Branding: What's in a name?

We are asked regularly what inspired our name. When I lived in Canada, we had a string quartet called “Les Quatre Bois” - I always say nobody could pronounce it, spell it or remember it! Although we played for many events, the burden of a difficult name was a lesson I took with me.

When thinking of names, musical terms come to mind. Visions of love and romance aren’t far behind. Cool, eclectic, interesting. Different. Unique. These are all adjectives describing what a name should be.

How to find the right name? Well, as we were rehearsing in our third floor apartment, I simply asked “how about Third Floor Strings?” I wasn’t sure if it was too easy or not fancy enough. I was almost too timid to share my suggestion.

When I did, the answer was YES! There were three of us at the time, we were on the third floor, we played string instruments - it all made sense! And… it’s easy to pronounce, spell, remember and there’s a memorable story to go with it.

Lesson learned. :)

The Lodge at Spring Shadows

The Lodge at Spring Shadows

Friends: Need Suggestions!

Hi again. As I mentioned in my “New Year’s Resolution,” I’m planning to connect with my friends this year much more than last. It has to be intentional and planned, or it’s not going to happen. It’s so easy to just say “let’s get together one of these days” and then one of these days never gets here. That said, I’m considering a monthly get-together; something low-key, at my house, where a handful of (maybe up to 10) friends can get together and make new memories.

I’ve heard of regular dinner parties, game nights, potluck suppers, movie nights, but I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do any of you have must-do suggestions? Let me know in the comments below - otherwise, I’m leaning on Pinterest to get me through this conundrum. #lol

Also, I found this list of ideas which seems pretty cool: 17 Party Games for Adults. What do you think?

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Dreamy Pink and Gold Wedding for Two Community Heroes

We were so honored to be part of this giveaway for two community heroes. Hosted by C Baron Photography, a group of amazing vendors came together to provide a “dream come true” wedding for this couple who protect the community in their roles as an EMT and a Constable. The full story and photos were published on Wedding Chicks here.

Thankful to work with these generous and talented vendors on this event:

Cakes & Catering: Café Natalie | Edible Moments by Wendy | Who Made The Cake

@cafenatalie
@ediblemomentstx
@whomadethecakehouston

Chips and Salsa: Pain Train Salsa | @_paintrainsalsa

DJs: DJ Dave Productions | @djdavepro

Dessert Table Decor: Valerie's Parties | @valeries.parties

Desserts: Sugar Bunch Creations | @sugarbunchcreations

Event Planning & Design: Eventology Weddings | @eventologykelly

Fireworks: Roar Over Texas | @roarovertexas

Gourmet Brigadeiros in Houston: Le Atelier Du Brigadeiro | @leatelierdubrigadeiro

Groom & His Men: Alvin Tuxedo | @alvintuxedos

Hair, Makeup & Beauty: KV Beauty | @kvbeauty1

Linens: EB Inc Events | @ebincevents

Lounge Furniture and marquee letters: Sweet Tea and Linen | @sweetteaandlinen

Officiants: Life Long Grace

Paper Goods & Calligraphy: Jo's Paper Kitchen | @jospaperkitchen

Photography & Videography: C. Baron Photography | @cbaronphoto

Strings: Third Floor Strings | @thirdfloorstrings

Table settings, glassware, silverware, chairs & sashes: A Finer Event | @afinerevent

Venue: Southern Lace Estates | @southernlaceestates

Candy carts: Sweet Life Candy Carts & More | @sweetlifecandycarts

Disney: The Music

I love Disney. The first time we went to Disneyland, it was right before I started Grade 9. I was impressed by the quality and realism of everything, the incredible attention to detail, the focus on experience, and the imagination that Walt Disney and later his imagineers had.

Over Thanksgiving 2019, we made our second trek to Disney World. We spent most of our time in the Magic Kingdom. We were lucky enough to stay at the Polynesian Village Resort and we had Thanksgiving dinner at Cinderella’s castle. The whole trip was magical and I can’t wait to go again.

Fast forward to today: we played for a gorgeous wedding at The Carriage House in Conroe, Texas. Megan and Christian chose some inspiring and memorable Disney music (along with some other complementary tunes).

Selections included: A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes (Cinderella); Someday My Prince Will Come (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs); Can You Feel the Love Tonight (The Lion King); Tale As Old As Time (Beauty and the Beast); When You Wish Upon a Star (Pinocchio); and A Whole New World (Aladdin). It was SO MUCH FUN to play!!

What’s your favorite Disney song? What memories does it evoke for you? Leave your comments below. We’d love to hear from you!

2020: Change is in the Air

The last year has been exciting. I turned 50, got promoted at work, celebrated 20 years at my day job, hired 2 amazing people, ran a program for students with learning disabilities, was a homeroom mom, went to Canada, went to Disney World, saw both former President Obama and Oprah speak in person, jammed out at an Imagine Dragons concert, travelled around the US, saw all 3 of my sisters, performed at more than 30 events, and somehow lost real touch with many of my friends and even my family.

So… 2020 is my year to reach out to those I’ve lost touch with, make new connections, weed out the unhealthy relationships in my life, and reenergize my home and family. My goal is to have one gathering a month, so we’ll see how that goes. I’ll check in regularly and let you know.

Cheers to 2020 - wishing you and yours all the best in this new decade!

XO,

Amy