Hi Ladies!! We have loved helping you all through the Spring Workshops, as well as the plethora of private "mini" sessions too!  We hope you have found the workshops and "mini" sessions useful and informative!  Our goal is to always present the most current and insightful information available to enlighten our clients!  We want you all to achieve every success!  We have certainly enjoyed presenting our workshops to you!  Needless to say, it has been an eventful spring for us!  We are truly thankful, especially for making and meeting new friends!  Once we have had the pleasure to work with you, and get to know so many great Moms and daughters, we think of you as friends!  It has been great expanding our circle of friends!

Marlea and I are spending the summer helping our private clients, and are enjoying the one-on-one time with each of them!  We have a busy summer coming up, and since my newly graduated daughter Paige wil be home, we will be utilizing her sorority experience and insight as well!  Paige will be a vital asset to our PNMs, haviing just left the campus environment herself!

Also, I want to remind those of you preparing to head off to college and Sorority Recruitment this Fall, don't forget about the "lists" of things you need to accomplish!  If you attended our workshops this spring, you will remember this discussion.  So be sure and get those lists going and completed!  Lots to do!! And this is just the beginning!  If you need our insight or opinion in this regard, don't hestiate to contact us!  We want to be availabe to our clients all summer!

We looking forward to this productive summer, and are expecting to make some smart and fun changes in venues coming up this Fall! So be on the lookout!

All the best, with warmest regards from Marlea and Me!  Pat 

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OK Chicks!  We have had a fun and eventful Spring Workshop season!  We are finishing the season of our Group Workshops this coming Saturday in Atlanta!  Thank you Donna Holden for getting us booked into Atlanta at the Chastain Clubhouse!  (Find the address on our "links" tab of our website.)  Come join us if you can!

Of course, we will still be booking private "mini" sessions all summer long!  We welcome any and all inquiries!  Our goal, always, is to share our insight and knowledge!  We want the absolute best possible Recruitment experience for all of our PNMs!  We continue to welcome new clients, but what we love best is establishing all the new friendships with each of you!  We are so honored that you have welcomed us at this fun-time in your lives! 

We are also deeply grateful for the ongoing and continued support of our wonderful Spring assoicates!  Thank you for your help Angie Holder of MomenTaker Photography (and for sponsoring our refreshments this Spring), Miriam Stone of MyRush books, Tracy James of ChicMadeSimple, Sherry Corey of DormSuiteDorm/SewSherry, and Teala Stewart of Monograms Plus!

A special nod of thanks for past help goes to Megan LaRussa of SouthernFemme, and much happiness on your upcoming marriage!  Also, a very special thank you to Susan Hurst, not only for her cosmetics insight, but for booking us at Cahaba Bend!  We love all the wonderful insight and help that you both have provided for us from the very beginning!

We are so touched by the generosity of so many!  We are amazed at the wonderful ongoing encouragement from you all --- and so many others!  Our cup runneth over...May God bless each of you!

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Hi all!!  We had our first Spring workshop last weekend!  We are always happy to get to know new folks and help with all of their questions and concerns!  Mark your calendars for our second group workshop coming April 14th and  15th!  Pre-register by sending us an email to confirm your interest.  We will contact you back!

Also, several of our clients are more comfortable participating in our private "mini" workshops.  You may inquire more about those by emailing us as well!

Our email is: Rushbiddies@aol.com

Spring is right around the corner!! Happy Spring everyone!

Hugs from Marlea and me! Pat

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Hi gang!  It seems that technology has a learning curve for me!  After a bit of a delay, we are back and full of anticipation for presenting our Spring 2013 workshops!  Hopefully you have kept up with us on Facebook!  If you haven't "liked" us yet, please do!  Check out our new FB button on our website! 

Our website is still an ongoing venture!  Thank you for sticking with us!  We hope to continue to improve the usefulness of our website, as well as our services!  We really appreciate our clients verbalizing their needs!  We are all about meeting your needs with our services.  Our "mini" workshops are an effort to address and personalize our services!  If you are interested in our package deals, just drop us an email!   

As for our Spring Workshops, we have three group workshops this year! We are so excited!  Our first one is coming up this month!  This is the first time we are headed to Pelham/Helena -- just south of Birmingham.  We can't wait!  March the 10th and 11th we will be presenting our 2-Day Intensive workshop at the The Church at Cahaba Bend (we have directions on our "links" tab of our website).  Please note a bit of a difference in the time!   That Sunday afternoon (the 10th) we will be presenting "All about the paper" from 2-4 p.m. and Monday night (the 11th) we will be presenting "All about the party" from 6-8 p.m.  You don't want to miss this one!  This is early, (before everyone's Spring Break), so you are adding some much needed time to get your plans organized! Pre-register quickly because space is limited!  We look forward to seeing you all there!

