Sparklers 101

It's important to remember that all Champagne is sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wine is Champagne.True Champagne blends three grapes―Chardonnay (white), Pinot Noir (red), and Pinot Meunier (red)―from the Champagne region of northern France (about a 1 1⁄2-hour drive northeast of Paris). However, sparkling wine is made all over the world―from the United States to Italy to Spain (and practically everywhere in between). As a general rule, méthode champenoise ("Champagne method") is the phrase you're looking for on the sparkling wine's label. This tells you, among other things, the wine has undergone a second fermentation in the bottle, producing millions of tiny bubbles.

Spain's easy drinking Cava (KAH-vah) is made in the Champagne method and just might be one of the best values around (often found for less than $12). The most notable Italian sparkler, Prosecco (praw-SEHK-koh), is a fun-loving wine with loads of fruitiness, a touch of sweetness, and soft bubbles. It's the base of the Bellini, the famous white peach refresher invented in the 1930s at Harry's Bar in Venice.

How To Serve Sparkling Wine
Sparkling wine should be well chilled―30 minutes in ice water or 3 hours in the refrigerator should do the trick―and served in slender, flute-shaped glasses. Before you can pour it, though, you have to get the bottle open. Despite what you see in the movies, the proper way to open sparkling wine does not involve firing the cork across the room with a loud pop. Rather, in a controlled fashion, let the pressure of the bottle gently release the cork with an ever-so-slight hiss.
• Loosen, but don't remove, the cage, keeping your thumb over the top at all times.
• Hold the bottle at a 45° angle. With your thumb over the cork, slowly twist the bottle (not the cork) in one direction while holding the cork firmly.
• Allow the pressure inside the bottle to gently push out the cork.

Southern Living 2008

Slushy Red Rooster

For your New Year's Eve Party offer up some Slushy Red Roosters, you can make and freeze ahead of time to prevent you from staying in the kitchen too much. Just get a friend to manage the blender.

Makes 3 qt.

Ingredients

• 4 cups cranberry juice cocktail
• 1 (12-oz.) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
• 2 cups vodka
• 4 1/2 cups water

Preparation

1. Stir together cranberry juice cocktail, orange juice concentrate, vodka, and 4 1/2 cups water. Place 1 (1-gal.) zip-top plastic freezer bag inside another 1-gal. zip-top plastic freezer bag. Pour about 4 cups cranberry mixture into inside bag. Seal both bags. Repeat procedure with remaining cranberry mixture. (Double bagging is a precaution to avoid spills.) Freeze bags 24 hours. Remove bags from freezer; let stand 5 minutes. Process cranberry mixture, 1 bag at a time, in a blender or food processor until desired consistency. Pour into glasses. Serve immediately.

SPICE UP THE GLASSWARE:

Wrap glasses with short lengths of silk and velvet ribbon, and secure with double-sided foam tape. Use Glue Dots to attach embellishments such as glitter-covered card stock stars or use stick-on jewels.

Sparkly Wonder

I have found the most amazing product - perfect for cleaning those engagement rings!
Check out Worley's Wonder Jewelry Cleaner

It brings the sparkle back to your jewelry and even safe for pearls. I would like to call it magic. I came across it in Myrtle Beach years ago, sold on a little stand at Barefoot Landing. I now use it for lots of things.

Like a glass and mirror cleaner - works wonders on your car windshield and even works as an anti fog agent for your bathroom mirror. Clean up your sunglasses and it doesn't leave finger prints. Its also an anti static agent so its great for your computer monitor or for cleaning dust off your ceiling fans.

So get your diamonds sparkling again as you head into the new year - its so easy to clean. Spray the ring (or other jewelry) and use the small brush to get around the prongs and close to the stone - VOILA - its beautiful again!

Merry Christmas!

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas - enjoy your family, your traditions and all things special this Holiday season.

Here is what I am so happy about this year - my little munchkin!

Reindeer Spritzer

Yum! Reindeer Spritzer

5 cups orange juice
1 cups chilled lemon lime soft drink
1/2 cup maraschino cherry juice
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Garnishes - lemon slices and fresh rosemary sprigs

Stir together all ingredients and serve over Ice. Makes 2 QT

Tipsy version
Stir in 1 1/2 cup vodka to above recipe -

Move Over Gingerbread Boys!

