…Who’s Super Fabulous!

I recently came across the wedding blog, Fabulously Lizy, created by Lisette.  Her happiness is truly refreshing, and it really shines through in her posts.  She always leaves such nice comments on my blog, plus I really enjoy reading hers, so I thought I’d throw a little blog love out there!

If you have a moment, head on over to Fabulously Lizy by clicking HERE.  And keep posted, I’ll be sure to share with you more of my favorite bloggers out there soon!  Until then, take a look at my blogroll and enjoy!

…Some Inspiration For All Of You Darling Fall Brides!

I just found this beautiful fall wedding inspiration board created by Nicki over at Wedding So Pretty. 

I love all the details and those pinecone placecard holders are just divine!  I also love how the blue, mixed in with the orange and brown, seems to give this board such a cozy and warm feeling.  Check out her blog for more great ideas by clicking HERE.  Happy planning!

He Really Does Exhist!

I can’t stop laughing!  You’d be laughing too after reading what I just read, “Stop and poke yourself with the roses because you’re so bored with flower shopping” - The Reluctant Groomzilla

Here’s a few other quotes from THIS post I found from The Reluctant Groomzilla, that made me fall off my chair laughing:

“If it were up to Josh, he’d buy his wedding flowers from a sidewalk vendor and call it a day.” 

“I thought we should have the guests bob for place cards, but for some reason this idea was shot down.”

Oh my goodness, I LOVE it!  To read this post and more, go to The Reluctant Groomzilla now, written by the groom…get ready for some good laughs, and realize that it’s not just about the bride anymore!

…If You’re Not Sure, Try It Out!

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!

…Perfect For Pampering The Bride & Her Bridesmaids!

I don’t know what’s wrong with me - this week I’ve been in such a crazy shopping mood!  It’s all good though, because while shopping I came across this new fabulous store, Margarita Bloom!

Browse through the goodies in this store and see their many collections, just filled with lots of girly and fun pampering treats! 

 This would be an excellent place to shop for bridal shower or bachelorette party gifts for the bride!  Or, show your bridesmaids how much you love and appreciate them by giving them the gift of luxurious pampering!

Check it out by clicking HERE, or head on over to their sugar sweet blog HERE.  You’re going to LOVE it!

…It’s A Steal!

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 different colors, these would make great gifts for the groomsmen as well!

Happy shopping!

 Decorate With A Little Bit Of Love & Some Powdered Sugar!

I’m silly.  I forgot to tell you about the cupcake stencils I bought at Crate and Barrel a couple months ago - they are WAY cool! 

I wish I would have told you about them sooner because unfortunately the store no longer has them online, but no worries!  You can make your own cupcake stencils!  

Find out how by clicking HERE.  Yay!

…Featured On My Guest Blog At Wishpot!

I felt so honored that “Gift Girl” from Wishpot.com asked me to be a guest blogger on the Wishpot Wedding Blog today!  They also featured a write up about me so you can all get to know me a little better!

 To see some creative DIY ideas including the one below, head on over to the Wishpot Wedding Blog!

While visiting Wishpot.com, don’t forget to sign up for free and register for your wedding!  Register for everything you want, from every store you want, all in one place.  It’s easy and super fun!  Even if you aren’t getting married - make yourself a wish list!

Get started now at www.wishpot.com.  Happy shopping everyone!

…Events By David Monn!

The New York City Ballet Spring Gala Benefit

Departures Summer Garden Party

De Beers U.S. Launch Dinner Party

Style Architect David Monn in New York is an expert on how to put the “WOW” Factor into events.  He uses smell, sound and visuals to really turn his clients’ fantasies into realities.  For summer parties, he suggests using scents such as jasmine, orange blossoms and green grass.  Using the perfect design, color, lighting, cuisine and entertainment, Monn sets the stage for truly memorable events!

On top of making his clients thrilled with the outcome of his designs, he also gives back to the community!  David Monn is the founder of the Art FunD, a “non-profit program created to place art experience in public schools”.

To learn more about David Monn or see more of his work, go to www.davidmonn.com.  Or, check out his blog HERE.

…By Wonderful Graffiti!

I love chocolate.  I also love weddings!  So I was excited when I found out that just in time for fall, Wonderful Graffiti Weddings has come out with their new Chocolate Collection!

Sweet, contemporary and fun!  This collection would be especially great for for those of you planning a fall wedding.  I just adore the luminaries!  The banners are sweet too - it really creates a great “brand” for your event. 

