Getting married and want to have some gorgeous, full lashes for pictures? Check out Shuuemura, they have a huge selection of different lashes for every type of girl, whether you’re going for the natural look, the fantasy look or just want to add a few accents.
If you’re not into the application process of false lashes, try out the NEW The Colossal Volum’ Express by Maybelline! It’s said to give you colossal lashes in just one coat. I’m in!
Though I think my personal most favorite mascara is still Great Lash by Maybelline. What’s yours? We’d love to hear!
Gift Girl over at Wishpot just informed me about the awesome Nordstrom Anniversary Sale coming up this weekend, so I thought I’d pass the juice onto you!
The sale actually starts this Friday, July 18th ONLINE at 12:00PM PST.
Before shopping, why not sign up at Wishpot.com, so whatever you find at Nordstrom you can easily save to your Wishpot lists!
Get some really great deals this weekend. Check out these stunningly beautiful sparkly rings!
They’re all beautiful, but I simply adore the top three ones!
Guys, get your bride one in Lemon Quartz with Yellow Gold, Rose De France in Rose Gold or Blue Topaz in White Gold. She’ll love you forever!
(Ok, she’ll love forever anyway but it never hurts to have a little “bling” to show off!)
Girls, why not get your groom some tre’ cool cuff links set in sterling silver? Choose from several differentcolors, these would make great gifts for the groomsmen as well!
What’s a special way to carry someone you love, with you always? Priceless Printsfingerprint jewelry byPrairie Creations! These pendant charms in solid fine silver or 22 karat gold are created by the actual fingerprints of your loved one.
These charms would make a wonderful and unique wedding gift to each other, don’t you agree? You could even apply them to your bouquet, around the stem, as a way to keep loved ones who have passed with you on your special day as you walk down the alter.
These would also make a great keepsake for baby, a special gift for mom by including all of her childrens’ fingerprints, a way to treasure the bond between siblings or friends, or a way to cherish loved ones far away. The ideas are limitless, you can even capture your pet’s paw print!
After you receive yourkit in the mail, simply follow the instructions on how to make your print, then mail it back. “Your print will be fired, finished with a silver jump ring, hand-stamped with the initials you specify, polished and mailed back to you at the address you provided within four to six weeks.” - Prairie Creations
Getting ready for your big day is quite exciting and can also be very enjoyable! At the same time, it can also become stressful…so what do you do? Take a planning break!
Instead of creating guest lists, create ”chill days” with your fiance, where you do nothing but relax together. No phone calls, no planning, no stressing. Don’t even bring the word “wedding” up. Just chill, like a Sambuca!
If you’re near your calendar right now, instead of writing down yet another appointment with yet another florist, first circle some days for relaxing together. You need to keep spending quality time together a priority, whether it’s having a lazy day in your pj’s, seeing a movie or going out to eat together!
Remember the real reason you’re getting married in the first place.
Last week I attended the “Hip Hostess/Chambord Event” at The Ivy Room in Chicago, hosted by our favorite hostess Jenn Sbranti, founder and editor-in-chief of Hostess With The Mostess!
While there, she shared with us creative and affordable ideas for stylish summer entertaining. For a tropical themed get-together, she taught us how to create a zen-like experience for a more contemporary feel.
Tips included using tropical items - such as palm leaves to line the inside of glass bowls, coconut cups, orchids, river rocks, zen gardens and paper lanterns.
Jenn also suggested using tiki torches and candlelight to set the mood, along with vibrant colors.
For those who don’t enjoy slaving in the kitchen on a hot summer day (the oven heats up the house too much, ya know?), she made us feel ok about keeping it simple and ordering in, having it catered, or picking up pre-made trays from your grocery store. Nobody will know it wasn’t you that cooked all that yummy food!
During the event, we were served amazing Chambord cocktails including the French Martini, Chambord Mojito, Chambord Patio, Rasberry Cheesecake Martini and Chambord Kir Royale.
We then were spoiled with the drink recipes, including a recipe for Chambord Berry Sorbet by the Chambord mixologist who showed off a bit of his talent in front of everyone. You should have heard the “oooohs and aaaaaaahs” from the crowd as he made each drink! It was hilarious, we all sounded like a big ol’ Chambord CHOIR!