And Hello Chai Spice Girls! When I was growing up my grandmother worked in a bakery -the old fashioned kind with a store front - I loved watching her decorate wedding cakes but what I remember the most was the holidays when the bakery would have Gingerbread Men and Cherry Chews. (I think they were there year round but I just remember them at Christmas) Well my mom has taken on the task of making the Cherry Chews and I was thinking I would start making Gingerbread Men - until I found these yummies!

Ingredients

• 2 spiced chai-flavored tea bags
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
• 1-1/2 cups butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 Tbsp. molasses
• 1 recipe Powdered Sugar Icing

Directions

1. Remove tea bag contents (3 teaspoons); discard bags. In medium bowl combine tea, flour, and pumpkin pie spice; set aside.

2. In large mixing bowl beat butter on medium to high 30 seconds. Add sugar; beat until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks and molasses. Beat in as much of the flour mixture as you can; stir in remaining flour. Divide dough in half. Cover and refrigerate about 3 hours or until easy to handle.

3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper. On lightly floured surface, roll half of the dough at a time until 1/4-inch thickness. Cut dough with 4-inch gingerbread girl cutters.

4. Bake 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on cookie sheets 2 minutes. Transfer to rack to cool completely. Decorate with Powdered Sugar Icing. Makes 18 to 20 cookies.

5. Powdered Sugar Icing: In medium bowl combine 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and 4 teaspoons milk. Stir in additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until piping consistency.

6. To Store: Layer cookies between waxed paper is covered airtight container. Store at room temperature up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.

BHG

Bowl full of Cherries!

Favor Idea with Cherries!!

Don't you just love chocolate covered cherries? I always look forward to them every holiday - they come in that great red box...Well I found them gourmet this year! Cherries Divine

Hand dipped long stemmed cherries - a perfect gift for the holidays; for a friend or business associate. Also great idea for Valentines day, Easter or other special occasions. They come with white, milk or dark chocolate.

I love it as a wedding favor - look how cute the picture of the wedding dress and tux cherries are!
4 2 piece boxes (above) are $26.99.
Or buy them in increments of 15 for $24.95 and make your own packaging.

Fab Find

Restaurant.com - Eat, Drink and Save Money

Have you heard of Restaurant.com - I just heard about it on the Today show. They serve as the community matchmaker, introducing great restaurants to great people.

You can search for participating restaurants in your area - then buy coupons to dine there.
For example - I searched my area code, found Bridgets in Ambler - I can purchase a $25 gift certificate for $10 - wow that is a great savings!

Yum!

Tips on Tipping!

During the holidays it is always nice to tip the mail man, your hair dresser, the doorman, etc. Holiday Tipping is about Holiday Thanking!

I know this year is tougher then usual but don't forget to do something -any token is appreciated. If you plan to do a monetary tip - do only 10% of service instead of 20%. Maybe make cookies or fudge with a nice note instead.

I plan to make some candy for my mailman - he has been so nice to me this year.

Emily Post has some good etiquette advice about holiday tipping. Check it out. She even lists some recommendations in a table.

More Gift Ideas

Looking for some good sales - check out www.smartbargains.com - they have major brand names for less; sometimes 60% less.

I found my best friend the Lenox serving dish - half off. They have a search tool and bargains of the day.

Check it out!

Meaningful Gift Ideas

With all the commercialization of Christmas/Hanukkah people tend to forget the true meaning and spirit of the Holiday. Giving a gift is not about making sure you receive one back. Its not about spending the most money.

I love to shop and love to give people things for Christmas, a little something to show them how much they mean to me.

I came across some great meaningful and different gift ideas in Real Simple.

-do you have lots of old tshirts from college or sports - have them made into a quilt. Check out www.uncommongoods.com for a do it yourself or www.campusquilt.com for some help.

-send a reminder of a special vacation together - a pineapple in the dead of winter or a box of saltwater taffy. If you are sending a gift card attach it to a postcard from your favorite spot.

-have your old VHS tapes converted to DVD. There are machines that you can buy from Brookstone for $400 or just send them to www.scandigital.com - only $20 a tape.

Happy Giving!

Cookie Exchange

Making cookies seems to be a part of the holiday season, a tradition for a lot of people. My grandmother starts making cookies weeks in advance in anticipation of the family visiting for the holidays.

Well my neighborhood has started a cookie exchange every year. Last year was at my house but this year I had someone else host since I have a newborn. There is always a contest on presentation and cookie making story.

