Monday, November 29, 2010

Not-So-Big Wedding Recap

The 2010 Not-So-Big Wedding Boutique and Challenge at the beautiful Rockwood Manor in Potomac, MD was a tremendous success and very well attended! The weather was fabulous and the teams did a fantastic job! The scores, which were based on a scale of 1 to 10, were very close.

Congratulations to Team Cinful lead by Cindy Jacobs who took the 1st prize with a total score of 58.50. The 2009 Challenge winner Team Carnevale, led by Janice Carnevale of Bellwether Events took the 2nd prize with a total score of 52.50 and in 3rd place was Team Cannon led by Kelley Cannon of Kelley Cannon Events with a total score of 48.25.

Take a look at some of the highlights!

NSBW 2010!
Rockwood Manor, Potomac MD
The beautiful premises.

Beautiful dresses!
The panel of judges!
The winners - Team Cinful!

2nd place - Team Carnevale                                 3rd place - Team Cannon

The Captains - Team Cannon, Team Cinful, Team Carnevale

All pictures courtesy of Photography by Alexander.

To see more, please visit the event's website. Looking forward to next years' NSBW!

Sunday, November 7, 2010

The Reading List, Part I

11 books I recommend everyone should include in their library or try to read!

1. She Wins, You Win: The Most Important Rule Every Businesswoman Needs to Know by Gail Evans

2. Play Like a Man, Win Like a Woman: What Men Know About Success that Women Need to Learn by Gail Evans

Gail shares pointers on how to be successful in a male dominated corporate environment -- great book!

3. Cracking Creativity :The Secret of Creative Genius by Michael Michalko

4. Thinkertoys: A Handbook of Creative Thinking Techniques, 2nd Ed by Michael Michalko

Michael convinced me that Creative thinking can be learned! Unleash your creative thinking!

5. The Pharaohs' Code: Creating a Joyful Life and Lasting Legacy by Mohamed Tohami

Tohami shows you the steps to take charge of your life and be successful: reconsider the choices we make and reshaping our destiny.

6. Ten Things (I wish I'd Known – Before I Went Out into the Real World) by Maria Shriver

How many times have we heard from those we try to guide: "Let me learn from my own mistakes"? Maria's book is a great and easy read for all, loaded with stories and advice from her personal experience to guide us as to not only what is important in life but also how to go about life without making the same mistakes as our predecessors.

7. The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to his White Mother by James McBride

McBride's book sums up that although race, religion, and identity play a major role in shaping our lives, it should not be used as an excuse not to excel. Seek resources and seize the opportunity to break down barriers and try to achieve a happy and successful life.

8. A Child called "It": One Child's Courage to Survive by Dave Pelzer*

9. The Lost Boy by Dave Pelzer* (sequel to above book)

10. A Man Named Dave by Dave Pelzer* (conclusion to the above two)

8, 9, and 10: No matter what your situation and/or circumstances, do not use it as a handicap or make excuses. Given the opportunity, despite all odds, all trials and tribulations you can alter your destiny and come out winning.

11. Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Seth Goodin

If you have any books you would like to recommend and share with the community, please leave a comment and I will post it as a follow up to this article. Stay tuned for my next list, Part II!

*Caution; very emotional.