After Jenn was done sharing her fabulous party tips and the Chambord mixologist stopped mixing, I was so happy to be able to meet and talk a little with Jenn! Everyone, she truly is as beautiful as her site is, and super sweet too! The poor girl had to catch an early flight out of Chicago the next day, so we let her finish up, but wow, what a great time we had!
So thank you, Jenn Sbranti! It was a pleasure to meet you, hope to see you in Chicago again soon! Next time, you’ll have to try Chicago pizza at The Oven Grinder. Then YOU will be the one “ooohing and aaaaahing”! For everyone else, check out the HWTM Blog and Hostess With The Mostess to see the rest of what Jenn shared with us, and happy planning! -Jaime
By the way…If you love Jenn’s super cute dress, you’re in luck! She shared with us where she got it! Find it HERE!
P.S. We tried some super tasty hors devours while at the Hip Hostess/Chambord Event, so a quickie on my favorite:
Red Grapes rolled in honey-infused goat cheese and then rolled in crushed pistachios. The caterer called them “Red Grape Truffles”. They were catered in from Blue Plate. Try it! Serve with toothpicks and display on a pretty plate. They were serving them at the event and were soooo delicious!
UPDATE:Jenn mentioned she’d try to figure out the exact recipe with the quantities for us if they’ll inform her. She said she’d post it on the blog if she can get ahold of it, so keep checking the HWTM Blog!
It’s amazing what one little word can do to change your life, isn’t it? Something as simple as “hello“.
After seeing this picture shot by Kal from (i) LoveLife, it inspired me to ask all of you - what one little word or sentence started your first conversation with the love of your life?
Or, if you’re single, summer is here! It’s the perfect time to start saying “hello“, after all, you never know who might be listening - it could be your soul mate!
And to all of you - married or single - let’s all say hello to eachother more often! You can also make some great friends that way. :) So hello, dear readers…have a lovely day! -Jaime
One of my favorite Chicago blogs, In This Instance, introduced me to Twitter today, so I thought I’d try it! She’s right, so far it seems pretty simple, and also seems like a great way to keep people updated! If you haven’t joined yet, do so! Get twitterpaited with me!
If you are interested in following my twitter comments, click HERE.
…And I Found My Own Personal Heaven On The 4th Floor Of The Conde Nast Building!
Recently I received an invitation to attend a wedding bloggers luncheon at the Conde Nast building in New York City, in honor of the Brides.comnewly launched blog, “Wedded Bits“!
From Chicago, I flew to New York City for my very first time, to attend this fabulous event. There I met editor-in-chief Michelle Preli and her wonderful team from Brides.com, along with a group of some of my favorite wedding bloggers. What a treat it was to meet everyone!
The group of wedding bloggers invited were asked to bring a “pot luck” item to share at the luncheon. Lucky for me, the “pot luck” item was not to be something we cooked, but rather a favorite wedding trend or idea of ours that could be shared. Thank goodness, because if you know me well enough, you know I’m ”domestically disabled” when it comes to cooking!
During the luncheon, we mingled, ate and shared our “potluck” items and ideas. Let me tell you, this was my own personal heaven, as we talked everything wedding! Who knew heaven could be located on the 4th floor of the Conde Nast building!?
After we finished sharing our “potluck” ideas, Michelle Preli (right) confirmed this slice of heaven by surprising us with a real angel, Angel Sanchez (middle, with his assistant Samantha Platner on the left), famous wedding gown designer!
Yes, we got to personally meet designer Angel Sanchez! He even brought in some of his beautiful bridal gowns from his jaw-dropping collection. We were able to ask him questions, take pictures with him and found out some exciting, exclusive news about his upcoming collection.
I promise to share this totally great news with you, but first I think you should check out these fabulous wedding blogs by the lovely ladies I met on Monday! Here they are:
There are many reasons why my husband is wonderful. Not only is loving, caring, sweet, kind, handsome, smart, funny, goofy, and more, but he also understands what a true “Jaime” shoe is!
Aaaah yes…true love. He totally “gets” me. And sometimes, he even gets me shoes!
Check out these new beauties by Enzo Angiolini.
They’re black patent leather, with a 4″ heel, and to my surprise, extremely comfortable! I have never before experienced a comfortable pair of 4″ heels, (let alone black patent leather ones) until I tried on these lovely little shoes.
Love them? They’re on sale at Nordstrom right now for $58.90!
