August 2012
47 posts
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How To Wrap a Perfect Present
If you’ve ever wondered how to wrap a perfect present, this tutorial is for you! No more wobbly boxes teetering on top of strangely twisted ribbons – just perfectly flat, perfectly wrapped boxes every time. Read on to find out the easy trick!
Tools: Shown above: (A) Wrapped gift (B) Ribbon (C) Scissors
Step 1: Slide your ribbon underneath the gift.
Step 2: Bring the left tail of the...
July 2012
63 posts
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Affordable Thank You & Bridal Shower Gift Ideas
Let’s face it, most of us are in a panic when we have to buy gifts - we stress out about whether we can afford it or if the person will even like the gift. We are all in the same boat whether you are the bride who needs a “thank you” gift for a party hostess; or the guest who needs an affordable shower gift.
Fear not as gifts do not need to be expensive. I think the best gifts...
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Good Morning Everyone! Some pretty flowers to brighten your day!
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DIY: Sweet Heart Sugar Cubes
These sugar cubes are so cute! Click here for a full tutorial.
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Most Popular Cake Cutting Songs
The cake-cutting is one of the most romantic times during the wedding. The very first undertaking the couple will handle as husband and wife will be to cut the cake! Most brides and grooms wish to have special songs played during the cake-cutting ceremony. The music sets the tone for the scene and will create a lasting memory in the hearts of the couple and their guests. Here are some of the...
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Savvy Treats
Today I want to introduce to you a very special lady named Cheryl, the owner of Savvy Treats.
Savvy Treats is a specialty cake and cupcake business that delivers to the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia metropolitan area.
Cheryl’s love for cooking began at a very early age. She credits her Italian grandmother for teaching her the fine art of baking delicious desserts. For many years...
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What Your Engagement Ring Says About You
Not quite sure which diamond shape suits your personality? Read on….
Oval Engagement Ring
Your style: In a word (okay three): over the top.
Your relationship: Together you are more than the sum of your parts.
Your wedding: Colorful and cool, with a very polished edge. No detail will be overlooked.
Ring: Pave Setting available here
Emerald-Cut Engagement Ring
Your...
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Baked Cinnamon Mini Doughnut Recipe
I love doughnuts of any kind, but minis are cuter! So when I discovered this Mini Doughnut Pan at Target I was hooked. Pan is also Available on Amazon.
For the Doughnuts:
1 1/4 cups of flour
1/2 cup of sugar
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup (plus a few tbsp) milk
1 egg lightly beaten
2 tbsp of melted butter
Directions: Preheat the...
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Ultra Feminine Bridesmaid
Sleek, soft and feminine is what today’s outfit is all about. Soft colors and a romantic style are sure to make any summer wedding an event to remember. I’ve mixed ivories, metallics and grays to give a softer edge to the accessories. Every bridesmaid needs just the right shade of nail polish and a cute case to store all of the essentials she’ll need throughout the day. Enjoy!
Photo Credits:...
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Vendor Love : Alison Harper & Company - Hair &...
Today I am starting a new series called “Vendor Love” in which I will highlight special people who can help make your wedding dreams come true.
In my first installment I want to introduce to you Alison Harper.
Alison is the owner of Alison Harper & Co salon which specializes in bridal hair and makeup services in the Maryland, DC and Virginia area.
Being a recent bride herself...
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Watermelon Margarita Popsicles
These freshly made, fruity and flavorful popsicles would be fun for your bridal shower or next summer party. You can make them with or without alcohol so the kids can enjoy them also.
Watermelon Margarita Popsicles
Makes 6 popsicles
Ingredients
5 cups chopped seedless watermelon 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, from 2 limes 2-3 tablespoons granulated sugar 2 tablespoons...
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Magic At A Wedding Reception
Q. I am inviting children and teens (ages 12-15) to my wedding but now I am having second thoughts. What are they going to do? I don’t want them running around the tables during the reception and the older teens will be bored if they don’t dance.
Did I make a mistake inviting kids?
A. No, I think having children at a wedding can be a lot of fun. If you keep them entertained, there...
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Love Your Face
Anyone who knows me, knows that the condition of my skin is something I take very seriously, yet I am not always happy with. I am very fair-skinned and unfortunately, sun care wasn’t something I practiced until I was in my mid twenties. And embarrassingly I will admit I also tend to suffer from red blotchy skin sometimes which is a real downer…especially since I’m now 31 years...
