Latest news with #KateTurner
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
6 Tasks You Should Always Ask Your Wedding Planner to Do—And 5 You Shouldn't
After you and your partner get engaged, your attention may quickly shift to planning your wedding. In addition to determining your preferred date and budget, hiring a planner may be one of the first decisions that you make in the process. The person you select to fulfill such a job is an important choice, as they'll be in charge of guiding your vendor selection, determining your design, and coordinating all of the details tied to your celebration. "A great planner is your strategic partner, creative director, logistics master, etiquette translator, and trusted confidante (sometimes all in one day)," says Kate Turner, the founder and creative director of Kate & Co. "Our job is to help you make smart, confident decisions, and then bring them to life beautifully and seamlessly."Michelle Norwood is a wedding planner, event designer, and the owner of Michelle Norwood Events. Beth Helmstetter is the founder and creative director of Beth Helmstetter Events, a full-service event-planning studio in Los Angeles. Kate Turner is the founder and creative Director of Kate & even though your wedding planner is there to help guide you through the process, there are some tasks and to-dos that you shouldn't assign to them. "While we wear many hats, there are boundaries to protect both the integrity of the event and the health of the planning relationship," says Beth Helmstetter, the founder and creative director of Beth Helmstetter Events. "You shouldn't expect your planner to negotiate financial terms directly with family members, take on tasks outside their scope like legal advice, therapy, personal errands or tasks, DIY projects, or work beyond agreed hours without prior discussion." Below, the experts explain the six tasks you should always ask for your planner's assistance with—and the five you shouldn't. Read on for everything you need to know. Related: How Much Does a Wedding Planner Actually Cost? Your wedding planner plays a key role in many of the aspects tied to your big day. Here, experts explain six of the tasks you should turn to them for assistance with. From the caterer and bartender to the florist and cake designer, there are a number of different vendors you'll work with in the lead-up to your wedding, as well as on the actual day itself. All of the experts agree: Your wedding planner is there to help you cultivate and manage these relationships. Instead of wading through the contracts and email confirmations by yourself, turn to them for their expertise and guidance. Figuring out the timeline for your celebration can be complicated—and overwhelming. This is one of the key to-dos you should turn to your wedding planner for. "A planner acts as a strategic partner—someone who not only helps conceptualize and execute your vision but also ensures everything runs smoothly behind the scenes," says Michelle Norwood, a wedding planner and the owner of Michelle Norwood Events. Your planner's vision for your affair may have been one of the reasons you were initially drawn to their work. And even if you already had a design in your head, they can help you execute your plan. "[A] misconception is that hiring a planner means you'll lose control of your wedding vision, when in fact, a good planner helps bring that vision to life more seamlessly than you could on your own—while protecting you from burnout," Norwood says. Unsure of how to set the right dress code for your nuptials? Or what to say in your request for gifts? Turn to your wedding planner for assistance on proper etiquette. They'll be able to ensure that you approach things in an acceptable manner, avoiding any awkward blunders. Figuring out how to divide up your wedding budget can often be one of the most stressful tasks. Luckily, your planner can help you determine where to spend your money and which aspects are the most important to you and your partner. Before, during, and after your wedding, there are many minor details to attend to. Your planner helps take care of all of them, ensuring everything goes smoothly. "When problems arise, whether it's a layout conflict or a delay in delivery, your planner is the one who finds a solution without you ever having to lift a finger," Norwood says. "They act as the calm in the chaos and the glue holding every moving part together." Related: Hiring a Wedding Planner? Here Are 35 Questions to Ask Before Making Things Official "While we're deeply involved in just about every detail, there are a few things that fall outside our lane, and that's by design," Turner says. "It's important to understand those for everyone's benefit." Read on for the five tasks you shouldn't ask your planner