Sonya's blog

This series has covered the gamut on wedding planning – but there’s still so much more to cover. I know we’ll come back to feature even more great wedding ideas in the months ahead, but I couldn’t let this series end without a quick round-up on some of the wedding planning sites we’ve all come to love as we plan these wonderful events for ourselves and our loved ones! ...read more

I may not be a parent myself, but I love my godchildren like nothing else. And one of my favorite things to do when visiting them is reading together before bedtime. Granted, 2 year old Gracie hasn’t quite gotten into the ritual yet, but Blake and I have been reading books together for years.

With that in mind, I thought I’d share a quick and easy project idea. I’m talking about making personalized bookmarks! This is great as a craft project for kids on a rainy day or you can make them as stuffers for stockings and gift baskets around the holidays. Hint: Easter is just around the corner! ...read more

I consider myself to be the resident organizational expert here on the “Out of Office” blogger team. Just ask anyone who knows me about my love for zip top bags and my label-making machine! As a neat freak, I am always anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring as that harkens to mind spring cleaning. And, if you’re like me, you may have been bitten by the spring cleaning bug already. So, I thought I’d post a great round-up with quick, easy and fun organizing ideas I’ve seen online. Take a look at the sites and projects below, and be sure to add some of yours to the comments section. ...read more

One of my favorite movies of all time is The Wedding Planner starring Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey. In the movie, Jennifer has this one line that goes… “You know the expression, ‘Those who don't do teach? Well those who don't wed plan!’” Oh yes, that line just speaks volumes about my life. I’m one of the few gals among my group of friends that hasn’t married or had kids yet. So when it comes to these monumental life-changing moments, I’m the one on the sidelines just observing and taking it all in.

All that mental note-taking has prepared me for my family’s most joyous occasion this year — my sister’s wedding in June! Now I can share my wealth of knowledge with my sister, Denit – who by the way is nothing like me. I am super-organized, somewhat tech-savvy, and all about the details whereas she is NOT! On top of that, we have differing opinions on the perfect wedding ceremony. ...read more

I am sooo excited…the Oscars take place on March 7th – something I watch as devoutly as many people watch the Super Bowl. And this year it’s bigger and better than ever with 10 films to pick from for Best Picture. I think that calls for a celebration! Pop the popcorn, bring out the Junior Mints and invite your favorite film friends over for a “night at the Oscars” party.

Because of all the great titles up for the award this year, I thought I’d throw an idea out there. Rather than just having some friends over to watch the stars and critique the fashions – maybe this year it’s time to get into the Academy Awards action by bringing Hollywood home. Bring the movies to life at the party by asking all the guests to dress as a character in one of the nominated films. And with the movies this year, things could get very interesting! ...read more

Last February, I ran in the 12th Annual Mardi Gras Run in Dallas, and the first thing I noticed upon arriving at the race was the huge crowd of walkers and runners. I was a little intimidated at first – as it had been quite a few years since my last 5K – but I ended up having a total blast. Some people were dressed in wild costumes and others had their faces painted. Everyone seemed to have smiles on their faces and there was a collective energetic spirit in the air. The best part was the group of event volunteers standing around the finish line with armfuls of Mardi Gras beads. As each race participant crossed the finish line, they were showered with beaded necklaces in bright green, gold, silver, and purple colors.

In the days that followed the race, I found myself looking at my beads in admiration of my accomplishment and also puzzled as to what to do with them. I’m a big fan of recycling and repurposing. So, I put on my thinking cap and came up with a solution… I could use the beads for gift wrapping!

To help you see my vision, I put together a couple of samples. ...read more

Every year, I look forward to Valentine’s Day because I know it means getting delicious sweets from loved ones. This year, I thought I’d return the favor and bake up some goodies for my friends and loved ones to enjoy. (Not that I don’t still want that heart-shaped box of chocolates for myself, too!) And what better way to show others you care than with some tasty treats made just for them! So for our weekly round-up, I’ve found some yummy recipes worth sharing for anyone else in the mood to bake this weekend! And make sure you check out the fun project I whipped up at the end to go along with the goodies! ...read more

Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and even though I’m single I still love the holiday! The blogosphere is absolutely overflowing right now with holiday projects. Next week we'll feature some drool-worthy food finds, but for today's post I’ve spent a few hours surfing the Web looking for some of the most creative ideas for fun or romantic gifts, home decor, and family projects. (I have a rough job, right?!) I absolutely adore the ideas below and I hope you will too. ...read more

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Place your order online by Feb. 14, 2010, and receive 35% off.* Plus, every order qualifies for free, 7-day delivery.

Click here to place an order with this discount. ...read more

Recently, my cousin asked for help proofing a brochure she created, and as a student of journalism, I was happy to help. Upon first review, I noticed several layout and design elements that needed improvement. And that got me to thinking — I bet a lot of small businesses face the same issues. Making custom brochures is a surefire way to promote and grow your business, and with so many resources available, it has never been easier or more cost-effective.

The vast array of design and printing options available at retailers like FedEx Office and on the Internet give you more flexibility than ever to create professional brochures in no time. You can choose bi-fold, tri-fold, full-color, black and white, glossy finish, premium papers, colored papers…the list goes on and on. If you prefer to produce them yourself, check out the Web and Microsoft Word for free templates to get you started. 

Following are some tips I gathered to help our small business readers create a captivating brochure:  ...read more