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Fun Lomography Wedding Photos
If you want to add a little fun to your wedding photos you might want to try Lomography photography. Lomography cameras (also called toy cameras) such as the Holga differ from most modern cameras as they are analog and use old fashion film rather than being digital. Pictures taken with these cameras have unique and striking effects such as vignetting, blur, discoloration and lens flaring....
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8 Fights You Should Have Before Getting Married
Guest Blog by Cori Russell
Being a bride-to-be is certainly fabulous, a sparkling rock on your left hand, a valid excuse to go overboard on shopping (you need those Manolos for your honeymoon, after all), parties thrown in your honor, blowout arguments with your fiance… Uh, I beg your pardon??
Of course I jest, but there’s a hint of truth here. Remember, the engagement period...
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Designing Your Own Engagement Ring
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions…have you scoured all the local jewelry stores and still can’t find the perfect engagement ring? Well the solution is very simple…why not design your own ring?
One of the best online sites to design your ring is Israel-Diamonds.com. They make it easy to design the perfect engagement ring. Simply match one of their diamond shapes with a unique...
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Screen Printing Fun
As if I needed a new hobby, I’ve decided to take up screen printing. I thought that this might give me a chance to create more original items and add a bit more ‘flare’ to some of my DIY wedding projects. Screen printing can be a lot of fun as you can print virtually anything you want, on materials ranging from skateboards to t-shirts to stickers.
I had no idea where to start so after doing a...
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Buy, Sell or Trade With Krrb.com
I recently found a really fun site called Krrb (pronounced “curb”) which you should check out. It’s a new site just getting off the ground but it already has potential to become the next Craigslist; but even better. Whereas on Craigslist you have to look at a lot of classified ads; with Krrb it’s visual so it gives you a whole new way to browse, giving you the ability...
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Mystical Symbolism of Jewish Jewelry
I have noticed that Jewish jewelry has enjoyed a growing popularity in the last few decades. Many people, including non-Jews, are drawn to this type of jewelry for its beauty and what it represents. In addition to its aesthetics, jewish jewelry carries a feel of something ancient and sacred. I bet you were not aware that Jewish jewelry often has lot of mystical symbolic meaning.
...
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PINA COLADA SMOOTHIE
Makes 2 Servings
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
1 banana
1/4 cup ice cubes
2 teaspoons honey, optional
pineapple wedges, for garnish
Directions
In a blender, combine the pineapple chunks, coconut milk, banana, ice and, if desired, honey. Puree until smooth. Pour into 2 large glasses. Garnish each serving with a...
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DIY : Eco Friendly Beeswax Candles
Photo Credit : Beeswax Wholesale
I love beeswax candles! Candles can add a touch of romance and ambiance to any wedding decor or even your home. You can easily make a delightful centerpiece by grouping several votive beeswax candles with some flower arrangements and viola instant centerpiece!
Or if your a DIY’er, you can easily make your own unique beeswax candles like this one in a...
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DIY: Bachelorette Party Invites ~ Free Download
Available in several color palettes
The template is super simple to use – all you need is Adobe Acrobat Reader (which you can get for free here if you don’t have it already). Then just type your wording in the template, print on cardstock and trim using the cropmarks as a guide.
Please keep in mind that in order for the personalized portion of the template to work on all computers, a...
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DIY : Citrus Salt Body Scrub
A wonderful exfoliant and full body moisturizer for use in the shower. Leave a jar near your shower to add a healthy glow to dull dry skin.
Servings: 2 Prep Time: 5 min Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
1/2 cup sea salt
1/2 cup sweet almond oil ~ can substitute light olive oil or vegetable oil)
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon orange zest
Directions
In a medium dry bowl,...
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Accessorize with Headbands and Hair Clips
Hair clips and floral headbands are a great way to add a fun whimsical touch to any summer outfit. Here are some cute handmade hair accessories my friend Faith designs and sells on her Etsy Store Amari’s Closet.
What little princess - big or small - doesn’t like flowers and feathers? This fun Shabby Flower Headband features polka dot feathers and pearls.
This garden...
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Flower Votive Centerpiece
Flowers and candlelight are nothing new, but together they create fun tabletop decorations for a summer wedding. Place votive candles in tall glass vessels, and attach a flower (dahlias are shown here) outside each, trimming the stem to fit and tying with raffia that matches the flower. Set each display in a saucer of water to keep the flowers fresh.