My grandmother helped me make graham cookie bars and I packaged them up in little Martha Stewart favor purses from Michaels. They are actually wedding favors/escort card boxes. I just added glittery stickers and voila it made a great presentation for my cookies.

Here is the VERY easy recipe.
Preheat oven to 350 and grease a 9x11 dish

1 stick of margarine
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
2 tsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups cinnamon graham crackers (about 16)
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 pecans

Beat margarine and sugar then beat egg, milk, vanilla until blended, stir in crumbs and other ingredients, press into baking dish.
Bake 25 min or until browned - don't overcook.

Cut into bars and enjoy!

Extra Ornaments Turned Great Decor

Take your extra ornaments or buy some in colors to match your room and add to a big glass bowl. Try some solid colors, patterns, big and small.

Great inexpensive decorating idea.

Purely Ornamental - pull out the hangers from mercury ball ornaments, place on painted pots or glass bowl.

Add water then add tulips or other flowers.

Voila - instant vase!

Hiring Tips-Wedding Planners

I was reading through my blog roll this am- trying to play catch up and came across Liene of Blue Orchid Designs - a wedding colleague of mine. She posted an awesome post today - questions to ask when hiring a wedding planner.

If you are planning a wedding you should know - A wedding planner is the first thing couples should look into when they start to plan their wedding. A Wedding Planner has lots of good and NEW ideas, insights into the industry, great contacts and can help you throughout the planning.

Check out Liene's Blog-
Tips on Hiring a Wedding Planner

and Happy Planning!

Office Reindeer Games

For months you have been planning your wedding, constantly online checking out pictures and getting ideas for your big event, even reading too many blogs!
Well check out this article especially if your boss is looking over your shoulder - good excuse for throwing the Office a party.

Career Overview

There are lots of ideas for games and food-Name the event Reindeer Games and get all the employees involved. This will get your mind off wedding planning and make your boss happy.

Happy Holiday

Hello December and Hello to Holiday Spirit.

I hope you enjoy the shopping craziness and spreading joy this season. Stay tuned for decorating tips, recipes and gift ideas.

Turkey Day

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Enjoy your turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie!


This year I have so much to be thankful for - my health, a wonderful husband, a new beautiful baby boy, a great business and supportive family.

On this Thanksgiving - remember to vocalize what you are thankful for!

Spice of Life

I was getting the ingredients out to make a pumpkin cheesecake and I happen to look on the bottom of my nutmeg - I noticed there was no expiration date. So this got me thinking....I looked through all my spices and some had newer McCormick labels with dates but others didn't.

I went on to McCormick's website and they have this clever tool to check your spices.
Click to see if they are over their prime (3 years is about all the potency will last). I had 2 bottles from 1998 - YIKES!!

So before you make your pie or add to your stuffing check it out!
Happy Baking!

Wrap it Up

As you know I love everything that can be personalized. Well have you seen NameMaker?
You can personalize wrapping paper, gift bags, ribbon, clothing tags, stickers etc.

How about nice wrapping paper for your bridal party gifts?
or your holiday presents?
or nice gift bags to wrap up homemade goodies?
I just don't know which one to order for my holiday gifts.
What is your favorite product?

Expectations

As a bride and/or client there are a certain things that are expected when it comes to your reception. I have outlined a few.

1-Enough food - if you tell the caterer how many guests you expect then then should provide enough food to feed everyone. They should have about 15% over just in case some 'extra' guests show up. The food should be hot and they should be able to provide for any allergy or food issues with your guests.

2-To go along with enough food should also be appropriate place settings and water glasses with water in them. Whether this is a backyard BBQ or a 5 course meal the caterer should provide plates, silverware and glassware.

3-Linens - if you are getting in house linens they should be clean and unsoiled. They should not have creases in them; they should not be visibly wrinkled. Make it clear that you want ironed linens and that they much touch the floor. One of my biggest peeves is square linens on a round table showing off the metal legs.

4-The sales person or caterer should listen to you and make every effort to make your wedding the way you want it not just like all the other weddings done there.

5-Staff - the reception site should provide adequate wait staff and they should be nice and do what ever is necessary to make your guests happy.

6-And lastly remember you get what you pay for. I am not suggesting you have to spend a lot of money but just remember what you deserve and make sure you are paying appropriately for it.

spanks

One of my clients was going for her gown fitting and wanted to know about undergarments. So I thought I would post some ideas here for those of that need to know what goes under that gorgeous gown of yours!