Get your favorite couple the sweetest gifts from The Merry Martini! Getting married? If you love this shop as much as I think you will, why not register here? They offer a very easy gift registry program along with wonderful customer service. Check it out!
This fabulous Pewter & Pearl Gift Set includes a lovely cake stand which comes with different mini accents to attach to it, allowing you to enjoy it year round.
Accents include a wedding cake, a bird, pumpkins and a tree! Adorable!
Why not add a little bit of love in with your yummy recipes? Sentimental and charming, these measuring spoons also come with a hook to hang them with, so they are easily accessible. Besides, they’re too cute to put away in a drawer!
For the hostess, this Customized Party Set will make any party stylish! It comes with a flower vase, a party tray and party tub. Choose from several different patterns or make them all the same. This would also be perfect for those throwing a bridal shower!
Shopping at The Merry Martini? Don’t forget to check out their delicious martini recipe!
Serve at the bachelorette party, bridal showers, or make it your signature wedding cocktail to serve to guests on the big day! Cheers!
My darling talented friend Angela Rossi (singer/songwriter) introduced me to this fabulous site, so now I’m sharing it with you! Fall head over heels in love with hair accessories from the Pinup Girls Clothing store!
Whether you’re having an extravagent wedding like Carrie Bradshaw (feathers, anyone?), or a classic but casual event, these hair pins will surely make for not only great conversation, but great pictures as well!
With many modern brides deciding to skip the veil these days, how perfect would these be in place of that traditional veil? These accessories make quite the charming do!
Take a looksie, darlings, at this illustrationJillian Tamaki did for Entertainment weekly’s “Sex and the City” issue which came out last month. It’s an illustration of Carrie Bradshaw…but does it remind you of anyone else? If you ask me, it reminds me a little of ourselves!
I love my computer, blogging and obviously weddings! I constantly have coffee by my side as I type away, and while I may not wear glamorous ballgowns as I type, I do enjoy admiring my little collection of high heels (even if some of them were bargains…hey, stylish doesn’t have to be expensive!).
Does this stunningly fabulous drawing remind you of yourself at all?
Have you noticed I haven’t been posting much the past two weeks? Well, it’s because I’ve been so busy getting ready for my friends’ wedding…but it was well worth it!!!
The big day was yesterday, and what a beautiful wedding it turned out to be! I only have a few pictures to post right now, but more to come, along with more details…as for now, congratulations to the newlyweds!!!
I love this picture - the groom couldn’t stop staring at his bride…the two of them wore huge smiles all night long…what a happy couple!
The reception was held at Danada House in Wheaton, IL. The space was very unique, and really looked fantastic all set up!
The bride’s dress was absolutely beautiful, and looked stunning on her! What a gorgeous bride!
Keep checking back, I’ll be posting more soon! Thanks Leeanne & Mike for sharing your special day with us…we had an amazing time!
Three weeks ago, I joined Weight Watchers, as summer is pretty much almost here and I have so many weddings to look forward to! I want to look GREAT, so I decided not to diet.
Instead, I joined Weight Watchers, where I can eat whatever the heck I want to, and still lose weight! Love it. Progress so far? Five pounds - vanished! And the party continues…with really yummy food!
I highly suggest Weight Watchers to anyone who wants to lose weight, and keep it off - and to anyone who just wants to be healthier. It’s the healthiest way to lose. Plus, you get to eat whatever you want! It’s all about making the right choices. It’s not a diet…no, that’s a ”bad 4-letter word”! It’s not a diet, my friends…it’s a ”lifestyle“.
They make it easy for you, using point values (Flex Plan) for each item of food you eat, so you can better keep track. Not into keeping track of points? Try their “Core Plan”, where it’s more about what you eat (example, food with more fiber)…and you can still incorporate points into your food, if it helps. I’m on the Flex Plan. I weigh in every week, it’s affordable and motivating! It works. For real! You can even do it online if you don’t have time to go to meetings.
(Oh, and by the way, you don’t HAVE to go to meetings, you can just weigh in and leave, but meetings are SO helpful!)
Wanna see what my sweet tooth is enjoying? Here’s just a few…not bad, eh? Key Lime Pie - uh, YUM!Only about 6 points per serving. Get the recipe here. OR For only 3 points, Yoplait Whips! Key Lime Pie - heavenly!
