for my parents 10 years ago. It was at The Sterling Hotel in The Drawing Room. It was lovely. Beautiful apricot rose centerpieces, a 3-tier Village Cake Shoppe cake (white with lemon filling...I STILL think about that cake!), Music A Due'/Harp & Flute, and all my brothers and sisters (eight of us) in one place at the same time. We hadn't even considered a videographer, but my Dad's cousin, Jess, showed up with a camcorder. I could have guessed he didn't have much experience with it, because he was having a hard time finding us in his viewfinder. At that point, I still hadn't seen a need for a professional videographer.

I forgot all about it, and then weeks later while visiting my folks, they asked if I'd like to see the video. Well, sure!  And WHAT A HOOT! It was SO much fun to see all those old family friends, some who are no longer with us, and the beautiful flowers and that cake, and look! the musicians (isn't the flute player handsome?!), oh! and Dennis and Dorothy, and the Prados...hey, there's Karen Buckmaster! If we had hired a professional videographer, it could have been a priceless family keepsake.

I've only been to two weddings in 18 years where there was no photographer and they happened on the same day. And one of them was mine (you know why if you read my May, '07, entry on Choosing Your Wedding Date). A photographer has always pretty much been de rigueur for a wedding.  Yes, your wedding photo album is a bonafide heirloom, but once the kids get big enough to flip pages? All bets are off. I've seen what kids can do to that family heirloom.  So up on the shelf it goes. 

You GOTS to have that album, but, how much fun would it be to sit with your kids (grandkids, even) pull out the DVD, and "...watch mommy and daddy get married!" Things you forgot are right there in living, moving, color, and all the people you love, speaking to you, sharing your joy. And the two of you, remembering how you could just burst you were so in love that day. Video. Oh, man, you gotta do it.

When Whitebird Ceremonial Dove Releases hatched in 1992 (it was actually the year before that I got my first birds), I was flying by the seat of my pants. I did my first wedding show, I think, in 1993. That's where I met Mike Jensen. He was Best Man Wedding Video back then. I asked him to do my first demo video. Oh! I just thought of de-VHSizing it and posting it here, too. For posterity. Stay tuned.

Anyway, Mike was great. We had several straight weeks of rain and gloom. And the day it cleared, Mike was ready to go. We tracked down a wedding and did some set up shots, too. I didn't know nuttin' 'bout no videos, so Mike did his thing. When I saw it for the first time with the harp & flute music, oh! I just burst into tears!! It was SO beautiful!

Now, as Jensen Wedding Films, we work together pretty frequently--lucky me. And since it was about time I got a new demo, and since Mike had quite a bit of footage (do they still call it "footage"?) of my birds AND was willing to squeeze me into his already busy-ness, I got lucky, again. Click on this happy face to see it.

From The  Extremely Cool Things I've Done Department--On February 15, 2006, over 70 videographers and approximately 100 photographers attempted setting a new world record for the number of video cameras to professionally videotape a wedding at the Library Galleria in Sacramento. Jensen Wedding Films produced the World Record Wedding Video Event. It was SO much fun! Since it was an indoor wedding, we did the Matrix-style shoot (first ever of it's kind with doves!) with the birds from the South Steps of the State Capitol as part of the pre-wedding photo op.

The Matrix Shot--There were 70 cameras lined up in a half circle around us. Fortunately, we had a practice session a few days before, so everyone knew what to expect. And under the expert direction of another very talented videographer and my pal, Eric Leas with Acti-Video, (don't forget the "-"!) they got the shot. You saw it in the demo (the happy face link above).  And Eric's montage of my birds is in production.  Stay tuned for that, too. 

For most weddings, "same day edit" (SDE) means they take ALL the footage from the bride and groom getting ready and all the ceremony footage and edit it for viewing at the reception. I've seen several of these and man-oh-man, not a dry eye. And it was somebody's brilliant idea to shoot Alysia and Faria WATCHING and reacting to their video, split screen style! Very sweet! (snif, dab) I think it may have been Trisha and Mark Von Lanken with Von Wedding Films.com because I finally tracked down this clip from Trisha. 