Above are a only a few of the great products to this new collection…but there are many more!  To see the entire collection, go HERE.

…Turned DIY Event Decor!

My husband and I are currently looking for ways to decorate our bedroom walls.  When I saw this idea from Pink Grapefruit Style, I thought, what a fun, easy and affordable idea!  I think I might just have to try this for our room - I’ll let you know how it goes. 

Of course, I can’t see something creative without thinking of how one could incorporate it into wedding as event decor, so dream with me a bit here…

According to Holly from Pink Grapefruit Style, all you need to create these lovely pieces of art is 12×12 scrapbook paper, glue and foam board.  See her instructions HERE.  SUPER easy, right?!

Super affordable is what I really love about them.  So picture making these for your wedding or other event you might be soon hosting, only do it a little differently! 

Put 12×12 scrapbook paper on both sides of the foam board instead of just one.  Cut a little slit in the top of the board, and run a a long piece of ribbon through it.  Tie the ribbon around the slit.  Add different embellishments to each one if you wish or leave them plain with just the design of the paper.

Then, hang these decorative squares from the ceiling at your event!  Hang them above the dance floor, or just low above the tables.  You could even make small 4×4 squares, and hang them in the entryway!  Now picture this art twirling in the air in a festive way, knowing that YOU created it.  Way cool.

Thank you Holly for the inspiration!  To read the post about her wall art idea, head on over to her cheerful blog, Pink Grapefruit Style.  Happy crafting!

For Pretty Little Flower Girls!

Would you look at these baskets?  Aren’t they adorable?! Etsy seller Heidi
 of Birds Of A Feather sells these cutesy little hand-made baskets made out of paper with crepe paper trim, ribbons and other fun frilly things.  I’m loving the birds!

I think these would make the sweetest flower girl baskets, especially for a spring or country wedding!

If you must have one for your flower girl, you can buy it HERE.

This One’s For You, Chitown Bride!

If you haven’t checked out Chitown Bride’s blog, head over there now - her wedding pictures are beautiful!  She made a gorgeous bride!  Her hard work planning really paid off, as you can tell in the details. 

One thing that grabbed my eye that I don’t believe she originally planned on having were the peacocks that attended her wedding…she writes about them HERE, it’s funny how she tells the story, check it out.  Even if they did attend uninvited, she still got some great pictures with those lovely white birdies!

After seeing her wedding photos, the peacocks inspired me.  They were SO beautiful!  Maybe you don’t want actual live ones at your wedding, but you could probably find some fabulous pretend white peacocks to incorporate into your decor, along with white floral accents.

I’m loving this tablescape I found at www.housebeautiful.com!  The peacock behind the table really makes it look so elegant, doesn’t it?  Now don’t forget to check out the peacocks at Chitown Bride’s wedding!  Congratulations Mrs. Peacock!

…With Skyy Infusions Vodka & Ultimate Host Tips From Skyy!

Have you tried the new Skyy Infusions Vodka?  I just noticed it for the first time the other day while shopping…but check out their site and look at the ads - there are SHOES in them!!!  What a stylish little vodka!  I love Skyy Vodka, and I REALLY love shoes, so I had to share.

While this blog is mostly family friendly, this blog post is obviously for adults 21 and over - so if you’re under 21, please feel free to browse the rest of the blog, but disregard this post!

I’m sure many of you have probably seen or tried fruit infused vodka before, many high-end bars will have a couple of glass pitchers on display, usually with lemon slices or strawberries soaking in vodka.  

Now we can enjoy it without having to put the work into it. Skyy Infusions comes in delicious Citrus, Raspberry, Passion Fruit, Cherry and Grape flavors.

Planning a wedding or hosting a party?  Create your signature cocktail using Skyy Vodka, or serve some up from the Skyy Vodka Mixology Guide, which you can easily download for some sassy little recipes!

 Skyy has also come up with an Ultimate Host Guide!  Offering tips and ideas on how to throw a stylishly memorable party, you’ll surely find it quite helpful - after all, you want to enjoy the event too!

Learn how to get started with organized planning.  Create your own themes or use one of the many themes from Skyy Cocktail Moments image collection!  Find out how to set the mood with certain decor and lighting.  Get tips on serving food. 

They keep it simple yet creative enough to inspire you.  Use your imagination to create your own party fantasy!

