My Favorite Things.. Part 6

The Relationships in my Life

I say the relationships and not the people in my life because I feel that it is the relationships that make a difference. When I got into this business I never dreamt of the friends that I would make with not only my clients, but with my vendors. I have learned that this business is all about relationships ....gaining trust, sharing love and creating memories with the lovely couples who hire us and the vendors who trust us. I am surrounded with love in my life and I know that is the reason why I have been able to be sucessful.

I value my friendships that I have. These are the friends who have seen my journey through the years and have been there to cheer me on the whole time
I value my friendships with my couples. This friendship is so relavant this time of year when I open Christmas cards from former brides and grooms and I am able to see where their life has taken them long after the wedding.
I value my relationship with my husband. He has taught me what it is like to have love it my life, encouraged me to chase my dreams and had faith in me.....even when I did not.
I value all of my “team” - There is no “I” in team, and Lasting Impressions would not be possible without my whole team

My favorite things for those relationships in your life:

2. Story of a Lifetime- Journaling is a great way to reflect on your life and your friendships and this book will become a keepsake to treasure for years!




4. 100 good wishes candle set - Send a loved one something that they can look at everyday and make a wish!




6. My favorite way to celebrate my relationships is by spending time together. I would much rather go on a trip with my girlfriends, or go out to dinner with my husband than spending a lot of money on gifts. I feel that time is invaluable and making memories is so important. If you are looking for fun “adventure” gifts check out Cloud 9 Living, a website that features unique experiences you can give!

My Favorite Things..Part 5

The Water...

Some of first and favorite memories of growing up were of swimming. I love to swim... in lakes, pools, bath tubs... anything!!! Countless hours were spent at the local pool in the summer and when I turned 16 there was no question on what I wanted to do... Be a Lifeguard! My favorite places in the country all have one thing in common, they are near bodies of water. We were married in Okoboji, Iowa, my favorite lake while I was growing up, We now live close to Lake Minnetonka and spend countless hours trolling around in the sun and my favorite type of vacations are on large boats while cruising in the Carribean. I feel like there is something very calming about water and I feel very lucky to live in a state with more than 10,000 lakes! My favorite weddings are also near the water. We are lucky enough to help couples plan their dream weddings in backyards and we have planned numerous weddings on Prior Lake and weddings on South Center Lake, Lake Minnetonka and even Lake Superior!

My favorite things for the water are

2. A well-broken in Adirondack Chair to sit by the water and relax




4. I love my Havaiana’s flip flops. I spent the last 27 years of my life not knowing about these and then last year I bought a pair on a whim. TRUE BLISS occurred and I will never go back. Great for brides and bridesmaids sore feet as well!




6. My third favorite thing I love for the water is... a creative and fun bride and groom!! My couple wake boarded for their first dance 2 years ago!

My Favorite Things.. Part 3

My computer, Iphone and Ipad...
Yes I will admit it, I Love technology and specifically my Apple Products. I feel in love about 5 years ago and do not think there is any turning back now! I love how they all perfectly sync together perfectly, I love how they all serve their seperate functions and make my job as a wedding planner so much easier. I am excited to implement my ipad more! I have had it for a while, but now I have all of my photos on it and am learning new tricks! I do not think that you need many accesorries for these technology wonders, but here are a few of my favorites...

2. I love my pink Speck Laptop cover... Not only for the color, but because it prevents cracks and scratches as I throw it in my purse.




4. I think an arm band for your iphone is key if you are using it while walking or working out. I love to just put on my tunes and get a good sweat!




6. I love this Speck Ipad Cover, I do not have this... Yet, but I love the stylish look!




8. I recently bought Things for my Mac and my iphone and it has created a whole new level of organization for myself.

My Favorite Things

I love the holidays and I wanted to start a series of posts called “My Favorite Things” to let you know a little bit about me and to show you some fun gift ideas along the way (and I like the title because it reminds me of Oprah!) So tag along for the next 7 days and hopefully you will learn a little bit about me and find some great last minute gift’s!!

My first favorite thing (and these are in no particular order.. I do not want to offend my dog) is my precious pooch Tiki! The Lasting Impressions family this year has all become dog lovers. Andrea adopted her wonderful Stella and Brooke adopted Drama this past fall! I grew up not being an animal lover. I lived on a farm and had a lot of stray cats and a few dogs, but none that I could not live without. All of that changed when Andy and I added Tiki into our lives 2 weeks after we were married. We found a great breeder and went and picked her out and the rest is history. It feels funny to be “one of those people” who is very attached to their dog.. but I am!


My favorite Things for Tiki:

1. I never see things for Tiki and think.. I have to get that.. until I saw this “Holiday Meal” from Target. Unfortuantely it was sold out right away, but I think this is one of the cutest toys I have ever seen!
2. Her “Aberdoggie and Fetch” Sweatshirt. As much as I could have seen myself being one of those dog owners who dresses their dogs.. I am not. My husband would not allow it and quite frankly I like to save my money for my own clothes. But last winter we realized that she was getting very cold in our house and outside in the snow, so we ran up to Lulu and Luigi and bought her this warm sweatshirt and now she runs to me when I want to put it on her. She loves it!
3. INTERACTIVE RIPPYS - This is what Tiki is getting this year for Christmas (Dont tell her!). These dog toys have detachable arms and legs for them to get “pulled apart”.
4. Dog Life Jacket in Pink Polka Dot - This again is something that my husband, family and firends laughed at. But there has been more than one occasion where Tiki has decided to go overboard in a boat or pool and this makes me feel a lot more secure in her floating abilities!

Thank you Kelly Brown Weddings for the family portrait