Sky High Events!

You needn’t stay so grounded when planning your next special event.  Go ahead and reach for the sky!  Launch your promotion or celebration with the uplifting fun of hot air balloons!

Hello, my name is Wil LaPointe, the owner of Skyway Balloons, Inc.  I was in the cellular communications business when I saw my first hot air balloon in the Tulsa area. I immediately realized the potential to draw a crowd, so I purchased a roof-top type to advertise my business.  One day, a salesman stopped by who also was a balloon pilot.  Although I had never been “up” in a balloon, I purchased a red, white and blue passenger balloon…perfect to promote my U.S. Cellular business.   The pilot took me for my first ride and I was immediately hooked on the experience.  I also noticed how it attracted a crowd…cars followed us for miles.  I trained to become a licensed pilot myself and even became quite successful at competitive racing, eventually being ranked #5 in the entire country.

I bought a larger balloon, one which could carry myself and six to eight passengers – the largest hot air balloon in Oklahoma.  For the last eight years, I have been having the time of my life introducing people to the joy of hot air ballooning for all types of occasions.  Companies often use the hot air balloon experience as a unique team building exercise.  At some events, such as a grand opening, wedding, family reunions or employee picnic, the balloon is tethered and attendees take a 50’ up-and-down ride.  Another way companies use the balloon to advertise is to rent banner space advertising their products all around the country or just in Oklahoma.  Many of these companies report that their business was definitely “looking up” with the use of this attention getting marketing concept.   I have also had couples exchange their wedding vows in the balloon and even helped grieving families spread the ashes of a loved one.

A hot air balloon ride also makes a great gift idea for a wedding, birthday, and anniversary or just as delightful and unexpected surprise.  Rides usually last 40 minutes to an hour, but we can continue for longer if requested.   Everyone from young to old enjoy the adventure of floating quietly like a bird over the land.  Not only is the scenery breathtaking, but you also can view wildlife on the ground and in the air.  Often birds and butterflies will fly right along side us!

In addition to single flights, hot air ballooning can be part of an entire package, which might include a series of flights and landings for meals and area tourist attractions. 

The next time you’re looking for a unique, memorable gift, promotional idea or special event entertainment, remember the sky’s the limit at Skyway Balloons!

Wil LaPointe, Owner
Skyway Balloons, Inc.
12515 North 113th E. Avenue
Collinsville, Oklahoma 74021
wilballoon@yahoo.com
www.hotairballooning.com/
918-850-2fly (2359)
888-now2fly (6692359)

Catering to the Ladies

Hello, my name is Emeline Bauder, the owner of Nibbles by Grandeur Affaires in Tulsa. I was an environmental chemist for 10 years, but my true passion has always been for food preparation and being creative with cakes and flowers.  I’m sure that coming from a long line of chefs in my family had a definite influence on me.  Even after putting in a full work week as a chemist, I loved planning weddings on my weekends.
I decided to switch careers to telecommunications for about three years, but was laid off in 2002 when the industry fell.  During that time, I had laid the groundwork to expand my weekend event business into a full-time career.  By June, 2003, I had everything together and opened Nibbles Café’, a quaint bistro with an eclectic menu on Memorial Drive in Tulsa.  At Nibbles, we offer breakfast and lunch, specializing in desserts and special occasion cakes.  European wrought iron accents, velvet cushions, crystal lampshades, plus rich shades of yellows, creams and reds, give Nibbles that distinctively feminine feel – a lovely venue for bridal showers, birthdays and gal pal luncheons.

A unique offering, High Tea, is very popular at Nibbles Café’ for groups of 30 or less. The custom, which originated in England includes a menu of scones and clotted cream, puff pastries, tea sandwiches and quiche.  High Tea has its own specific tableware adding to the charm of the event.  We also host cocktail parties and rehearsal dinners up to 45 guests and the entire café’ can be rented for your event, closing it to the public.