* Photo Credit: MarthaStewart
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Ice Cream Hearts
Cute for a summer bridal shower or birthday party…..Freeze ice cream in a large pan then cut out hearts with a cookie cutter.` So sweet and and no fuss!
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How Old is Too Old for a Flower Girl?
Q. At what age are girls too old to be flower girls?
A. Flower girls are generally between four and eight years old. (Sometimes, “mature” two-and three-year-olds pull it off quite charmingly.) If the girl is a bit older, you might consider making her a junior bridesmaid — junior bridesmaids wear dresses similar (or the same) in color and style as the bridesmaids’, they...
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Peonies & Dusty Miller Bouquet
Who knew that by only using two flowers you could have such a dreamy wedding bouquet? This exquisite bouquet features large leaf dusty miller and light pink peonies. It truly is the ultimate girly wedding bouquet.
We also have the flower girl’s matching head wreath and flower ball. The little girls head wreath is made out of light pink spray roses and lacey leaf dusty miller. So...
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DIY: Paper Pinwheels
You may have noticed from reading my posts that I adore things that are cute, playful, sweet. etc. Well, pinwheels are certainly no exception to that rule. They just make me as happy as polka dots and powdered sugar!
Pinwheel decor is a cute and playful way to dress up your wedding event. They are sweet little details that would be perfect for a bridal shower, outdoor ceremony or backyard...
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FREE!!! Kindle Download
I want to give you a heads up about a great book deal. A friend of mine is giving away FREE Copies of the book “Your Dream Wedding for Half the Cost” by Amy Meyers.
Inside this book you will learn all the secret wedding tips planners use but won’t tell a soul because of the HUGE savings it provides.
Here are a few chapters in this book:
Choosing Your Wedding Date, Timing is...
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Bridal Trend : Color and Sparkle
I have been noticing lately that some brides are breaking away from traditional white pearls and adding a bit of color and sparkle to their wedding day look. An easy way to achieve this look and add a bit of glamour without breaking the bank is with Swarovski Crystal jewelry. Nothing Sparkles more than a Swarovski!
I was browsing Etsy and found some fun handmade crystal jewelry by Catju...
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I love this sweet flower arrangement of pink and white tulips in a vintage tin
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Free iPhone Game Downloads
You many notice this blog has nothing to do with weddings but I wanted to let you know a friend of mine from iPfun is giving away free games for your iphone. Even if your not into video games you might want to share these links with your friends who play games.
The free iphone games are:
Plopp
Plopp seems like a very simple iPhone game on the surface. Small spheres appear and begin to expand. A...
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DIY Chevron Streamer
These Chevron Streamers would be a fun and easy way to decorate your bridal shower or holiday party.
Here’s a list of the tools you will need (shown below): a pencil, bone folder (or butter knife), ruler, scissors, stencil paper, a sheet of graph paper and crepe paper streamers (color of your choice).
Step 1: Draw your chevrons. This is where the graph paper becomes super handy. Instead of...
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The other day I was online looking for silver jewelry and found a fabulous site called Bangkok925.com you should check out. They are a factory direct wholesale silver jewelry supplier in Thailand. Being located in a foreign country (outside the US) I was a little weary at first so I did some research before placing an order. And I can tell you from experience this is a large international jewelry...
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3D Wedding Guest Book
Are you going to have a traditional wedding guest book at your reception? Think about it: Do you think you will go back and flip through all those signatures after the wedding? (I’m going to go with a no on that one.)
As you can probably sumise I’m not a huge fan of wedding guestbooks. At least in the traditional sense of a book with signatures that will sit in a drawer for years to come....
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DIY: PIE IN A JAR TREATS
Ingredients:
Pie Crust Dough (fave recipe or pre-made) 2 12 oz. cans of cherry, apple or your favorite pie filling 2 Tb of sugar 1 large egg beaten
Supplies: 6 4 oz. mason jars, cleaned with lids and labels removed Heart shaped cookie cutter 1 Cookie sheet
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Press the unrolled dough bit by bit into the jars a bit at a time (not too...
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Etiquette: Groom's Family Wants to Host a Brunch
Q. My son is getting married, and his fiancée’s family has already said they have everything under control for the wedding. I don’t want to be a nuisance, but I would like to plan something fun in addition to the rehearsal dinner. Would a day-after brunch be acceptable, and if so, where should I have it?—Sue
A. That sounds like a lovely idea! Traditionally, the bride’s parents throw a...
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Wedding Money: Should Groom's Parents Pay for More...