And of course, yours truly has to feed her coffee addiction!
Does it LOOK like I’m suffering? Nope. I’m loving every bit of it!
To learn more about how awesome Weight Watchers is, visit their websiteHERE! Get your body and your life back, you deserve it!!!
My mom laughs at me because she swears whenever she’s in our bathroom, there’s never toilet paper. She thinks we have issues with changing the roll. Ok fine, maybe sometimes we forget!
So, she decided to get creative, and taped this sign, with a dollar bill next to the toilet paper roll:
“WHOEVER CHANGES THE TOILET PAPER ROLL WINS $1.00!”
Gotta love her!
Can you guess who won the dollar? SHE did! HA HA! Some things never fail.
Many of us have been there before - invited to a party, wedding, shower or other event where you don’t know anybody, and you don’t want to open your mouth and say something stupid. Rather than venture out and talk to people, you sit in the corner from a distance, smiling or pretending to talk on the phone. You enjoy a few cosmopolitans.
Before you know it, the night’s over and you’re calling a cab, wondering why you went out in the first place, because all you ended up doing was sitting and drinking, by yourself. And now, you’ve gotta get up early with a lovely hangover. Joyous.
No fear, darlings! If you’re usually a shy person or even a talker who sometimes talks too much so you just choose to stay out of conversations, there’s help!
Learn how to mingle appropriately. Get tips on how to start conversation at a table of strangers. Get social! But before you get social -
The Weather Channel Now Helps You Plan Your Perfect Wedding Day!
It’s May, and officially storm season for many of us! Get the tips you need to assure your day is weather-proof so you can enjoy it even if Mother Nature’s having a bad day!
“Better Safe Than Sorry!” - The Weather Channel
Who would have thought - The Weather Channel has a wedding planning section! Genious. Find out what the weather will most likely be like on your big day. Figure out the sunset times for that beautiful sunset ceremony. Get tons of fabulous ideas on how to weather-proof your day. View photos to get inspired for your outdoor wedding, and more!
The Weather Channel helps you through it all - while teaming up withThe Knot to make sure you have everything you need to make your day spectacular! Will your wedding be cool and easy breezy? Will you have to worry about hurricanes during your honeymoon?
With Mother’s Day right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about what we’re going to do! While I’ve just started my hunt for ideas, here are a few beautiful Mother’s Day bouquets from my favorite site for ordering flowers - www.fromyouflowers.com!
If you sign up for their emails, they send you tons of coupons and discounts, it’s great! I know several other flower sites do the same, but this site I’ve found is usually a little more affordable than the others. Take a look at these lovely flower ideas for Mom!
So many beautiful bouquets for every budget!
Don’t feel like sending flowers this year? Keep checking back, I’ll be posting more Mother’s Day ideas soon! Now get planning that special day - whether it’s to celebrate your mom, friend, aunt or other loved mother- figure!
Wow. I’m losing track of weeks here. Luckily I think life will slow down soon, thank goodness! This past weekend was especially crazy. On Saturday, one of my best friends picked me up around 3pm to go shopping and get some things done before our friend’s shower on Sunday.
We went to several different stores picking up the remainder of what we needed for the shower, along with a gift. Luckily, her 2 1/2 month old son was an angel (we took him with us). I got a GREAT workout on my left arm from holding him as he slept in my arms while shopping. Take a look - isn’t he adorable!?
After we were done shopping, we went to her house and finished making the wine charm favors (we still had to package them). On top of that, we had to bake four boxes of cupcakes, since we had the great idea of making cupcakes instead of a cake. By 1am, we were both wishing we had just bought a cake in the first place…ha ha! I think it was around 2am before I got home that night.
SUNDAY! Shower time! I had stayed up until 4am the night before, getting everything ready for the next day. I then got up around 8:30am to get ready and of course run to the store to get more wrapping paper. I got to the shower around 11am, and stayed until about 9pm.
Long shower? Well, not really…I mean, the majority of the guests stayed for about 3 hours, and left shortly after the couple was done opening their gifts. But my close friends and I (a few of us bridesmaids) stayed, and so did some of their moms. It was nice though, we cleaned up a little and caught up with eachother over coffee, leftover cupcakes and cookies for the rest of the evening. I was good - I only had 2 cupcakes and 2 cookies. But that’s another story! :) I ended up getting home around 9:30pm that night, I believe.