Get planning now, just head on over to www.skyy.com, they’ve got some really cool e-cards and backgrounds you could use, so have a blast! :) Please drink responsibly.

…A Special Way To Remember

 What’s a special way to carry someone you love, with you always?  Priceless Prints fingerprint jewelry by Prairie 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 your kit 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

To learn more and order yours now, go to www.prairiecreations.com!

…What Are Your Thoughts?

I’ve always been a fan of creativity, and this palm tree centerpiece is definitely creative!  I’d love to hear your thoughts on it…

See more work by Birch Design Studio in Chicago by clicking HERE.

…She’s Addicted To Shoes!

Shoes by Benjamin Adams for Paradox London…absolutely gorgeous!

The majority of their shoes can also be custom colored to match your bridesmaids dresses!  To see more of this fabulous collection & find store locations, go HERE!

…Bridesmaid Dresses from Alvina Valenta!

Hey girly girls!  Check out the bridesmaid collection of Alvina Valenta by Victoria McMillan!  They also offer a beautiful line of bridal gowns.  So soft, so pretty, so sexy yet dripping with sophistication, these dresses have personalities of their own!  Here are a few of my personal favorites I thought I might share! 

The ruffle neckline on this lovely dress is adds the perfect touch of romance!

Style #AV9838

Brooch or no brooch, I’m loving the low back on this black taffeta dress!  Pure sophisticated sexiness!

Style #AV9837

With satin and lace, this knee length dress offers a very pretty vintage look!

Style #AV9847

With off the shoulder neckline, short ruffled sleeves, a low back, bow at the waist and side slit, go ahead - make them curious!

Style #AV9846

To see more or find a store near you, click HERE!

…Wild Wedding?  Go Ahead.  Sleep In!

These would be such an easy DIY project, don’t you agree?

Just design them on your computer, print them out on cardstock, fold the top in half, draw a 1/2 circle at the top of the fold, cut the circle and open the fold.   Or, just punch a hole at the top, and tie a ribbon around it, so it can hang by the ribbon instead.

Shazaaaam!  You’ve got your fun and fancy DIY “Do Not Disturb“ sign for guests to hang on their hotel room doors the night of your wedding.  Let them eat cake, and let them sleep in!

Picture taken from the Spring 2008 issue of Inside Weddings magazine.

Made This Summer Backyard Bridal Shower One To Remember!

Sunflowers, lots of sunshine, great food, a hand-made tiki bar, family, friends and one happy couple - that was the setting for my cousin’s bridal shower this weekend.  It was lovely! 

The food served was cooked my my amazing aunt and made perfectly light & tasty for summer.  My uncle acted as bartender serving mimosas and bellinis, behind his new tiki hut.  Can you believe the tiki hut was hand-made by my cousin?  He had given it to him on Father’s Day, and it really worked great for the shower!  Too cool.

I love how the tables were set up, with soft yellow tablecloths and white place settings.  The favors were a hit - sunflowers were glued to the tops of these great smelling soaps from Bath & Body Works!  What a creative idea!  Each table was complete with a carafe of ice-cold lemonade with slices of lemon floating inside.

 One of my favorite gifts the couple received was the beautiful quilt that my grandma hand-made herself!  She started making them for my cousins and I, for when we get married.  I was the first one to get one, when we got married 5 years ago. 

We all tease her about how she’ll have to start making baby blankets soon…ha ha!  She’s going to have a ton of great grand children once we all start having babies!  She keeps saying, “Oh, don’t tell me that…I still have so many more quilts to make!”.  You know she loves it though!  The question is, “Who’s going to be first?”.  You never know!

So there you have it.  One amazing shower!  Congratulations to the fabulous couple, we can’t wait to see you at your wedding!

Thanks to Denise at Bellis Studios for some of the pictures!  She’s way better at photography than I.

…In Love!

I love this picture, found in Inside Weddings magazine.  The picture shows “dinner by lantern light” on a pontoon, at Turtle Island resort in Fiji.  However, it brought another idea to my wedding-obsessed brain.  If you’re planning a beach wedding, you might want to consider this as an option…

…What if you had your wedding ceremony on a small pontoon?  The good news is that you wouldn’t have to go to Fiji in order to do it!

I remember when I was little, my family and I would go up to the cabin.   There was a floating pontoon on the pond, similar to this one, attached to the dock by a rope.  It was mostly enjoyed for fishing or jumping off of to go swimming.