Our second Spring Workshop is April the 14th and 15th!  We will be back at the Mtn. Brook Community Education Room in the Mtn. Brook Board of Education building.  This is also our 2-Day Intensive!  Pre-register now because this session is promising to be packed!  We will be back to our usual time of 3-5 p.m. that Sunday the 14th, and again, that Monday the 15th 6-8 p.m.  This workshop has gotten to be a favorite!  Do pre-register early via our guest book on our website!

And our third and final group workshop for this Spring is in Atlanta!  We are so excited to be road tripping over to our Georgia neighbors!  We are doing a marathon Extreme workshop for our clients in Atlanta!  We can't wait!  The date is Saturday, April 27th, from 1-5 p.m. (We promise we will give you breaks!!)  We can't wait to meet you Georgia peaches!  Come ready with all of your questions and concerns!  Do pre-register on our website's "workshop" tab and sign the guestbook!

One last little tidbit!  Check out your March Southern Living Magazine, (page 92, #28 of the "Social Graces") -- we are cited for our advice in writing a letter of recommendation!  We are honored to be noted in a tribute to "Southern Charm."  For us, we are Southern traditionalist in the sense that the process of Recruitment is a time honored tradition.  For us personally, it is all about connecting and helping our clients understand the process of Greek Recruitment!  Every girls deserves her spot!  However, after a workshop or a private session, I always feel like I have made a new friend!  I know for Marlea and me, it is alway about giving insight and knowledge!  We understand and we care deeply!   

May you all be blessed sweet friends and clients!

One final personal note, let me thank you all for your words and expressions of sympathy in the recent loss of my Dad.  I am so touched by your kindness. May you all be blessed with the peace that surpasses all understanding! Hugs -- Pat

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You need to attend our 2-Day Intensive Workshop if you are attending Greek Recruitment as a PNM on your campus this Fall 2012 or Winter 2013!

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OK Ladies!  Those of you who are planning on a Fall Recruitment, now is the time to plan!  For the campuses that 'do' spring preview parties, you should be receiving party invitations now!  If you have not received any invitations -- contact your Panhellenic office.  If you know girls in the sororities you are interested in -- word should be "indirectly" sent -- to let them know you are interested!  Network now!  If you are having problems with networking - you need us!  Let us hear from you!  

Several of you have requested a workshop in your area.  We do have some criteria that should be followed.  Contact us by e-mail so we can communicate with you.  Or you can leave a message on our guest book page.  This is a great way to start. We will contact you in return and discuss the requirements!  Let us hear from you!

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We are so excited to present our Annual 2-DAY Intensive Spring Workshop!

For all college-bound high school girls (and their Moms) who are participating in  Greek Recruitment ("Rush") week in the fall (or winter if your campus has second semester Recruitment), Rushbiddies will be offering a 2-day Intensive Workshop this April!

Go ahead and mark your calendars for Sunday, April 15th from 3pm-5pm and Monday, April 16th from 6pm-8pm.  This program will prepare our young 'chicks' for the hatching of their best ideas and efforts throughout the 'Rush' process! To get the full benefit -- we suggest you sign-up for both days -- the best value! 

Sunday Day One we will provide you with all of the information you will need to get started on the road to an extremely successful Recruitment experience!  This first day is absolutely necessary for anyone who has questions about Rush, or just doesn't know where to begin!  Knowledge of the preparation work involved with college Greek Recruitment is essential!  We will tell you all that you need to know to equip your credentials for the big week!  

Monday Day Two is all about the party! We will focus on the actual party environment! You will learn what to expect and how to participate in party conversation in order to present your best self! Learn about our survival kit to help you through your hectic week! This is your chance to learn how to feel at ease with the "flock," and how to keep from getting your "feathers ruffled."  Think you know how to make party conversation? Just you wait!  There is much to learn!  You can't be too prepared at "Rush" parties! Register Now! 

2-Day Intensive Workshop (both Mother and daughter attending) $100.00

One day only (of your choice) Mother and daughter attending $75.00

One day only (of your choice) One person attending $50.00     

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We are nearing the end of the first semester for you high school senior girls!  If you have made an early decision about which college you will be attending next Fall, now is the time to check out their Panhellenic website.  By going to your chosen college's website and looking under the tab "Greek Life" or "Panhellenic," this should lead you to any possible activities hosted by the Panhellenic -- specifically for high school senior girls.  Several southern campuses will have one weekend a month when you may visit.  This is a great way to get your name and face familiarized with the Panhellenic groups on your chosen campus.  

Word of advice -- Be sure and register through the Panhellenic office before you visit.  Make sure you follow the guidelines and rules!  You do not want to break any of the Panhellenic guidelines before you arrive on campus!  If you have concerns or questions, feel free to ask us!  We can be a great neutral point of inquiry for you!  We will gladly help you navigate any complexities or processes!   Check it out and Good Luck from Marlea and me!      