Q. My parents are paying for our wedding. We have no other family, and only a few friends of mine from work will be invited. My parents have agreed to host 100 wedding guests at a seated-dinner wedding reception with an open bar at a very nice hotel. However, both my fiance and his parents are having a fit because they want to invite more guests than that. I feel this is very unfair and I wonder...
Good Morning! Early morning Sunrise in Myrtle Beach
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Stationery & Style: Bold Bridal Shower
Today’s outfit is clean, bold and modern. Perfect for a late summer bridal shower, these bright hues will make any bride-to-be stand out in a crowd. Paired with rose-toned gold accents and a bright heel that will be sure to make a statement.
Photo Credits:
No. 1: Guava Pop dress via Modcloth No. 2: Nuggard Tribeca pink bubble ring via Endless No. 3: Dusty quartz enamel stacking bangle...
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Thin Mint Cookies Recipe (Girl Scouts)
The ultimate Thin Mint style Girl Scout Cookie Recipe.
INGREDIENTS:
Chocolate Cookie Wafers
1 (18 1/4 ounce) package fudge cake mix
3 tablespoons shortening, melted
1/2 cup cake flour, measured then sifted
1 egg
3 tablespoons water
nonstick cooking spray
Coating
3 (12 ounce) bags semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
6 tablespoons shortening
Step 2 ...
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Three Fun Aerobic Exercises
If your anything like me you’ve looked in the mirror at some point and thought, “my hips look huge,” then tried to remedy the unwanted bulges with the latest diet or exercise craze.
Contrary to what the diet industry tells you there is no magic pill for weight loss. The only real way to lose weight is to cut calories and add activity to your life to burn calories.
Here are my...
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How Color Can Affect Your Mood
If you think of the way we describe certain emotions (seeing red, feeling blue, green with envy), there’s no denying that color and mood are inextricably linked. Slip on a bright yellow bracelet on a gloomy day and some of that sunniness will undoubtedly rub off on you.
Let’s take a look at a few beautiful Stone Bracelets I found on The Laughing Cat Studio Website. You will notice that...
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Update on Garden Dinner Party Post
I have had several people ask me if I knew where they could find the cute beverage dispensers featured in the Garden Themed Dinner Party post from yesterday.
Well the good news is that similar dispensers are available here on ebay.
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Create a Signature Cocktail for Your Wedding
Your reception menu is set and the cake design is picked. It’s time to focus on drinks. Add a personal touch to your bar menu by choosing a signature cocktail. Pick a drink that stars your favorite liquor, matches your color scheme, or just sounds delicious. A bonus for the budget-conscious: You can save on the drink tab by offering wine, beer, champagne, and just the signature cocktail,...
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Garden Themed Dinner Party with Homemade Details
Created by Desiree Spinner Events, this garden party was designed so that every decor item carried the idea of throwing a simple but elegant backyard get together. I love all the little details, such as the wrapped peach menus, strawberry glasses, stripped straws and floral patterned book shelves! The party featured a book exchange, where guests were encouraged to bring their favorite gardening...
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Wedding Party Etiquette and Advice
Q: I have one too many bridesmaids. How can I work the extra friend into my wedding?
A: Good news—you won’t have to invent a role for your friend. There’s no bridal law that says you have to have an equal number of male and female attendants. Single attendants of either sex can walk up and down the aisle alone or in pairs, or a groomsman can accompany two women, one on each arm. As...
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Trend Spotting : Nautical Jewelry
Ahoy, mateys! Summer is here…and it’s a hot one. Fashion has taken a turn to all things nautical (think stripes, red and navy color combos, and blazers with gold buttons) and this includes nautical inspired jewelry (think shells, anchors, and starfish). If you’re ready to sail the high seas this summer (or at least look like you could hop onto a sailboat at any moment) check out...
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Stationery and Style : Modern Rehearsal Dinner
Today’s round-up takes a bit of an non-traditional spin on a rehearsal dinner outfit. Pairing several gold accessories, including heels, with a pair of colored skinny jeans and a loose fitting top, this outfit is perfect for the bride who wants to keep things more on the casual side. The jewelry and clutch are modern while the scarf adds just the right romantic touch. It’s your day, so I hope you...