I’m sure there are many local ponds and lakes that also have the same thing, which you could use for your ceremony base.  Picture it…an intimate ceremony for the two of you, but at the same time allowing friends and family to still enjoy by witnessing your vows from the beach!

Of course, I’d keep it in shallow water just in case, with life vests ready…and I’d stay out of the ocean especially at dusk because I hear that’s when the sharks like to feed.  Don’t laugh… yours truly is terrified of sharks.  But don’t let me scare you, because this idea forming in my head was working well for a bit…don’t you agree?  What are your thoughts?

Happy planning! 

Maggie Sottero Revisited…

Last year, WedSmack shared with us a striking collection of red wedding gowns by Maggie Sottero, including the Amara Royale shown above.  I still think this is a phenomenal dress, so I thought we’d pay a little visit to it again to satisfy any 4th of July eye candy cravings.

I hope that all of you who celebrate have a very happy, safe and fabulous 4th of July weekend! 

It’s So Much Easier Wishing Upon This Star!

 ”Create your registry with Wishpot.  Add from your favorite stores, get new ideas from experts and brides.  Share your registry with guests.” - Wishpot.com!

Wishpot is great, especially if you’re looking to register for a wedding, bridal shower or baby shower!  Make lists for other events too, such as holidays, housewarming or birthday parties.  Create shopping lists for yourself, or for others! 

This site makes it super easy to add items to your lists from other online stores, so anyone can do it!

Planning a wedding?  Get great ideas from a handful of bridal experts on Wishpot (including yours truly).  Don’t forget to check out the new Wishpot Wedding Blog and check out their new baby section!

Get shopping now: www.wishpot.com

…Congratulations To Newlyweds Lance & Jenny!

Our good friends just got married in Cancun, Mexico, and I just wanted to send them a congratulations!  They were nice to share a few of their pictures online, so I thought I’d create a board in honor of their beautiful day! 

The bride looked absolutely gorgeous.  I love how the groom was goofing around and posed with the bouquet…hilarious!  All the best to this wonderful couple, we love you guys!

Click above or go to Brides.com to read the stories and watch the videos of the lucky 10 semifinalists.  Cast your vote!

…Inspiration For Your “Must-Take” Photos

To say these photos are only beautiful would be an understatement.

Captured Beauty.

Captured Faith.

Captured Dreams.

Captured Moments.

Westerman Photography.

… Meets Romantic Ruby Red! 

I’ve created another inspiration board and entered it into the Color Palette Contest being hosted by Style Me Pretty.  However, I think I’ll save that one as a surprise for you to enjoy later. 

Until then, take a look at this one!  Next, head on over to Style Me Pretty to check out the color palette entries posted so far, they’re beautiful!

Photo Credits (From left to right, top to bottom): Top left & top right pictures by Apertura Photography via Southern Weddings, Bridesmaid Dress: #JH5764T from the new Jim Hjelm Just Teas Collection, bride in fabulous red shoes by Something In Blue Photography, cake via The Knot, cherry favors via Martha Stewart, diamond & ruby ring via Bluenile, bottom right picture from Lee Forrest Design.

…Grace Ormande At Wedding Style Inspires Us To Get Pouty!

Scheduling a boudoir photography session for either before your wedding or the morning of, is the new very sexy trend for brides right now!  In fact, it’s part of the Always A Bridesmaid blog’s Sexy 10!

“Boudoir comes from the French word ‘to pout or sulk’ and refers to a woman’s dressing room, bedroom, or private sitting room - all of which can lead to thoughts of beautiful things: the sweet smells, the gentle lighting, the stillness, and the woman inside preparing delicately for something wonderful that is about to happen.” - The Wedding Photography Directory

Maybe it’s something you choose to have done before the wedding, so you can give the pictures to your fiance the night of the rehearsal dinner. 

This sexy gift would give your man yet another reason why he’s so lucky to be marrying you, along with something to look forward to in your future together!

Or, perhaps it’s something you choose to do the morning of your wedding, while getting ready.  Not only as a gift to your husband after the wedding, but as a gift to yourself - to make you feel sexy before you take the big walk down the aisle! 

Every bride is beautiful, but imagine the confidence it would give you as you walk towards him to say “I do“, after having a very sexy experience, knowing how excited he’ll be when the pictures come in!

I understand that not every bride would feel comfortable with this idea right away, but keep in mind with a professional photographer, you can choose exactly how revealing you want to be or not be, based on how comfortable you feel.