to do. Even though your wedding planner may have suggested—or even found—a hotel for your guests to stay at for your celebration, it's not their job to assist your loved ones with booking their accommodations, Turner says. If you think that some of your attendees may need support with such details, list a travel agent to be a point of contact for them. Many modern couples opt to integrate their pet into their wedding ceremony. Maybe you decide to have your dog serve as your ring bearer—or your cat greet guests as they enter the venue. However, it's important to tap someone other than your planner to manage your furry friend on the big day, Turner says. Between all of the other details and logistics, your planner won't have the time or the ability to also take care of your beloved animal. Even though your planner may be famous for their spicy margarita, they shouldn't be expected to mix drinks on the day of your nuptials, Turner says. Contract the appropriate number of bartenders, servers, and waitstaff for your celebration. Stuck on how many people to hire? Ask your planner for assistance—that's exactly what they're ready to help with. While you may feel incredibly close to your planner, know that they're not able to handle relationship issues between you and your partner—or you and your family. Yet, in some cases, they may be able to refer you to someone who can, such as a licensed mental health counselor. "You shouldn't expect your planner to run personal errands, pick up dry cleaning, or act as a personal assistant," Norwood says. "These tasks fall outside the scope of professional planning services. While planners are incredibly hands-on and deeply invested in your event's success, their expertise lies in strategy, design, logistics, and execution—not in day-to-day errands." Up Next: The Difference Between Wedding Planners, Coordinators, and Designers—And How to Know Which Ones You Should Hire Read the original article on Brides
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Kangaroos suffering from ‘phalaris stagger' across drought-stricken region
An invasive weed, known as phalaris aquatica, is having a devastating impact on kangaroos - leaving them so sick they need to be euthanised. This is the moment a kangaroo was seen suffering from phalaris stagger on the side of a road. An invasive weed known as phalaris aquatica is having a devastating impact on kangaroos, leaving them so sick they need to be euthanized. Roos develop what's known as the phalaris stagger, a neurological condition that gives them tremors, makes them lose their balance, and collapse. Wildlife rescuer Kate Turner told Yahoo News the current drought conditions in the Hume region have resulted in a takeover of phalaris, as it's more hardy and will outgrow native grasses. She said that's why it's the worst this season, because it's the only grass they've got access to. Fellow rescuer Leonie Sorrentino said it's really very sad and depressing to see. Practically everyone we attend to, we have to euthanize. It's horrific. It's a shocking way to die.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
The silent roadside threat that's killing our kangaroos: 'A shocking way to die'
Chances are you've seen it by the roadside. Tall, dry grass that blends into its surroundings, particularly in rural parts of Australia. But this invasive weed, known as phalaris aquatica, is having a devastating impact on kangaroos — leaving them so sick they need to be euthanised. Roos develop what's known as the "phalaris stagger", a neurological condition that gives them tremors, makes them lose their balance and collapse. Wildlife rescuers told Yahoo News they're seeing more cases than ever before, and are calling for more to be done. "This is the worst phalaris season I've ever seen," Kate Turner, founder of Murrindindi Ranges Wildlife Shelter, said. She calls it the "cockroach of the grass world". Kate recently found a roo and her joey suffering from 'phalaris stagger' on the side of a road. The mum was so afflicted she could barely walk and needed to be euthanised. The joey is now in Kate's care, and while she's missing her mum, she's "doing well". Kate said the current drought conditions in the Hume region have resulted in a takeover of phalaris, as it's more hardy and will "outgrow" native grasses. "That's why it's the worst this season, because it's the only grass they've got access to," she said. Fellow rescuer Leonie Sorrentino from Wildlife Rescuers agreed that there have been "a lot more" cases this year. She told Yahoo the kangaroos also get more aggressive than usual when they're affected by phalaris, which can make rescues harder and more dangerous. "They seem to have like a superhuman strength," she said. "There seems to be a ferocity to them. They're just