First off - I LOVE Spanx.
What an amazing invention - they hold you in and smooth you out like nothing I have ever used. I have some brown tights that I love but most importantly is the Mid Thigh Shaper or Power Panties - perfect to wear on your wedding day. If your dress is flowy and sliming that this is a must but even if you wear a ball gown you might like the extra support so you don't have to remember to suck it in.

I know we are talking about wedding day undergarments but I have to also mention how I love the Bra-llelujah! Underwire Contour Bra. It hooks in the front and helps with some back buldges and looks great under tshirts.

You might also be wondering what do you do with the 'girls' on your wedding day? Do you put inserts in the dress, wear a corset, add extra boning? Well I like the pushup approach. I wore these on my wedding day. Takeouts are silicone inserts, feels natural, washable and are removable. You can wear these any day not just on your wedding day. Available at Amazon.

More Monograms

Another twist on using your monogram at your wedding. We have all seen the floral wreath letters on the church doors but how about something more simple. Letters like this can be found at any craft store for under $10.

Use them on the church doors then have someone move them to the reception doors.
Carry the simplicity of the letters over to your program, menu cards and light design on the dance floor. Its all about carrying the theme throughout your event.

Spiced Pomegranate Sipper

Can't wait to try this on Thanksgiving:

Ingredients

• 1 (2 1/2-inch-long) cinnamon stick
• 5 whole cloves
• 5 thin fresh ginger slices
• 2 (16-oz.) bottles refrigerated 100% pomegranate juice
• 4 cups white grape juice
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• Garnishes: pineapple chunks, orange rind curls

Preparation

1. Cook cinnamon stick, cloves, and ginger in a Dutch oven over medium heat, stirring constantly, 2 to 3 minutes or until cinnamon is fragrant.

2. Gradually stir in juices. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 15 minutes. Pour mixture through a wire-mesh strainer into a heat-proof pitcher; discard solids. Serve warm. Garnish, if desired.

Note: For testing purposes only, we used POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice and Welch's 100% White Grape Juice.

Tipsy Hot Spiced Pomegranate Sipper: Prepare recipe as directed. Stir in 1 1/4 cups almond liqueur just before serving. Makes 9 1/4 cups.

Cold Spiced Pomegranate Sipper: Prepare recipe as directed. Let stand 30 minutes. Cover and chill 2 hours. Store in refrigerator up to 2 days. Stir and serve over ice. Prep: 10 min., Cook: 25 min., Stand: 30 min., Chill: 2 hr.

Fizzy Spiced Pomegranate Sipper: Prepare Cold Spiced Pomegranate Sipper as directed. Stir in 1 (33.8-oz.) bottle ginger ale just before serving. Makes 16 cups.

Southern Living, SEPTEMBER 2008

Everything can be Customized

Tarte Cosmetics will personalize their lip glosses for your wedding.

Adam & Eve…Fred & Ginger…Romeo & Juliet…Tarzan & Jane…

Just a few of history’s famous couples! At tarte we’ve celebrated these “perfect pairs” with our double-ended lipgloss! Now we’d like to honor YOU… the couple-to-be!

Here’s how our offering works:
1. Choose a lipgloss duo from one of our existing pairs.
2. Order 25 or more at least one month in advance.
3. Provide us the name of the happy couple.

Min order is 25 and a little pricy but how great would that be to give to all the ladies at your wedding -or stick in the out of town bags.

Something Different

Here is a unique holiday gift idea (or even a yummy favor for a wedding!)

Have you heard of Dale and Thomas Popcorn?
They offer so many flavors to suit everyone.

Try the new gingerbread (pictured)
or chocolate peanut butter, cheddar or how about chili and sour cream?

They come in classic tins or boxes suitable to send to a college student, your nephew, wrap up for hostess gifts or offer inside your out of towners bags.

Money Saving Tip

Most couples want to have a Champagne or Sparking Wine Toast at their wedding but so many guests just take a sip during the toast and that is it - the rest is a waste and a burden on your checkbook.

To save money omit the Champagne all together and have them toast with what they have already or if you really want it - have the wait staff just put a little in everyones glass - don't fill normally.

Definitely a Treat - No Tricks!

Happy Halloween!

I will be spending the weekend with my little pumpkin!