Sacramento has fabulous talent behind video cameras, and if you think you don't have the budget, that may not be true. There's a videographer for everyone. Call a few and see whose work tugs your heart, without yanking on your check book too much. Sit down with the naysayers (those are usually The Guardians of The Budget), and let them watch some videos. You can get a demo from just about every videographer in town or watch their work on line.

Some of my other faves include Joann and Darren from Diamond Video, a lovely, fun couple that I've know for absolutely YEARS!!  Phil from Sheffield Multimedia, and there's Heritage Video, and Horizon Pro Video.  I know there's more...did I forget you?  Give me an elbow in the ribs next time you see me!

Stay tuned for " 'Ographers--Part II: Photo" 

The Dove Lady wants to know if you watched her new demo?  No?  Okay, go back, please, and watch it.  The happy face, remember?  She'll wait..............  okay, did you hear that applause at the end?   That's for Mike Jensen!! 

And please give fair warning before you elbow The Dove Lady.  She's been watching alot of pigeon boxing and she has some moves of her own!

Hello, dearies!  Happy belated First Day of Spring!  It's one of my favorite calendar days, but, Springing Forward is the real celebration for me.  How did you spend your extra hour of daylight?  We took an extra long walk and then I deadheaded the daffodils.  This is Beersheba and Thalia.  Thalia is my favorite, pure white and delicate.  I don't know why she isn't facing me.  Camera shy, I guess.

'Kay, so by now, you've probably also done The First Sandals of Spring.  I did.  Whoo!  It was tough, because I pretty much lived in my rubber boots all winter.  But, I have, as you have, I'm sure, performed periodic personal pedicures over the last month and was ready.  If you're not, don't miss my entry on Pretty Feet.

Okay, so this past winter, I talked to many of you regarding specific issues related to wedding planning, relationships, buttinskis...  And I always meant to share some of these stories here (only the names and maybe some dates will be changed), so all of y'all could hopefully learn from them.  Annette was a bride-to-be I hand held in December.  She had booked me for her June, 2008, wedding last summer.  She called me in September to tell me the wedding had been rescheduled.  No problem, I told her, and we changed the date.  She called me a couple months later to say her fiance wanted to change the date again.  I scratched my chin.  Now, you know I hate to get involved... tsk, do not!  But, I had to ask, what is the problem?  He had a number of excuses, none of which sounded to me like something that couldn't be remedied.  She had already lost some deposits from the first postponement.  I grabbed her hand, looked her in the eyes, and said, "Sweetie pie, just how much money are you willing to lose?!" 

She burst into tears.  And the whole ugly truth came out.  I told her, in spite of the money she'll lose this second time, consider it a relatively cheap lesson, grab what's left of your heart and RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!!!  This man i'nt gonna marry you!!  She agreed, knew I was right, vowed to start paying attention to that knot in her stomach, and said she felt as if a weight had been lifted.  Yeah, 165 pounds of commitmentphobe!!  I hope she'll be okay.  I hope she contacts me again, because I'd love to know how things worked out for her. 

And I have to apologize for the "commitmentphobe" comment.  It's not always about that.  It's just for some reason, the two of them weren't right for each other.  I've always said it's not one person, or the other, it's the combination.  And some people just plain ol' don't think they deserve happiness and will sabotage any bits they may encounter.  You KNOW, in your heart, in your stomach, whether it's good or not.  Just admit it, gather the pieces, and get on with your life!  If you're happy, you will attract happiness. 

Anyway, Annette, this is for you.  It's Madigan--cousin of my friend, Diana Miller.  Some of you may know Diana.  She's one best-of-the-best photographers I know.  A real artist.  And, Madigan's got it down, and we can all learn from her perspective--an awesome opportunity!!

"Happiness is like a butterfly, which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you."  --Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Yeah, what he said.  And Madigan, too.