Nibbles by Grandeur Affaires provides outside catering up to 500 people in Tulsa County and surrounding areas – even Oklahoma City.  Our customized menu can be modified to honor you special requests and any style cuisine.  You have the option for buffet or sit-down service meals or even cocktail hours with appetizers.  We will design your floral arrangements and create your wedding or other special occasion cake.  Another unique offering is our Venetian Hour of coffee and pastries so popular in New York and the East Coast.  At Nibbles Grandeur Affaires, all your event needs can be coordinated, including linens, chair coverings and entertainment.

Trust Nibbles Grandeur Affaires to coordinate your entire event flawlessly.  We’ll make the most of your budget by providing an automatic 10% discount if you allow us to provide your cake, catering and florals.  Plus, we’ll save you even more by getting the best deal possible from trusted resources for your other event needs.

Please visit our website for many sample photos of our work and complete details.

Emeline Bauder, Owner
Nibbles by Grandeur Affaires
8313 South Memorial Drive
Tulsa, Oklahoma 7413
918-254-5050
nibbles@grandeuraffaires.com

Hello, my name is Carey Sue Vega, and I’m an Etiquette Expert. After receiving my degree in Recreation from OSU (yes, there really is such a degree), I worked for a major cruise line as Youth Coordinator and then Cruise Director. As the host for Captain’s parties and VIP events, I realized that many of the passengers were not familiar with proper etiquette in a formal social setting. After all, few people sit down to a formal dinner on a regular basis. I realized that I could help educate people on etiquette, so that they feel more comfortable in a formal setting.

As an Etiquette Expert, I offer a series of classes at various venues in Oklahoma City and Edmond for children (fifth grade through high school), college students and adults.

Students learn proper posture, eye contact, how to shake hands and make proper introductions, among other topics. The younger students have challenge assignments they take home to implement skills learned in class. By working on the assignments at home, they see firsthand how putting the skills into place, they receive positive feedback and reinforcement.

In our adult classes, we review proper etiquette for social and business occasions. Topics include party planning, table etiquette, silverware and settings, passing food,

“gentlemen” manners, as well as mixing and mingling tips. We also discuss the proper way to write, send and respond to invitations. We answer questions like, “When is it alright to bring children?”, “How should I dress?”, “What are the rules in a business setting”, and even, “Is it proper for a lady to wear a hat after dark?”

If you would like your child to learn proper manners, or if you would like to brush up on your social or business etiquette, please give me a call or check out my blog at, www.careysuevega.com to learn about upcoming classes.

May Experts Corner

Sky High Events! Skyway Balloons, Inc. Wil LaPointe You needn’t stay so grounded when planning your next special event.  Go ahead and reach for the sky!  Launch your promotion or celebration with the uplifting fun of hot air balloons! Read More… Catering to the Ladies Nibbles Cafe Emeline Bauder A unique offering, High Tea, is very popular at Nibbles Café’ for groups of 30 or less. The custom, which originated in England includes a menu of scones and clotted cream, puff pastries, tea sandwiches and quiche.  High Tea has its own specific tableware adding to the charm of the event. Read More… The Travel Specialists by Bonnie Hedges There are almost as many travel agencies as there are reasons to travel. So, how do you know which is best for corporate, vacation, cruise or group travel?Read More… Mind Your Manners by Carey Sue Vega Have you ever found yourself at a formal social or business event and not really sure which fork is which, what was the right thing to wear, or even if it was okay to bring a guest with you? There’s no reason to feel uncomfortable. Proper etiquette is a tool anyone can and should learn….even young children.Read more…