very sensitive to touch. They growl a lot more. It's completely different to a normal rescue. "It's really very sad and depressing to see. And of course, sometimes if we can't get close enough, we have to actually wait [to euthanise] until they get a lot worse." Leonie said without intervention, the roos would eventually succumb to the disease and become 'fox bait' as they would no longer be able to outrun the predators. "Practically everyone we attend to, we have to euthanise. It's horrific. It's a shocking way to die." Phalaris aquatica is commonly used as a pasture crop to feed livestock. And while the phalaris staggers can also affect farm animals, giving them cobalt or spraying it on the grass helps to protect them from the effects of the toxins. Weed science professor at the University of Queensland Bhagirath Chauhan said phalaris is a fast-growing, resilient weed with seeds that can take a long time to germinate. "So it means even if you can stop the seed production in this season, you will get these plants in the next three to four years, definitely," he said. Phalaris can grow up to 150cm tall, and it's their height that gives them an advantage over native grasses by blocking out sunlight. He said the seeds are usually spread through water, wildlife or even by machinery used to cut the grass. Because of its popularity in agriculture, Chauhan believes phalaris will never be eradicated but said it would make a huge difference to focus on managing its spread. "I think we need to emphasise that we need to stop allowing it to go out of the fenced area, because otherwise it becomes a real problem," he said. Victoria's Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action [DEECA] works with a number of agencies across the state, like VicRoads, Parks Victoria and local councils to help control phalaris. DEECA Chief Biodiversity Officer and Director of the Arthur Rylah Institute James Todd told Yahoo each location needs to be assessed to decide how best to manage the weed. 'DEECA partners with Traditional Owners and government agencies to target invasive weeds including Phalaris aquatica on public land across Victoria using a range of techniques including herbicide spraying, slashing and ecological burning," DEECA Chief Biodiversity Officer and Director of the Arthur Rylah Institute, James Todd told Yahoo. 'Given the sensitivity of some native species to spraying and inability of some sites to be treated with burning there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating weeds on public land.' Most of the carers in Australia are volunteers who give their own time, money and petrol into saving injured wildlife. If you would like to donate to the rescuers mentioned in this story you can find their details below. Murrindindi Ranges Wildlife Shelter Account Name: Murrindindi Ranges Wildlife Shelter Account Number: 159658038 BSB: 633-000 Wildlife Rescuers To donate to Wildlife Rescuers, click here. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Scottish Sun
21-06-2025
- Climate
- Scottish Sun
Five cheap ways to keep your garden green and gorgeous
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE hot weather can play havoc with our gardens. Turning on the hose pipe wastes water and adds to bills, but there are other ways to keep your garden green and gorgeous. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Find out how to keep your garden green for less Credit: Getty WATER WISELY: Use a watering can, rather than a hose and douse plants early in the morning or in the evening to stop water evaporating before doing its job. Aim the spout towards the thirsty roots rather than the leaves. Adding wood chips, straw or compost can help lock in moisture. SLOWLY DOES IT: Make a home-made watering spike by taking an empty plastic bottle and carefully poking around five holes in the cap. Cut the bottom off the bottle and dig a hole around 10cm away from the plant you want to water. Put the bottle into the hole, cap side down, and fill it with water. It will slowly drip-feed the soil through the holes in the cap. LEAVE YOUR LAWN: Keeping your grass green using sprinklers will cost your purse and the planet. Experts recommend leaving your grass to go brown. It may not look its best, but it is dormant rather than dead. As soon as the rain returns, so will your green lawn. POOL RULES: Paddling pools can block sunlight and flatten the grass. which will struggle to recover. Kate Turner, gardening expert at Evergreen Garden Care, advises shifting the paddling pool around to allow sunlight to reach the grass. I transformed my garden patio into summer haven for less than £100 with cheap B&M buys including gadget to keep bugs out 'When it's time to empty it, avoid dumping all the water in one spot. Spread it around to prevent waterlogging and muddy patches.' PRE-LOVED PUDDLES: Re-use household water in your garden. So-called 'grey water' from washing vegetables, washing up and even showering is fine. Shampoo, soaps and washing-up liquid are generally harmless to plants. Don't use grey water on vegetables and avoid washing-up water with food bits that may attract vermin. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability Deal of the day 7 Save £5 on this mini digital ice cream maker from Lakeland Credit: Lakeland COOL off with homemade ice cream in under half an hour with the mini digital ice cream maker from Lakeland, down from £19.99 to £14.99. SAVE: £5 Cheap treat 7 Try this rotating cosmetic organiser from B&M Credit: B&M GIVE your lippy and brushes a spin – and tidy up – with the rotating cosmetic organiser from B&M, £5. What's new? HOW To Train Your Dragon is captivating kids at the cinema, and you can get the Toothless and Hiccup figure set for £11.25 at Argos, down from £15. Top swap 7 Try the Bestway 7ft rectangular paddling pool Credit: Argos 7 Or grab the TP giant paddling pool for less Credit: Supplied COOL off in the Bestway 7ft rectangular paddling pool, £20 from Argos, or the TP giant paddling pool from £12.49. SAVE: £7.51 Little helper SAVE up to £4 with Morrisons More Card when you try the Summer Grill meal deal. Get two meat packs and two sides for £15, including six beef burgers and The Best triple cooked chips. Shop & save 7 This eight-pack of Oral B precision clean electric toothbrush heads is reduced Credit: Boots BAG an eight-pack of Oral B precision clean electric toothbrush heads, down from £31 to £15.50, at Boots. SAVE: £15.50 Hot right now MEMBERS of Co-op can get £10 off when they spend £40 or more until Wednesday – as a thank you following the store's tech issues. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
The Sun
21-06-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
Five cheap ways to keep your garden green and gorgeous
THE hot weather can play havoc with our gardens. Turning on the hose pipe wastes water and adds to bills, but there are other ways to keep your garden green and gorgeous. 7 WATER WISELY: Use a watering can, rather than a hose and douse plants early in the morning or in the evening to stop water evaporating before doing its job. Aim the spout towards the thirsty roots rather than the leaves. Adding wood chips, straw or compost can help lock in moisture. SLOWLY DOES IT: Make a home-made watering spike by taking an empty plastic bottle and carefully poking around five holes in the cap. Cut the bottom off the bottle and dig a hole around 10cm away from the plant you want to water. Put the bottle into the hole, cap side down, and fill it with water. It will slowly drip-feed the soil through the holes in the cap. LEAVE YOUR LAWN: Keeping your grass green using sprinklers will cost your purse and the planet. Experts recommend leaving your grass to go brown. It may not look its best, but it is dormant rather than dead. As soon as the rain returns, so will your green lawn. POOL RULES: Paddling pools can block sunlight and flatten the grass. which will struggle to recover. Kate Turner, gardening expert at Evergreen Garden Care, advises shifting the paddling pool around to allow sunlight to reach the grass. I transformed my garden patio into summer haven for less than £100 with cheap B&M buys including gadget to keep bugs out 'When it's time to empty it, avoid dumping all the water in one spot. Spread it around to prevent waterlogging and muddy patches.' PRE-LOVED PUDDLES: Re-use household water in your garden. So-called 'grey water' from washing vegetables, washing up and even showering is fine. Shampoo, soaps and washing-up liquid are generally harmless to plants. Don't use grey water on vegetables and avoid washing-up water with food bits that may attract vermin. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability Deal of the day COOL off with homemade ice cream in under half an hour with the mini digital ice cream maker from Lakeland, down from £19.99 to £14.99. SAVE: £5 Cheap treat 7 GIVE your lippy and brushes a spin – and tidy up – with the rotating cosmetic organiser from B&M, £5. What's new? HOW To Train Your Dragon is captivating kids at the cinema, and you can get the Toothless and Hiccup figure set for £11.25 at Argos, down from £15. Top swap 7 COOL off in the Bestway 7ft rectangular paddling pool, £20 from Argos, or the TP giant paddling pool from £12.49. Shop & save BAG an eight-pack of Oral B precision clean electric toothbrush heads, down from £31 to £15.50, at Boots. SAVE: £15.50 Hot right now MEMBERS of Co-op can get £10 off when they spend £40 or more until Wednesday – as a thank you following the store's tech issues. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