I could of and should of went to bed right away, but nope - instead, I stayed up for a few more hours trying to prepare for the NEXT bridal shower for my friend Jackie. The same friend I went shopping with and I had to get her invitations prepared and printed. Time was ticking! I finally crashed onto my pillow around 1am after my eyes started burning…I was just way too tired! It’d have to wait until the next day - after all, I work best under pressure!
So Monday comes. I have to admit, I relaxed most of the afternoon on Monday, and even took a nap! A MUCH needed nap. Evening came and it was time to get chopping on those bridal shower invites! I worked on them all night long…literally. I pulled an “all-nighter”! They’re created, formatted, printed and even cut. I now officially hate scissors. I need to invest in some better supplies. I finally finished the invites and went to bed around 7am this morning. They look nice, I hope everyone likes them.
After going to bed at 7am this morning, I woke up around 11:30am. Not much sleep, but it’ll have to do! Today is my aunt’s birthday, so I’ve got to get ready, go shopping for a gift, run some other errands, drop off the bridal shower invitations to my friend so she can address, stamp and send them, and then it’s out to dinner to celebrate my aunt’s birthday! :)
I’m excited for my aunt’s birthday - it should be fun. We were just going to stop by, but they had dinner plans…so they invited us along. But boy, oh boy, am I going to sleep good tonight! :) Tonight, I’m hitting the sack early!
UPDATE: Dinner was SOOO good! Off to sleepies! :) To bed said Fred! Zzzzzzzzzzz….
Yesterday was my friend’s wedding shower! It was such an enjoyable time, and really one of the easiest showers we’ve ever thrown.
The bride wanted us to keep it simple, so we honored her request by hosting it at her mother’s home (which she was very kind to offer to us), catered in some food, set up some card tables which we decorated of course, and then everyone just chilled and had a great time!
We served tea sandwiches, fruit kabobs, vegetable trays, lemon and kolachke cookies, little candies, and the mother of the bride made this deliciously creative jello mold with edible flowers…it was so sweet!
Instead of ordering a big cake, we made cupcakes which we frosted with strawberry, chocolate and fluffy white frosting and decorated with engagement rings (which later was so funny to see all the women put the rings on and talk about how they were going to go home and show their men…ha ha!).
The favors we made were wine charms in sets of four, which were a hit! We worked very hard on them (time consuming but worth it) and they turned out great! I was so happy everyone seemed to really like them.
The tables were decorated with purple and white tablecloths, flowers and candles. It really turned out lovely!
Outside, we decorated the tree branches (which were just starting to bud) with very long strands of curling ribbon in light blue, spring green and white. After the branches were all decorated, the long strands of ribbon blew in the wind, and it just looked so pretty. I forgot to get a picture of it! Oops. So you’ll just have to try and picture it. It really did look cool!
The day flew by of course, but it was such a wonderful time!
I honestly never used to watch American Idol…until my wonderful mom suckered me into it, and now I can’t stop watching it this season!
Syesha Mercado sure did rock it last night, and I’m SO happy she stayed tonight…she deserves it! This girl’s got soul, she’s got class, and she truly has such a beautiful voice. I think all the American Idolcontestants are great, but I have to admit, she’s one of my favorites! What are your thoughts?
If you missed it, check her out from last night’s American Idol.
To read more about Syesha Mercado and the other contestants, go to www.americanidol.com!
Are you a Syesha Mercado fan? Check out her fan site: Syesha’s Faneshas!
Terrica over at Fabuluxe asked me to name the top 5 songs which I’m embarrassed to let people know I secretly love. Ready? No laughing, because SOON it’s YOUR turn!
1. “I’m A Barbie Girl” by Aqua
2. Any song by Britney Spears (it’s ok, Terrica, I’m a fan too…lol)
3. We Are Man And Wife by Michelle Featherstone
4. Vampire by Antsy Pants
5. Doin’ It Well by L.L. Cool J
6. Set A Drift On Memory Bliss by PM DAWN
Next,the lovely Meredith over atCountdown To Wedded Bliss asked me to name 6 unimportant things about myself. So here we go!
1. I can type very fast, and my husband loves the sound of my typing away. He finds it relaxing in some strange, weird way.