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Rushbiddies present their "Early Bird" workshop!  This workshop is ideal for the high school senior (or junior) girl who needs and wants to gain insight to  be well prepared -- early -- for their college Sorority Recruitment!  Panhellenic-minded women Marlea Foster and Pat Grant developed this program as they watched some of the most outstanding high school girls go through the Greek Sorority Recruitment process uninformed and unprepared!  This workshop will guide you to an easier sorority recruitment process by helping you network your senior year -- the last high school year -- to your full advantage!  

Topics will include prep timelines, resumes, recommendations, thank you notes, Facebook pages, and more.  

Select one of these convenient times to attend:  Sunday, October 16 @ 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. or Monday, October 17 @ 6:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m. in the Mountain Brook Community Education Classroom (32 Vine Street). 

Cost is $50 per person or $80 for both mom and daughter.  For more information or to register, email Rushbiddies@aol.com. 

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Auburn: https://fp.auburn.edu/greek/aunm11lst.htm

Alabama: http://uanews.ua.edu/2011/08/ua-sorority-pledges-announced-12/

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Came across this posting by writer Robert Asgha in the Huffington Post -- thought it was worth sharing.  It will definitely dispell any negative thoughts about why go Greek!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rob-asghar/want-to-build-a-better-wo_b_918291.html?ir=Impact

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Marlea and I are so excited and yet anxious for our girls!!!  Our little workshoppers -- who are headed to Auburn, Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and other campuses with a Fall Recruitment -- are on the cusp of their long and hectic week!  Approach it with enthusiasm and openness!  You will do great!   The clothes, make-up, hair maintenance, etc. -- all should be under control by now!  You should be worried about your dorm room items and making sure you have that check list covered!

By now -- all the rush packets with their recommendations should already be on your campuses! (If you have not already done so -- now is a good time for you, or Mom, or Aunt/Grandmother -- to make those follow-up phone calls/ write those reminder/thank you notes/ e-mails -- just to double check!)

We wish you all the very best experience possible!  If you are in the Southeast --  don't forget your blotters in your RB survival kit -- and stay hydrated!  Love and luck to you all!  Let us hear from you!  We have our fingers crossed that you will have the best Recruitment week possible!  Warmest Regards from the Rushbiddies!!

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http://issuu.com/alabamapanhellenic

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It has been an extremely busy June!!  This update is overdue!  I think our fireworks for the 4th have already started!  We successfully launched our SAKS workshop --and thanks to Chanda Temple of the Birmingham News and Megan LaRussa of Southernfemme -- we have had a busy month of recognition!  Ginger Jefferson at SAKS we look forward to working with you again!

I hope you all were able to catch our workshopper Caroline Given in June 26th's "Fashion Ambush" in the Birmingham News! Plus -- Megan's fashion tips in the Saturday paper!

 Here is the Fashion Ambush article featuring Caroline!

Who: Caroline Given, 18, of Crestline. She graduated from Mountain Brook High School and will be a freshman at Auburn University in the fall. Her parents are Perry and Roxanne Given.

Caught: During a sorority recruitment seminar for young women interested in the college rush process. It was held at Saks Fifth Avenue and was presented by Pat Grant and Marlea Foster of rushbiddies.com. They will offer the class again in October. Birmingham style coach Megan LaRussa of Southern Femme gave fashion tips for rush, and Saks provided makeup and jewelry tips.

What are you wearing? A pink Lily Pulitzer dress from the Lily Pulitzer website; tan Franco Sarto sandals from zappos.com; a Kate Spade straw purse from Saks; gold seashell earrings that were a gift from her mother; and a necklace that she borrowed from her mother, whose mother-in-law gave it to her.

You said you are a big online shopper because it's easier. Did you get your prom dress from the Internet? "I did. I got it from saks.com."

The bracelet.

Describe your style. "I like bright colors and I like simple things, but simple things with a pop. Like, if this dress were all pink, I wouldn't like it as much. I think the lace on the top gives it something extra."

How did you put together your outfit today? "I started with the dress. It's a fun color. It looks good on my skin. And then, I started with the shoes. But, I raided my mom's closet to find most of the jewelry."

What's one thing you feel that you have to have in order to complete your outfit? "Earrings, definitely earrings. I feel naked without earrings."

Is there anything you won't wear? "I really don't like jean shorts. I know those are big right now, but I'm not a fan."

The purse. (photos -- The Birmingham News / Michelle Campbell)

Do you have a favorite outfit for any occasion? "I like to wear dresses a lot and I like high-waisted ... skirts. (Dresses) look feminine and you can dress them up or down."