Oh, I don't like to be this way, but it is SO hurts me to see lovely ladies with raggedy-a** feet. Now, I'm not saying you're required to have a perfect pedicure at all times. But, sit down and pick up a foot. If it's smooth and pristine, you, my dear, are a delicate flower.  But, most likely and unless you've paid specific attention, the edges of your heels will be, at best, grayish, and at worst, gray and dry and cracked. (cringe)

I started writing this last summer.  The birds and I had just been to a lovely wedding with a very well dressed crowd.  I always love the fashion show, but then I immediately zoom in on the shoes.  And, when I'm scanning shoes, I can't help but notice feet.  One young lady was THAT close to getting bestowed with my "Best Dressed" award, but I wanted to tell her, "Sweetie pie, if you're going to wear shoes like that, you have GOTS to pay some attention to the feets, too."  I mean, like she owes it to her fans. 

So how 'bout you?  If you just glanced down and winced, it will take a little work, but you can fix it before The First Sandals of Spring. If you have the money/time to get regular pedicures by a practitioner who really cares, s/he can work on them for a few weeks and whip 'em into shape. If you would rather spend your money on ice cream, here's all you need:

1. I don't know what you call it, but it looks like a nutmeg grater.  It's designed to clean up the edge of your heel where the bottom of your foot stops and the top of your foot starts.  Soak your feet for a good 10 minutes first or do it at the end of your shower.

2. Let your feet dry thoroughly. Your heels will still be rough, so that's when you  pull out your 2-in-1 Diamond Dust Pedicure Wand. I found mine a couple years ago and it's by far the best tool in my Box 'o Beauty. It serves the same purpose as a pumice, but is far prettier to look at, and doesn't get all yukky in the shower.  And works FAR better.  It will never need to be replaced.  Sally Hansen makes a pretty chrome version, too.  Buff your feet a little tonight, a little more tomorrow night. Don't expect to do it all at once and don't be in a hurry.

3. Never, ever, EVER! use a razor blade or other slicing implements on your feet. You will pay. Sorely. Literally. I can't believe they even make those things.

4. After you've buffed your feet with the pedicure wand, all you need now is some lotion or cream. And a foot rub.

Girlfriends, you're gonna thank me the next time your sweet patootie reaches for your feet. Wouldn't it be a shame to have to yank them away from him because you're just a little teeny, tiny bit embarrassed of their condition? So while you're at it, a little nail polish never hurt anybody, either. And there are no rules about color. Use whatever makes you go, "oooh!" even if it's neon orange (you young'ns!).  I had a dream I had silver toenails, so I went out and got a bottle of silver nail polish.  It was fun.  Once.  And I don't mean to be a critic...I do not! Do not! NOT! ...but what's up with the French manicure on toes?

Since we're on the subject of manicures, if you're in a hurry and want to spruce up your hands, have one of those little white pencils at the ready. They're in the nail polish department. Dampen your fingertips and run that white pencil under your nails. Instant French manicure. If you have just a little bit more time, apply a top coat of clear polish. And if you have lots more time, but not enough to go to the spa, use some white nail polish under your nail tips and a clear coat on top. Looks much more natural than a regular French manicure.  WAY cheaper, too.

One other thing...if you're going to get your nails done for your wedding, do not do it the morning of while you're getting your hair did. You'll wreck 'em before they get a chance to dry. Do it the day before or pick a time when you'll have an hour or so to sit and relax for a while. You'd think a person would know better, but I witnessed a last minute decision by a bride to polish her nails.  Sure 'nuff--got some on her dress.  So she started crying.  And wrecked her mascara.  Kinda had the domino thing goin' on there. 