2. I went to school to be a court reporter. I said I can type very fast, but not “380 wpm in shorthand” fast! Heck, oh well, I tried. Ok maybe I didn’t try hard enough, but I was only 19! It’s all good.
3. I smoke disgusting cigarettes. Don’t ask me why, it’s this stupid thing called an addiction. I do really want to quit soon though, I’m sick of it. But I still love it. Tell me how that works?
4. I’m horrible at remembering to buy stamps. Please forgive me.
5. When I (very rarely) go to McDonald’s, I enjoy ordering the Kid’s Meal for myself! :) My cat gets the toy.
6. I’ve been collectingwine corks and bottles for a few years now. I don’t know why. I figure eventually I’ll find a use for them…but for now they just clutter up my closets! I can’t get rid of them though. I’m weird.
Since I think this is a fun way to share new or favorite bloggers with everyone, I’m tagging:
A fellow blogger, Kal Barteski (fromI Love Life), explained my feelings perfectly when she said, “It seems that just when we get a delicious little routine we love - there are all kinds of things to mess with it “.
While we love life, and accept it as gracefully as we can as it sometimes comes crashing in on us, I couldn’t agree with her more. To read more of her post, go HERE. But don’t forget to check out the rest of her amazingly creative mind and artistic talent by reading her very sweet BLOG!
So that’s what it is. It’s life. Lately life has been so hectic. A happy hectic though. A good life. Just a hectic, happy and good life! Lots of things on my mind, and plenty of creative ideas to share with you, along with some things I’ve made. As for now, check out Kal’s creative, life-inspiring blog. She’s a wonderful artist! Have a lovely day!
With my good friend’s wedding coming up, we’ve been thinking a lot about what kind of cake to serve. I love cake. Cake makes me happy. I love everything about cake (well, except for the calories & fat of course!). But even more, I love Portillo’s Chocolate Eclair Cake!
If you’re from Chicago you know about Portillo’s, it’s a classic here! And it’s soooo good! While I’m of course a huge fan of their hot dogs and everything else on their menu, my favorite is their Chocolate Eclair Cake. It’s simply heavenly. No, for real!
This awesome cake has four layers of graham crackers with éclair filling layered in between, topped with a chocolate frosting. It serves 10-12 people for only $19.99! Since Portillo’s offers catering, I was thinking what a great idea this would be to serve at any bridal shower or party!
Portillo’s also offers other yummy desserts, such as their Famous Chocolate Cake (a favorite of mine), New York Style Cheesecake, Tiramisu, Strawberry Short Cake (another favorite of mine), and many more! To order the perfect dessert for your upcoming party, click HERE or go to: www.portillos.com!
I recently ordered a cashmere & silk pashmina wrap from The Pashmina Store for my friend’s wedding coming up, and had to share with you how excited I was when I received it! I loved everything about it…the quality, the feel, the detailing and the comfort. It was so very soft and luxurious feeling!
I wear it all the time, and I get so many compliments on it! I can’t wait to wear it to my friend’s wedding. It’s great for covering up on a cool night wrapped around your arms, and works well wrapped around your neck as a scarf for casual wear. There are so many ways to wear a pashmina wrap! They can even be used as throws!
From shawls, wraps, scarves, blankets and more, you’ll surely find something you love at The Pashmina Store. They come in several different colors, using pashmina cashmere and silk. Perfect for weddings or other special occasions, and also great for comfy cozy casual wear too. They make wonderful gifts, especially for bridesmaids!
Featured in several magazines including Good Housekeeping, Southern Bride, InStyle and Marie Claire, you know they’re a trustworthy company. And I couldn’t agree more!
Today My Husband and I Are Celebrating Our 5th Wedding Anniversary!
(Yes, this post is a mushy one!)
I remain the luckiest girl in this world. Today my husband and I are celebrating 5 wonderful married years together…though we’ve actually been together for 10 years total!
Thinking back, I don’t think I would have changed a thing about our wedding. We had a black and white wedding. I carried a bouquet of black magic roses, wore a dress by Mon Cheri, and my bridesmaids carried bouquets of white calla lillies and wore long black strapless dresses by Dessy. The guys wore black and white tuxes with calla bouts. Best of all, I married my husband…who before we met, I never thought such a wonderful man even exhisted.
