Innkeeper's Blog - Archives 2008, 2009
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Conferences and Romance Packages
April 2009
I am spending the next few days in Atlanta Ga. at the PAII Conference (Professional Association of Innkeepers International) learning how to be a better hostess to our wonderful guests at the "Mansion", and maybe finding some new recipes for you to get excited about.
Every year at this time innkeepers around the nation gather together to share, learn and generally work together to improve our game. I love to come home and be excited once again about my job. I am always excited about your smiling faces and the love we are able to help you share together. Do you know how wonderful my job is? Let me tell you.
The other day we were excited to be able to set up seven "Romance Packages" in one night. Our guests started arriving early, many of them planning to go out to dinner while we set up the room. They like to come back and open the door to a wonderful surprise of candles, cider on ice, a chocolate heart on the turned down bed and rose petals leading the way to the bed. We had checked in one couple, reminding him as he left to go to the room to let us know when he was going to dinner (so we could do the set up). The next couple also had a romance package and he told us they would let us know when they would be going out also. At that point a couple passed through the door with a "We are leaving for dinner". The next couple, an elderly gentleman and his sweet wife, checking in looked a little worried (their first time in a bed and breakfast) and asked "Do we need to check in and out, and what time do we need to be back in?" I had to explain to them that these couples all had packages for us to set up and this is the way to surprise their partner. I also assured them that we would be giving them keys so we won't be able to tell their parents WHEN they came home.
If you haven't tried the "Romance Package" yet, let us amaze you and treat you to a wonderful night with a great romantic room.
Our special this month: APRIL SHOWERS bring THE FLOWERS.
How long has it been since you have paid a compliment to your sweetheart? April is the perfect month to start doing it again. We are asking you to write a letter showering him/her with the wonderful reasons why you love them. Our contest this month will be giving out 5 bouquets of roses to the winning entrees. Remember that even if you do not win the roses, you will still be a winner because we will be placing the letter addressed to your loved one on the bed for their arrival. Start writing today!!
Here are a few romantic ideas:
- Regardless of how long you've been married, start referring to your wife as "my bride."
- Make a toast to one another every time you pick up a glass. Make eye contact. Take turns making the toast. Whisper it.
- Give your wife a gift on your kids' birthdays. (Why should the kids get all the gifts? Your wife is the one who did all the hard work!)
Don't forget to say you saw us on the blog.
Judy Savage, Innkeeper at Armstrong Mansion
Do you feel lucky?
March 2009
Look back to that time when you felt the euphoria of having a dream come true and feeling truly Lucky. These times are what makes life worthwhile.
This month give a gift of time and thought, make someone feel truly lucky with anticipation of a stay at the "Mansion" and surprise them with a "LUCKY MOMENTS" note.
We can all find times that we have felt that happiness and delight. In the month of March we would like to hear your stories on those "LUCKY MOMENTS" that you have shared. We will be giving away 5 free "Romance Packages" to 5 lucky couples who enter into this contest. All entrees will be winners because we will copy your "I Feel Lucky Moment" and put it addressed to your loved one in the room at check-in.
Our contest in the month of February "The Love Bear" contest was great fun for us as 5 lucky couples shared their love in words and verse and won a giant stuffed animal. Many others made their stay more romantic with their love notes placed in the rooms.
The staff thanks those who entered the contest and brought tears to our eyes with their sweet and tender words.
I would like to share one of these with you:
I remember our first date,
Our first kiss,
Our very first "I Love Yous"
I remember how natural it felt to start out together,
How comfortable we were,
Despite all the crazy stuff that was happening
in the worlds around us.
I knew I had found a companion
for the journey ahead.
Someone who would stay beside me,
no matter how the road turned
or where it took us.
But I feel the same way now
as I did all those years ago.
I feel anything is possible
I know we can count on each other,
And I want to go on sharing everything
Wouldn't you feel "LUCKY" to be the recipient of this love note?
May I offer some suggestions as you share this truly Lucky month:
- In the middle of a social event, turn to her an whisper "You're the best" or turn to her in public and whisper "I'm glad I married you".
- For her: send a note and seal it with a "Kiss" use your brightest lipstick.
- For him: watch a "Chick Movie", snuggled up beside her, cheerfully on TV.
- Bring her a drink (hot chocolate, tea, hot milk) every night at bedtime, and share one with her as you wind down. If you leave town on business call her at bedtime and share your drink and day over the phone.
- Set a date night at least once a month when you get a baby sitter and spark up that love that we sometimes forget in the day to day existence of family life.
I enjoy taking this time with you, and love it when someone comes in and shares their excitement about things they found on our blog. Thank you for your support, and remember, make a reservation at the "Mansion" and Feel Lucky.
Don't forget to check out our new Specials and our great Packages and remember to tell us "You saw us on the blog"!
Great gift ideas for the month of love!
February 2009
Love is in the air...and there is nothing like a Victorian Romance with its chivalry and charm.
"Be My Valentine" is a phrase that sends a feminine heart all a twitter, and February is the month of twitterpation.
I know that is a word because I heard in on a "Winnie the Pooh" movie, and Disney is never wrong.
I thought you might be interested in a few gift ideas of whimsy and imagination in your search for that special gift, take a look at these.
- Satin Sheets - she would never get them for herself (so, a good choice)
- Anything from "Victoria's Secret" or "The Body Works" give to him/her (use your imagination in how he could use them)
- A trophy, medal, or ribbon with a congratulations for him/her latest accomplishments
- A charm bracelet or tie tack with memories of your most wonderful times together.
- A real winner - Hire a housecleaning service. MORE TIME FOR YOU!!!
- Meet for lunch even if it is just "Subway"
- Make a list of 10 small things he/she would like you to do, then promise to do all ten of them in this next year.
- Send a card and flowers to him/her at work telling how much you love them and how great he/she is.
- Copy a romantic poem, or the words to a great love song, onto fancy parchment paper. Frame it. Give with a note "this reminds me of you". (If you can't find a list of these just call me)
- Give her/him an invitation to go dancing Valentines night, help to put the kids to bed, turn on some of her/his favorite, soft, slow music, take each other in your arms and dance the night away.
And, of course, the best gift is a night at the Armstrong Mansion. Finding the right gift for her can be a wonderful opportunity to really impress and make her swoon with anticipation and excitement. February is a great time to be in love and a wonderful place to be together is at the Mansion.
Check out the wonderful packages and the romantic rooms waiting for you.
Don’t forget to say you saw us on the blog.
- Judy Savage, Innkeeper at Armstrong Mansion
Check out past blogs here.
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