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	A ‘Hot’ Gift or Event Idea If you’re considering a hot air balloon ride for a gift or event idea, be sure to do some research ahead of time.  Companies vary in the options they have available and how many passengers they can accommodate.  To be able to see out of the balloon, children must be over 44” tall.  Consider the fact that there are a number of steps going up to the balloon, so it may not be appropriate for some seniors or the physically challenged.  Weather is always a factor, so it’s a good idea to have a back-up date or plan. Wil LaPointe Skyway Balloons, Inc.
	Time for Dessert Are you looking at a guest list that’s larger than your budget? Instead of a full meal, you may want to consider a dessert reception with a few specialty beverages. The presentation on desserts can be very impressive for the same cost of a minimal buffet. Time your event for after dinner and treat your guests to a unique and elegant dessert display. It can be a wise and exciting choice in tougher economic times. Emeline Bauder Nibbles Cafe
	Rediscover Disney When considering destinations for your vacation, wedding, meeting or corporate incentive, don’t overlook all that Disney Vacations have to offer. Not just for kids anymore, Disney offers fabulous resorts with adults in mind and wonderful entertainment. What could be more romantic than a Cinderella wedding highlighted by evening fireworks! Companies are finding that employees and clients are inspired by Disney’s magic and imagination and appreciate the opportunity to combine meeting and family time. Bonnie Hedges Bentley Hedges Travel
	Mind Your Manners Manners and etiquette are always in good taste in any setting. Did you know that ladies should never wear a fashion hat after dark? It’s also important to make sure you are comfortable in proper fitting clothing. Nothing says ‘lack of self-confidence’ like “hiking up” a strapless top or gown in public. The rule is: Once you put it on, do not touch it again.” Also, if you’ll be attending an event with cultural differences, do some research before attending so as not to offend your host. And, never bring children to a formal event unless it is specifically noted on the invitation. Carey Sue Vega Etiquette Expert

April Experts Corner

Party Animals! Pony Party Express Paula Novotny Imagine your child’s face when a pink limousine picks her and her friends up in style and then delivers them to the ultimate Barbie party complete with a real live pony carousel and Cinderella Carriage. Sound like a dream party? Well, that’s just what we do at Pony Party Express – make dreams come true! Read More… That’s Entertainment! Emerson Entertainment, Inc. Charles Emerson Thinking about entertainment for your next event? Would your guests prefer a band or DJ? A string quartet or pianist? What style of music? There are so many choices to consider it’s great to know that Emerson Entertainment can fulfill your entertainment needs. Read More… Secrets to Successful Social Media Mindy Wood The big payoff with social media is enough to bait even the most frustrated beginner into becoming a pro. Mastering social media is an important tool you don’t want to overlook, especially because it’s FREE MARKETING!Read More… WOW Vendor Showcase Event! Mindy Ragan Wood Carolyn Willimans, CEO of SpecialEventsOklahoma.com has done it again. The WOW Vendor Showcase will prove to be "can’t miss" planning event of the year! "This is the opportunity regardless of the event you are plannning to get ideas great ideas to help you plan your event. Whether you’re planning a holiday party, corporate meeting, a birthday to the wedding of a lifetime, no matter the event you can get all the ideas to make your event WOW! If you had only one day to plan this is the day," said Williams. Read More…

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	Thats Entertainment!  Tip from Charles Emerson, (Emerson Entertainment)  Think variety when it comes to event entertainment. What may appeal to one may not be enjoyable for all. With today’s computer age it is possible to shop around for all types of live entertainment, DJs and stage entertainers. Choose one or combine a number of choices for maximum enjoyment. Look for “one-shop” companies to save time and money.
	A little "hoot suite" It may seem daunting with all the social media sites out there but I recommend you sign up for what I call the Big Three (Twitter, Facebook, & Pinterest). I know it sounds crazy but using a handy tool called "Hoot Suite" will allow you to make one post that will automatically load to each site you’re on and you can even schedule your posts. So instead of making a post everyday, just make several posts and schedule them for the day you want each post to appear. HUGE time saver. Mindy Ragan Wood SEOK Feature Writer
	Keep It Straight! When you attend an event planning showcase, the last thing you want to do is show up unprepared. Download the budget planner that best suits your event and decide before you come how much you want to spend. Then create categories in order of preference, such as "Favorite Choice," "Second Possible Option" or categories for the different phases of your event such as ideas for the reception, inauguration, or business presentation. Keep it straight and you can do it all here! See you at the WOW Vendor Showcase! Mindy Ragan Wood SEOK Feature Writer

Regarding Facebook and Twitter: don’t make several posts a day. If you’re posting five and six times a day, you’re blowing up the news feed and people are thinking, ‘enough already!’ Do schedule your posts (no more than two or three) at peak usage times (when do you check your social media?). If giving them the personal touch is working for you, then by all means post something funny or noteworthy…but again make sure it has a point for your viewer, otherwise it’s just too self focused.