And this is totally off the subject sort of, but it also involves planning. I thought all of y'all tried on your gowns with your shoes and walked around and stretched and danced, just to make sure everything stayed where it should. I saw a bride last summer coming out of the church and she had to kick her dress out with every step. IT WAS TOO LONG! I just don't know how that can happen. A bridal salon would never allow it. It was a really pretty dress, too. All ball-gowny and tulle full. I try to mind my own business...do, too. DO, TOO! but, I wanted to run and get my scissors out of the glove department and ask if I could help. Tulle is very easy to cut and doesn't require a finished edge. And whatever the innermost layer was would be covered by the tulle. I wonder how she made it through the night, 'cuz it was only going to get worse once she kicked off her shoes.

SHOES--tsk, this is another one. It's going to be a very long day. And, sure, you can switch to something more comfortable later, but consider the difference in the height of the comfy shoes and the length of your dress.  If you're a ser'us partier, you can change change your dress, too.  I've heard of brides changing three times!  TMM.

From the Why The Gods Invented DVRs Department--Program your macheen to record every single episode of "Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?"  Not only is it a good, get-in-the-mood show, but you'll also get some good ideas, inspiration, and "do not do this!" warnings. 

The Dove Lady fits in her regular pedicures while she's watching hours worth of "Whose Wedding Is it, Anyway?", and spring, summer, fall, winter, her toenails are pink.  She feels she owes it to her fans.

Skip this one if you have a sensitive gag reflex.  It's basically for my husband (our fifth anniversary is tomorrow) who will most likely not read it unless one of you gives him a heads up.   I'm gonna see how long that takes.

For any of you who think love has passed them by, hang in there.  Keep the faith.  Because s/he's out there.  And the longer you live without him/her, the more you will appreciate him/her when you find them.  And all the better partner you'll be.  Hopefully.

He and I had both been through the romantic wringer, and each of us knew what we wanted and, especially, didn't want in a relationship.  Marriage was never my goal.  I wanted a partner.  A companion.  Someone who I could trust unequivocally.  Love is the easy part.  Trust must be constant. 

Man, oh, man, I had my share of untrustworthy boyfriends.  They all started with a clean slate.  But, as far as I was concerned, the moment I felt they couldn't be trusted, it was over.  Some got a second chance.  One got a 96th chance.  My heart closed up a little more year by year, until it finally snapped shut.  And I walked away.

If you took only the best quality of each of them and rolled those into one human being, that would be my husband.  I truly fall in love with him almost every day.  He makes me laugh!  I can't believe how much he makes me laugh.  And doesn't even try.  Isn't performing.  And he makes me think.  He always has another perspective to offer that continuously inspires me to open my eyes and consider other options.

My husband is a musician.  What I am oblivious to musically, he hears first.  I remember the first time we were watching a movie and it got to the scary part where the woman is walking through the park at night and the music changes to a foreboding tune when the bad guy creeps out of the shadows and starts to follow her, and he yelled to the tv, "Run!  Can't you hear the music?!"  I thought it was hilarious.  Still do.  He sings in the shower.  I think singing in the shower is a sign of a clear conscience.

One summer night as we were dozing, nightsounds and delta breeze coming through the windows, he whispered, "Sonata for solo cricket."  Sure enough, there was a cricket singing (or rubbing his back legs together which doesn't sound nearly as romantic, but I understand that's what makes all the racket).  Sonata for solo cricket. I just thought that was the most beautiful, poetic thing I had ever heard.  Still do.  Right up there with D.R. Wagner's "blossom end of sleep".

He tells me he loves me EVery day.  And I feel loved.

I trust him.  Completely.  Utterly.  Joyfully.  I always tell him that if he ever had an affair, it would be okay.  I'd just ask him to go see a doctor, because it would have to be a brain tumor or some other medical condition.  I look over at him on the other end of the couch.  And I see what the man of my dreams looks like.  And sometimes I tell him how lucky I am to have him.  But, I'm ALways thinking it.        

The Dove Lady doesn't sing in the shower and it's not because she doesn't have a clear conscience.  Or because she can't sing.  She's busy thinking.  But, oh! how she tears it up in the car! 