We married in the Catholic Church, in front of all our friends and family. Afterwards, we celebrated over dinner, drinks and dancing during the reception. Oh, and we can’t forget the cake. Yum.
The night flew by too quickly (I highly suggest having your pictures taken before the ceremony, so you can spend more time celebrating than posing for the camera), and then my husband and I were off to stay at The Ritz Carlton in Chicago for four nights for our honeymoon. We stayed in the Anniversary Suite, which we hope to eventually visit again someday.
For now, we celebrate our anniversary every year, and our love every day! We look forward to many more happy years together. Marriage rocks. If you both believe in it, stick to it, and marry for the right reasons, marriage can be the most wonderful thing you’ll ever experience!
I’m still madly in love with my husband, and realize I’m truly Blessed. I am one lucky girl. Even though he claims he’s the lucky one…ha ha. Whatever, we’re both lucky to have found eachother. I married my best friend!
If you’ve actually decided to read this entire mushy post, here’s something to entertain you. The “traditional 5th wedding anniversary gift” is wood. Riiiiight….
Sugar Inc. Kicks Off The Wedding Season With IDoSugar!
I’m so thrilled to bring you this exciting news! If you haven’t visited any of the sites by Sugar Inc. yet, you’re missing out! But it gets better, because now they even have a site for all things wedding!
If you’re planning your wedding, make sure to check out the brand new “IDoSugar” which just launched this week to kick of the wedding season!
What are you waiting for? Go check it out now at www.idosugar.com!
Tonight. EARTH HOUR. Join us by turning off your lights for one hour, starting at 8pm.
UPDATE: The official “Earth Hour” may be over until next year, but who says you only have to do it one day? Why not try turning your lights off more often. If they’re not in use, make it a habit to turn a light off when you leave the room. Can’t hurt you, the earth, or your electricity bill! :) Win-win. Now do it.
Join millions tonight in the effort to bring attention to and make a statement about climate change! Learn more about it at: www.earthhourus.org, and spread the word!
What will you do in the dark for one hour? While I’m still deciding on this one, here are a few ideas I’ve come up with:
1. Have dinner ready before hand, and eat dinner by candlelight.
2. Set up the candles and create a spa-like feel for a long, luxurious bath.
3. Light the candles and light the spark between you and your honey!
4. The obvious - take a nap!
5. Pray or meditate. Take time to think. Unwind & chill, get rid of that stress.
6. Have friends over for cocktails by candlelight, along with good conversation!
7. Get your tiki torches out and have a party outside!
8. Grab your cell & catch up over the phone with an old friend.
9. Play a board game by candlelight.
10. Live near a participating city? Get out, walk around, and take pictures of this awesome event of businesses & homes turning off their lights.
Pottery Barn has always been one of my favorite stores. Recently, I discovered they also have a section called “Style House” with great tips, ideas & advice for style and entertaining! It’s true, they have an entire section on their website filled with inspiration…check it out!
Including a bit of bubbly, single blooms, spa setting, toasts and treats & more!
The best part? Use their inspiration, then shop for your own personal favorite products for entertaining & decor all in one spot. From lighting to centerpieces, Pottery Barn is ready to help you party in style, no matter the occasion!
You know this girl has her days where the inspiration just isn’t flowing (I think that means I need to step back and take a little break, and let life inspire me). So what’s a girl to do? LAUGH! Come on…you know you need a good laugh. Or at least a smile…so let’s smile and laugh together…
First, I bring you one of my favorite bands…”Last Fast Action“, from Chicago. Here, they teach you how to have pearly whites for your wedding day. But that’s not why I love them. I love them because they’re a great band. Wanna hear their music? Go HERE!
But first, watch this video they created…I wonder how long it took them to get it right?! lol It’s hilarious. Enjoy!
Next I provide you with these saucy little lizards from the SoBe “Life Water” commercial. Apparently I missed this during the Super Bowl this year. Oops. Learn more about this yummy thirstification (yes, that’s a word from the Jaime Dictionary) HERE.
I’ve been tagged by Elizabeth Anne Designs! The rules? Copy this entire list of questions and change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then tag and pass it along to other blogging friends. Let’s see how well we can get to know one another!
1. What is your occupation?
Housewife, and practicing event planner!