It sounds like there are certain rules to follow when it comes to knowing what to wear to fall rush. How prepared are you? "For clothes, it's just a matter of knowing how formal or casual to go."

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Here is the long link for the E-vite invitation to the Saks workshop!  Join us!  It promises to be fun and informative! 

 http://new.evite.com/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=fb_share_widget&utm_content=fb_link&utm_campaign=invite#view_invite:eid=0008AAQZXGK5ZYHUSEPAOUDX5WYG44&gid=fb

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Marlea and I are so excited! By invitation from Saks Fifth Avenue and Megan LaRussa of Southernfemme -- we are having a Rushbiddies workshop in the Saks Fifth Avenue store located at the Summit!!  It will be Monday, June 6th in Birmingham, Alabama!  We can't wait!  This will be the ultimate hands-on-event and you must pre-register via the Rushbiddies website, or via Saks to participate!  Start looking  for our e-vite too!  You may make inquiries on our webpage (Rushbiddies.com) or use the link on Southernfemme.com!  And, as always, you may click the website "workshop" tab to pre-register.  As a special courtesy to Saks, we want to make this valuable workshop available for as many people as possible!  So to that extent, we are offering this one afternoon for both Mother and Daughter for $50.00!!  This is the best deal ever for the type of information and insight you will gain!  

We can guarantee that you will gain valuable knowledge at this workshop for the young lady on the verge of Panhellenic Recruitment (commonly called "Rush").  You don't want to miss it!  Not only will you have the endless resources of the Rushbiddies, but the Saks personnel will also be on hand to offer make-up advice, fashion tips, etc. The goal is to make you -- the young lady on the verge -- not only polished on paper but just as polished for your personal appearances at the parties during Recruitment week!  

Anyone going through as a PNM this coming Fall 2011 or Winter 2012 should pre-register to attend!  (Don't know what a PNM is?  Then YOU really need our help!)  Let us help educate you!  You need to understand how the Panhellenic system works!  This is an essential workshop  for anyone not familiar with the college Greek system!  However, if you think you know all about it!  Think again!  A lot has changed in very recent years!  You need us more than you know!

As an added bonus  -- we will have door prizes, favors, and more!  However, you must be registered for the workshop by June the 6th!  This special workshop is $50.00 for both Mother and Daughter to attend!  We can't wait!  You don't want to miss this event!  We look forward to seeing you all there!~Warm Hugs from the Rushbiddies ~ Marlea and Pat

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Tip of the Month:  Start noticing what the sororities on your college campus are doing.  The Spring months are major fund-raising times and every sorority has a philanthropy they support.  So pay attention and focus in on who is doing what!  It gives you more information about the sororites, plus you can get an idea of what is at the core of their ideals and standards.  Make notes!  You can come up with some general questions to participate in a conversation about their philanthropy to use during Rush week!

Hey Gang! One more thing...just a quick reminder to everyone to pre-register NOW for our April 17th and 18th workshop!  This is a 2 day commitment and this will be the only workshop we will have this Spring!  You don't want to miss this one!  It is our best one yet!!! 

We will possibly try to squeeze one in our schedule for this summer --but it is doubtful -- it depends upon the interest!  If you can't make the Spring workshop let us hear from you!  The next one we have scheduled will be in the Fall. 

We still execute private workshops for groups of five or more -- so that is an option if you can't make the 2-Day Intensive in April!  However, you need to get on our current schedule NOW if this is something you want do!  We get booked quickly once May gets here!  

We look forward to seeing you all at our 2-Day Intensive next month! 

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In order to better prepare our college-bound girls and their moms for Greek Recruitment ("Rush") week in the fall (or winter if your campus has second semester Recruitment), Rushbiddies will be offering a 2-day Intensive Workshop this April!

Go ahead and mark your calendars for Sunday, April 17th from 3pm-5pm and Monday, April 18th from 6pm-8pm.  This program will prepare our young 'chicks' for the hatching of their best ideas and efforts throughout the 'Rush' process!

Sunday Day One we will provide you with all of the information you will need to get started on the road to an extremely successful Recruitment experience!  This first day is absolutely necessary for anyone who has questions about Rush, or just doesn't know where to begin!  Knowledge of the preparation work involved with college Greek Recruitment is essential!  We will tell you all that you need to know to equip your credentials for the big week!  

Monday Day Two is all about the party! We will focus on the actual party environment! You will learn what to expect and how to participate in party conversation in order to present your best self!  This is your chance to learn how to feel at ease with the "flock," and how to keep from getting your "feathers ruffled."  Think you know how to make party conversation? Just you wait!  There is much to learn!  You can't be too prepared at "Rush" parties! Register Now! 

2-Day Intensive Workshop (both Mother and daughter attending) $100.00

One day only (of your choice) Mother and daughter attending $75.00

One day only (of your choice) One person attending $50.00     

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