Years ago, my then boyfriend and I were hanging out and got on the subject of his Starbuck's habit.  I recalled to him when we first got a coffee cart downstairs in the West Wing of the Capitol, man, I thought that was just the greatest!  I'd go down every morning and get my mocha and bring it back to my desk overlooking the West Steps, and think, life is good.  Then one day, I did the math.  And the party was over.

My then BF considered the Starbuck's at 19th and J to be his other office.  He'd go in there every morning, they knew exactly what he would order.  Sometimes he'd go back or sometimes to another Starbuck's in the afternoon, too.  And sometimes he'd get a scone.  By the time I got out the calculator, he had already figured out in his head based on AT LEAST two mochas a day and NOT counting the occasional scone, his habit added up to over $3,000 a year!

NOTE:  We tried really hard to support the little guys, but we just never knew what we were going to get.  Example: we were in Half Moon Bay and ordered a soy mocha.   They made it with instant cocoa mix that had cow milk in it!  La Bou makes a WONDerful soy mocha, too, but there's not always one close by when you need it.  Absolutely not to infer you are one  of the little, guys, Mr. Nguyen!  And we buy PLENTY of your smoked turkey on a croissant sandwiches and apple cake and mochas when we're there, pleaznthankyouverymuch!  And we haven't even conSIDered doing the math!

So, anyway, soon after, I thought about buying an espresso machine.  My then BF wasn't so good with surprises (still isn't), and besides, I wasn't going to plunk down that kind of money if he wasn't going to use it.  And besides, too, the coffee shop was kind of his social thang.  See all the regulars, commiserate/jubilate over the team, read the paper...  But, I bought it anyway.  And I really didn't think he'd use it.  But, HE DID!  That little espresso machine, a Saeco Classico (the new models are called Aroma) is such a trooper and the best $300 I ever spent.  It paid for itself in less than two months and at 4 1/2 years old, it's still plugging away and brewing up mochas that rival the best.  And on Sunday mornings, we don't even have to leave the house.  Summertime, I make one in the morning, put it in a Tupperware tumbler, put it in the fridge at work work, and come 3:00, pour it over ice.  (smak) Ahhh!

From the Significant Deviation Department:  Do you have a community fridge at work?  Ever use that ice?  Eeew.  Nobody does.  I bought a Make and Shake ice tray.  It's like a flat plastic bottle with little indententations on one side.  Fill it with water, screw on the cap, lay it flat in the freezer and you have ice, fresh, clean, not stinky, ice whenever you want it.  They sell them at Linens & Things, but check other kitchen supplies stores.  I even found one online that has the indentations on one side and the little tube shaped indentations on the other side to ice down your water bottles.  Has anyone ever swallowed one of those long ice cubes, I wonder?  Be vewwy, vewwy careful!

I don't remember why I chose the Saeco Classico, but I'm sure it was because it seemed easy to use and maintain and didn't have all the bells and schmancy doo-dads that we would never use.  And it was small.  And pretty.  But, it was still a few weeks before I tried it out myself.  And I smiled. 

Drop hints for an espresso machine.  Or, what the heck?  Buy it yourself.  I bought ours at wholelattelove.com.  But, I just found some refurbished ones on eBay for a latte less. (oh, I'm SO sorry!)  And they're the stainless steel, too!  I'm tellin' ya, you will think lovingly of your espresso machine, and maybe of me, too, for suggesting it, when it's pouring outside come next winter and you're warm and dry and sipping a finely brewed espresso beverage at home.  On the cheap!  Speaking of cheap--do NOT buy a cheap espresso machine!  It will not be the same experience.  OTHER NOTE:  Don't care much for mochas or lattes?  Pull your shot and dilute it with hot water.  It's called Cafe Americano.  Load it up with cream and sugar (Italians cringing everywhere, but go ahead, I won't tell), and I calls it a Cafe Ugly Americano!

 I'm still amazed and thrilled, every day, that we can get a $3.80 grade mocha for about a quarter.  And the best part?  We can make them at home in our 'jammies.

The Dove Lady sleeps well at night knowing Starbuck's made a quick financial recovery after she bought the Saeco.