We hope these secrets inspire you to harness the power of social media. Of course, we’ve been providing benefit driven content with stories, tips, and photos for years. It ain’t news to us….

Imagine your child’s face when a pink limousine picks her and her friends up in style and then delivers them to the ultimate Barbie party complete with a real live pony carousel and Cinderella Carriage.  Sound like a dream party?  Well, that’s just what we do at Pony Party Express – make dreams come true!

Hi, I’m Paula Novotny, owner of Pony Party Express.  I love animals of all kinds.  Like most girls, I’ve always been partial to horses and I was even lucky enough to have one when I was young.  As an adult, I eventually ended up with quite a menagerie of horses, ponies, goats, roosters, bunnies and more.  Needless to say, my place became a very popular for friends to bring their children.  So, I decided that a sideline business of a couple of pony parties a month would be fun and help the animals "pay their own way."  I never dreamed the idea would grow into a very busy, full-time family business for me, my husband, son, three stepdaughters and niece.

The best part about this business is being part of the magical connection between people and animals, especially little girls and horses.  At Pony Party Express, you can choose from one-pony ride parties to an entire live carousel.  Or, you might want to add a small petting zoo.   And, don’t worry, we thoroughly clean up after our animals, so they never leave any little surprises behind.

Our newest addition is the Pink Pony Limousine.  This all pink extended hummer is sure to delight any little girl and her friends.  We’ll take them anywhere they want to go, including our soon-to-open tea room, The Pink Teacup, where girls can dress-up, have fun creating a craft and enjoy a ride in a carriage or pony wagon.  We’ll be happy to work with you for a theme party for your child (boy or girl).  We can coordinate the entire event from invitation to clowns and cake.  If you prefer, just pick a particular service or ask us to design a custom package from a menu of services you’ll find on our website.  At Pony Party Express, our animals make a lot of people happy – and not just at birthdays.  Our gentle, loving and well-cared for ponies visit nursing homes, schools, daycares and are available for church events, fairs, expos and parades.  We also rent a white limousine, wedding carriage – even a horse-drawn hearse for adult events.

So, if you’re thinking of someway to make your child’s birthday party, fundraiser, family reunion, wedding or any event extra special, don’t forget the animals of Pony Party Express.  They just love a good party!

Paula Novotny, Owner
Pony Party Express
6644 NW 39th Expressway
Bethany, OK 73008405-627-9071
Email: ppony@cox.net
www.ponypartyexpress.com
www.ponypartyexpress.com
www.pinkponylimo.com/

March Experts Corner

Sitting Pretty Dress-A-Chair Gwen Mead Here’s a question that every wedding and other special event planner should ask themselves:  What is the most visible and abundant item in a venue that usually goes undecorated? Read More… Party Big! Allison`s Fun Inc. Russell Allison Want to host a corporate event full of carnival rides, inflatable games, fun foods and carnival games for 100 or as many as 20,000 people? Read More… A Gift With Class The Gift Garden Brigette Caldwell Choosing the perfect gift can be quite a responsibility – almost as challenging as choosing a venue for that special occasion.  But there’s a place where gifts are customized for that one-of-a-kind advantage. Read More… An Even Better Idea for the Easter Hunt… Mindy Ragan Wood Next month Easter will dawn upon us and if you want it to be different this year, who says you can’t mix up the Easter traditions a little? Whether you want to make it healthier or just less stressful, we’ll give you some ideas to make it the best ever! Read More…

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