If you’re not comfortable with showing a lot of skin, or don’t think your husband would feel comfortable with a stranger taking revealing pictures of you, you could always opt for a cute pair of cotton pajamas, too!

Remember, being sexy isn’t always about showing skin…it could be something as sweet as wearing your fiance’s shirt and boxers to something as sophisticated as a long black silk robe. For some, being sexy is looking risque…everyone is different!

Do what makes you feel good.  After all, in the end, that’s what it’s all about!  To see more fabulous wedding boudoir photography, go to:

 Grace Ormande’s Wedding Style

To learn more about this sexy new trend, read this article:

 A Bridal Boudoir Story by Liesl Clark.

…For A Chance To Win $250 For Your Very Own Bag Rental!

Let’s say Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City had asked you to design her wedding for her.  How would you do it?  Southern Weddings Magazine wants to know what your vision would be for Carrie’s wedding!

To find out more details and enter for a chance to win, go to Southern Weddings Magazine!  The deadline is July 4th, so hurry up before it’s too late!  Best of luck everyone!

 Create Fabulous Items Out Of Those Old Bridesmaid Dresses!

I’m sure many of us have collected at least a few dresses from standing up in our friends’ weddings.  Chances are, many of us really won’t ever “totally wear them again”!  

At the same time, these dresses have sentimental value…so do we really want to throw them out or give them away?  If you really can’t bare the thought of getting rid of your old bridesmaid dresses, it’s ok, because there are SO many fabulous things you could create out of them!

 Each of these lovely items were created out of fabric which came from old bridesmaid dresses.  You can learn how to create these items and more with pictures and instructions over at My Style’s 21 Day Wedding Party!

Also be sure to check out other great articles and ideas at:

www.mystyle.com!

Lookie, Lookie, Lookie What The Cat Dragged In!

Oh chocolate lovers…aren’t these the most adorable favors you’ve ever seen?

Four Mouse Event Favor

“Customize your order of 25 or more with your choice of dark, milk or white chocolate mice, silk tail colors, box color and silk ribbon color. Personalize the ribbon and present your guests with a gift that says “thank you for sharing our special day”. - Burdick Chocolate

Chocolate Penguin Favors

“Dressed for the big day in their tuxedos, our penguins have a dark chocolate and lemon ganache, and their almond arms welcome everyone to the wedding.” - Burdick Chocolates

 Chocolate Bee Favor

“Scrumptious and sassy, the honeybees are hand-piped with a hazelnut forest honey filling, finished with dark chocolate, almond wings and white stripes. These favors will be the buzz of the party - making a lasting impression with your guests!” - Burdick Chocolate

Find these favors and more, for every occasion at www.burdickchocolate.com!

Wed or Honeymoon In Italy!

The Italian Lake District is one of the most romantic settings in Italy. You can celebrate your big day in Lake Garda, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore or the more intimate Lake Orta. Incredible lakeside villas, secluded castles and panoramic chapels are scattered throughout the region providing ideal venues for breathtaking and stylish Italian weddings.  - Italian Lakes Wedding

How romantic!  Who needs decorations when you’ve got this scenery?

See and learn more about weddings and honeymoons in Italy by visiting the Italian Lakes Wedding Blog!  Happy planning!

…No, Wait!  Nevermind, You Could Carry A Totally Stylish Umbrella!

These days, I swear the weather man is looking out the wrong window half of the time.  So if it does happen to rain on your beautiful wedding day, hopefully you have an alternative plan for your fabulous soiree. 

And hopefully you have a very cool umbrella to use and take pictures with, like this one from Mod Cloth!

If it does rain on your big day, just show off that sassy umbrella of yours, and consider those raindrops as millions of blessings from the sky!  Can’t find a sassy umbrella?

Read THIS article on how to make one out of an ordinary umbrella, from Better Homes & Gardens!

Now sing with me, “under my umbrella, ella, ella”…riiight, I forgot people aren’t too fond of my singing, whoopsie daisies!

…Take Some Time For You & Your Honey!

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.

 Then, re-evaluate your planning process by reading this article, by Kathleen J. King over at  Divine Caroline:

“Ten Ways to Avoid the Wedding Industrial Complex“

…Fall In Love!

Whether you’re buying it as a gift for the bride, or you are the bride, these luxurious products by Philosophy are a must have!  Ok, well I think so anyway…but I believe every girl deserves to be pampered once in a while, don’t you?  Especially the bride before her wedding day, even after!