2. What color are your socks right now? White with teal toes. They’re fuzzy and comfy!
3. What are you listening to right now?
“Little Off Center” by Last Fast Action, “Love” by Angela Rossi, “Kindly Unspoken” by Kate Voegele, and of course one of my other favorites, “Your Love” by The Outfield.
4. What was the last thing that you ate? Dannon Light-n-fit Blueberry Yogurt.
5. Can you drive a stick shift? Um, the answer to that would definitely be no. One of my old friends in high school tried to teach me with his car, and I nearly broke the darn thing. Whoopsie daisies! lol
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Cornflower Blue.
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
My husband.
8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Sure, they’re inspiring so of course I do!
9. Favorite drink? Unsweetened iced tea, sweetened by yours truly with sugar, hold the lemon, but give me a straw please. A crazy one if you have it!
10. What is your favorite sport to watch? Figure skating, snow skiing, and basketball. I’m more of a winter olympics type o’ gal…
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yes. I used to do it all the time…in fact, when I look back at pictures, it’s funny because I can tell what year it was by what color hair I had. Silly. So I finally decided to stop dying my hair, and grow the color out. I dyed it to match my natural hair color, so when it grew out the roots wouldn’t show so badly. Well, it’s been a year now, my hair has mostly grown out to my natural hair color, and to my surprise, a few “silver” highlights. I refuse to call them grey. I may be turning twenty-ten next year, but I’m not ready to go grey! So if this craziness keeps up, I might have to dye it again. Can’t a girl catch a break?
12. Pets? One cat. We call her our “prize winning domestic long hair”. This is her house, she just lets us live here.
13. Favorite food?
Filet & mashed potatoes, my mom’s enchiladas, my grandma’s pork roast and dumplings (the “sinker” kind) with saurkraut, Portillo’s (if you live near Chicago you know what I’m talking about!), Chicago pizza, creme brulee, dark chocolate, and key lime pie but only if it’s fresh. Hey - you said “favorite”, not healthy!
14. Last movie you watched? Resident Evil 3 with my husband and 27 Dresses with my girlfriends.
15. Favorite Day of the year? Every day I wake up…but ok, fine…let’s say our wedding anniversary (April 4th!) and Christmas, of course!!! Oooh…but wait…do weddings count? Because I love weddings…can you tell?
16. What do you do to vent anger?
I usually don’t vent until long after the fact. I can control my anger pretty well…I’ve learned lots of patience over the years, but I’m only human…everyone’s entitled to a bad day, what’s important is knowing how to handle it.
17. What was your favorite toy as a child? Barbie!!! And I love Barbie dolls to this day, which is why I now collect them instead of cutting their hair off!
Gift Girl over at 
Get some really great deals this weekend. Check out these stunningly beautiful sparkly rings!
Last week I attended the “Hip Hostess/Chambord Event” at 
During the event, we were served amazing 
By the way…If you love Jenn’s super cute dress, you’re in luck! She shared with us where she got it! Find it 
There are many reasons why my husband is wonderful. Not only is loving, caring, sweet, kind, handsome, smart, funny, goofy, and more, but he also understands what a true “Jaime” shoe is!
This fabulous 
Shopping at The Merry Martini? Don’t forget to check out their delicious 
I highly suggest Weight Watchers to anyone who wants to lose weight, and keep it off - and to anyone who just wants to be healthier. It’s the healthiest way to lose. Plus, you get to eat whatever you want! It’s all about making the right choices. It’s not a diet…no, that’s a ”bad 4-letter word”! It’s not a diet, my friends…it’s a ”lifestyle“.
Next, the lovely Meredith over at 
With my good friend’s wedding coming up, we’ve been thinking a lot about what kind of cake to serve. I love cake. Cake makes me happy. I love everything about cake (well, except for the calories & fat of course!). But even more, I love Portillo’s Chocolate Eclair Cake! 
I wear it all the time, and I get so many compliments on it! I can’t wait to wear it to my friend’s wedding. It’s great for covering up on a cool night wrapped around your arms, and works well wrapped around your neck as a scarf for casual wear. There are so many ways to wear a pashmina wrap! They can even be used as throws! 
From shawls, wraps, scarves, blankets and more, you’ll surely find something you love at 
Featured in several magazines including Good Housekeeping, Southern Bride, InStyle and Marie Claire, you know they’re a trustworthy company. And I couldn’t agree more!
You KNOW I’m a fan of 