It's a Boy!!

Friday Oct 17th I gave birth to a beautiful little boy!

Gavin Joseph joined this world at 4:31 pm weighing in at 6lbs, 12 oz and 20 inches long.
He is just perfect and has stole my heart from the minute I held him.

We are doing great - trying to get used to everything about having a new little one.

Here is a pic of my lil' pumpkin.


I will be a bit slow on posts for awhile - bear with me.

Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Pumpkin Bread
1 cup pumpkin pie filling (not pure pumpkin)
1/2 cup canola oil, plus more for the pan
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Heat oven to 350° F. Oil a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan.

In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin pie filling, oil, sugar, molasses, and vanilla.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Slowly stir the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes.

Transfer pan to a wire rack for 10 minutes. Using a knife, loosen the bread from the pan. Invert it onto a cutting board. Serve warm.

In Advance: Bake the bread and let it cool. Wrap and set aside at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Cover with foil and warm in a 250° F oven for 30 minutes.

To Freeze: Place the cooled bread in a resealable plastic bag or cover with 2 layers of plastic wrap. Store for up to 3 months.

To Reheat: Refrigerate the bread overnight. Remove the plastic wrap, cover with aluminum foil, and warm in a 250° oven for 30 minutes.

Yield: Makes 6 to 8 servings

NUTRITION PER SERVING
CALORIES 381(26% from fat); FAT 11g (sat 1g); CARBOHYDRATE 67g; SODIUM 576mg; PROTEIN 4g; FIBER 4g; SUGAR 30g

Pumpkin Patch Cupcakes

Crate and Barrel has this great pan to make Pumpkin Patch Cupcakes

and here is a yummy recipe: for Pumpkin Flavored Cupcakes
Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, sift before measuring
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/3 cups sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten until frothy
• 1 cup mashed cooked or canned pumpkin
• 3/4 cup milk
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Preparation:

Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a bowl. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy; beat in eggs. Blend in mashed pumpkin. Stir in the sifted dry ingredients alternately with the milk, blending until batter is smooth after each addition; stir in chopped walnuts or pecans. Spoon batter into well-greased and floured or paper-lined muffin pan cups. Fill about 2/3 full. Bake at 375° for 25 minutes, or until a wooden pick or cake tester inserted in center comes out clean.

Since you can't really frost these cupcakes, decorate the plate with cream cheese frosting
Makes about 24 cupcakes.

Spooky Icey Hand Punch

This is a simple punch where the ice is the center piece. Not only is the icy hand super spooky, but it keeps things cool as well.

To make the Icy Hand

Take 2 (always good to have an extra hand) latex gloves, put them on and wash your hands with dish soap. Rinse well and turn the glove inside out so the just washed side is on the inside. Next, fill the gloves with water, tie the end and freeze. Once frozen remove the glove and you are good to go.

To make the Punch

1 750 ml bottle premium Vodka or White Rum
2 2 liter bottles of Lemon Lime Soda - make sure to get a clear brand
red food coloring
marshmallows (optional)

Chill the Vodka (in the freezer) and Soda (in the fridge) for at least 24 hours. Just before the party combine the two liquids in a large punch bowl. Add a few drops of the red food coloring to make it blood red, well maybe more than a few drops. Add one of your icy hands in the center of the bowl, throw in the marshmallows and squirt some more food coloring over all of it for extra bloodiness.

Thanks to drink of the week for the recipe

You've Been Ghosted

I know I posted this last year but wanted to encourage more Ghosting by my readers.
My neighborhood does this and it is so fun! who doesn't love Halloween Candy.

You've Been Ghosted

-Now it's your turn to 'ghost' one other house in our neighborhood
-You should 'ghost' this house within in 2 days of receiving your treat
-Hang the ghost on your front door so that everyone can see that you have been 'ghosted' and will not ghost you again. This will also let you know who you can ghost
-Fill 1 bag with candy and treats. Copy this letter and the ghost. Include treats, letter and ghost in your bag of goodies for the neighbor that you choose
-After dark, and only with an adult, 'ghost' your neighbor. Do not let the person that you are 'ghosting' see you, for it adds to the fun of it all. Place the treat bag on the doorstep, ring the doorbell and run!
-It will be fun to see how many ghosts will appear in our neighborhood by Hall0ween.

This is soo cool - Great for your neighborhood or coworkers.