The Bride Falling In Love 2pc. Shower Set - $40 

 Here Comes The Bride 7pc. Gift Set For The Bride To Be - $45

So go ahead…get “philosophical”!

www.philosophy.com

…With Lingerie By Claire Pettibone!

Ever since I set eyes on the Claire Pettibone Athena set before we got married (see top left picture), I have always loved it.  However, I never could find it in time to wear on our wedding night like I had originally hoped. 

To my surprise, it’s still available more than five years later, only now it comes in several colors.  While it’s shown in a soft blue color, I personally love it in ivory.  And now I hope to finally find it!  If not that style, it’s ok because the entire collection is beautiful.

Romantic lace lingerie by Claire Pettibone.  What a perfect shower or bachelorette party gift this would be for the bride, wouldn’t you agree?

See more lingerie styles by Claire Pettibone, click HERE.  She also has created a very romantic collection of wedding gowns…to see the collection go HERE.

…With Yummy Smelling Cupcake Soaps and Candles!

A new cupcake shop just opened, lovies - but you won’t find a bakery inside!   Handmade with love, these soy wax cupcake candles offer a great smelling burn.  Each is individually poured and crafted, no two are alike!

Everyone loves cupcakes!

Serve these lil’ cupcakes up to guests at your bridal shower as unique favors or game prizes, by purchasing them HERE.  They’ll be a hit, but just a warning: be prepared to answer questions like, “Oh my, this cupcake smells sooooo good, where did you find these?”!

Go ahead, share the “recipe” and tell them www.reallchic.com!

Thank you, Jenn Sbranti & Chambord!

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!

…By Romona Keveza!

Jaw-dropping.  Beautiful.  Sexy gowns with creative necklines and classic looks.  That’s what designer Romona Keveza offers in her collections this year, and I’m in total awe!

Keveza brings us two lines, a couture bridal collection and Legends, a line created for women who crave style but who are on a more restricted budget.  I’ve noticed many high-end designers today are starting to offer more affordable fashions, which I think is simply wonderful!

Her inspiration stems from classic fashion icons such as Jackie O, Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelley.  With that in mind, you know you’re in for a timeless treat!

These are just a few of my favorites.  I’m loving the black and white styles, but there are so many more, so be sure to check out her site!

To stop and stare with me, go to www.romonakeveza.com.

I know, I know…But They’re So Pretty!!!

I know, I sometimes get carried away with the shoes.  But some days I just can’t help it, there are so many gorgeous pairs out there!  Besides, I can’t NOT share these beauties with you, that would be mean.  And I’m not mean…addicted to shoes, maybe, but definitely not mean.  Love!

Bravado shoes by Beverly Feldman.  Get them in these colors and more HERE.

 Drool….

…Stunning Accessories For The Bride And Her Big Day!

Darling dearests, if you haven’t visited the luxurious Vivre yet, you need to head over there now!  This oh-so -fabulous shop offers everything you’ll need to get ready in style for the big day!

  From jewelry, handbags, shoes, and clothing to home, entertaining items and decor you’ll sit there for hours trying to decide on your favorites!  To get you started and give you a little preview, I’ve compiled a few of my personal favorites.  Enjoy!

And ooooh the shoooooes…

 Indulge yourself in oooh-la-laaas!  Visit www.vivre.com now to find these items and more.

…Get Ready For Battle Of The Sexes At Your Couples Shower!

Getting the groom to come to a shower isn’t always easy, but if he loves to show off in the kitchen, this idea will make him happy to attend! 

Host a couples shower for the bride and groom, with an “Iron Chef” theme, such as the one that Chicago wedding planner Marina Birch helped create!

“The idea”, says Birch, according to Chicago Home & Garden Magazine, ”is to have a cooking competition that will build camaraderie among the guests while at the same time resulting in the preparation of some of the cocktails and hors d’oeuvres for the party itself.”  

The fun begins when the guests are divided, about 12-into two teams, women vs. men, for an “Iron Chef meets Martha Stewart affair”!  The best part?  This competition forces guests to work together, which also helps them get to know eachother better.  Result?  New friends are made!

To see how it all goes down, click HERE.  To contact the oh-so-creative Marina Birch for your event, click HERE.

…I Now Eat.

Don’t you just love this beaded flower napkin ring from Crate & Barrel?  I could see this being used at a bridal shower, to dress up the tables a bit.  Afterwards, they could be saved and given to the