So go have a spooktacular Halloween!

Pumpkin Tips

Once cut, a pumpkin lasts about four to five days, then starts to rot.
You can rub Vaseline on the cut parts to help with deterioration.

And a tip I read from Real Simple:

Think about cutting out the bottom of the pumpkin instead of around the stem - place your candle on the porch or walkway then place the pumpkin on top. This will prevent the cut out stem section from falling in when rotted.

Pumpkins are a great way to show some creativity - will you make a scary face, write your initials, a jack o lanturn or maybe turn it on its side and make a candy container?

What will you do?

Carving Pumpkins

Put your personal stamp on your pumpkins this year - Create a monogram or initial and carve on to a pumpkin! Great for your doorstep to greet trick or treaters, have it line the aisle at your next outdoor wedding ceremony or even use the smaller size as a centerpiece.

Many craft stores have the carvable pumpkins that you can keep year to year. You can't use real candles inside but you could put battery operated ones in there!

Fall Treats for Everyone

So what goes with cool weather, fall leaves and apple cider?
Yummy caramel covered apples!!

Here is a great blog post from Glam Dish about how to make these Carmel Apples

I've Been Tagged

I was tagged by Lakendra with Affairs with Elegance.

Four things I did today:
1. Arranged transportation for a wedding next May - lots of vehicles needed.
2. Spoke to a MOG about a wedding next June.
3. Put a Wonderful Graffiti Wall Saying on the wall above the baby's crib.
4. Had my car seat professionally installed.

Four things on my to-do list:
1. Touch base with my future clients about me being out on maternity leave.
2. Blog about pumpkins and Halloween.
3. Take a nap to get ready for this baby (only 19 more days).
4. Pick out carpet and floor for our basement renovation.

Four of my guiltiest pleasures:
1. Chocolate - specifically Reece's cups
2. Fresh Brewed Sweet Tea
3. Ice Cream- minty
4. Pedicures

Four random facts about me:
1. I keep my camera in my car and take pictures of random things - mostly cool sunsets.
2. I am very lucky to have great parents - they are my best friends.
3. I am having a major urge to bake.
4. My husband and I are trying to finish our basement all before the baby arrives.

Now I have to tag four other people…
1. Emilie with Emilie Duncan Event Planning
2. Kelly with Weddings by Socialites
3. Amber with Amber Events
4. Samantha with soiréebliss!

Halloween Party 101

Are you throwing a spooky Halloween Party this year?

Here are some ideas to pull off a fun party-

First impression is the invitation:

(check out tinyprints on the right for more ideas)

Then think about the front of your house or apt - you need to set the scary mood.
Candles hanging from trees, spooky music and maybe a fog machine.

Use these spider stands from Lillian Vernon either on your door stop or right in the foyer.

Offer guests a drink as they arrive-from the Vampire Punch Bowl (trick is to put a flat cab light underneath to illuminate)


A spider chip and dip container from Ballard Designs to hold

Another idea is to use mini pumpkins as a dip holder - just carve out the center and voila.

Don't forget the restroom decor - Fill a glass container with candy corn and top with a candle.


Carve out some pumpkins and set around your table or bar.

You should have a black and white candy bar set up. Don't forget little bags for guests to go Trick or Treating before they leave.



Keep reading throughout October for some more Halloween Fun.

Carlson Craft Goes Eco Friendly

Just wanted to announce that Carlson Craft Invitations are going Eco Friendly.

As of Nov the little tissues will NOT be included with an invitation order. Based on their research they found brides aren't using them anymore. Originally they were to prevent the ink from smearing or messing up other pages. Invites aren't printed that way anymore.

And as a friendly reminder please take your stamped invitations to the post office to get HAND STAMPED - they look better and won't get messed up in the mailing process.

New Carlson Craft

A few of my clients are looking for save the date cards for their spring weddings so I thought I would share with you some ideas.
Carlson Craft has these new options:




If you had your wedding in 2008 and want to share a picture of your wedding with your holiday card check out these options:



Place your order now in time for the holidays.

Entire selection of Carlson Craft stationary and look for your special discount.

Party, Wedding or Baby Items

If you are looking for some accessories, favors, save the dates, or invitations look on the right side of my blog for some discounts through Tiny Prints, Minted, Wedding Paper Divas, Beau-coup and Thread Smith.

Wedding Paper Divas




Beau Coup

TinyprintsMinted