Moving Announcements

Hi Y'all!  Sorry for the break in posts this last half of the month - we've been busy preparing to move.  I have been searching for the perfect moving announcement to send out to family & friends, letting them know we have changed addresses.  Did you know that on average, nearly 43 million Americans move every year?!  That's a LOT of address changes!  Make it easier on your family and friends by sending them your new address and phone number.  There are so many cute ideas and themes for moving announcements:

"What you send need not be fancy -- the post office even provides free postcards for this purpose -- but a new home is something to celebrate, and custom-made announcements are one way to do just that. You don't have to look far for inspiration: A map of your community, floor plans, a set of house keys, the address itself, or the cardboard packing boxes provide material for imaginative missives."

 -MarthaStewart.com

I still haven't picked out the ones I want to use yet, but here are a few I really like.  You can click the picture to go directly to the designer's website.



 The bottom two (from Martha Stewart) are my favorite.  Have y'all seen any moving announcements you love??

Cute Cake Toppers

Wedding cakes are obviously traditional, but they are getting more and more elaborate these days because they make for such great photo opportunities.  Here are a few cute cake toppers I found on Etsy.

You can find these lovebirds here.

These painted wooden dolls are semi-customizable and can be ordered here.

These sweet bluebirds and their nest can be found here.

These paper dolls and banner can be found here.

These whale cake toppers would be so cute at a seaside wedding!  This adorable shop makes clay-sculpted cake toppers of everything from pears and pumpkins to peacocks and penguins.  Check it out here to see how cute!

Color Inspiration - Hot Pink

Here is some wedding color inspiration - hot pink!  Bright and cheery, this sweet hue has been wildly popular this year in weddings, fashion and home decor.  Pantone dubbed the bright pink shade "honeysuckle," and declared it the color of the year for 2011.  Here is some pinkalicious inspiration to get you hooked on the hue, and possibly give you some ideas on how to incorporate it into your wedding, parties, wardrobe and home.

Accessories!

Hot pink bridesmaids dresses are so lively and happy.  You could also choose to simply use pink flowers to incorporate the color into your wedding, if hot pink dresses are too bold for your taste.

I love the invitations and the flowers.  The lampshades on the tables are also great.  This is a good example of carrying the color throughout the entire wedding.

A simple bright pink frame can make such a big statement!

Fun & flirty dress in this shade would look great on bridesmaids.

Love this door - so elegant.

This room has so much life and character, thanks to the pink walls.

Instead of going all-out and painting the walls hot pink, try incorporating it here & there through furniture and accessories.

Lipstick.  Fresh & flirty.

Chevron pillow in hot pink makes a statement in any room.  Always one of the safest ways to incorporate bright and bold colors into your home.

Cupcake tier with a layer of cake on top - great incorporation of the shade into the wedding cake!  That bow is too cute!

For photo credits, click on the image to be directed to the original site. 

Sippy Stix

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A charming little detail popping up everywhere these days?  Sippy Stix!  These cute cute cute printed paper straws add the perfect punch of character to your event.  They come in all colors, in both stripes and polka dots.  Straws aren't just for kids, anymore.  These colorful straws can be fun and fancy at a bridal shower, bridesmaids' luncheon, or bachelorette party; or, for a more formal wedding, try ordering them in grey/white or black/white stripes.  They are really more for decoration than anything else, so feel free to place a bunch of them in a mason jar and place on the bar - it is eye-catching and looks really neat.

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The great thing about Sippy Stix is that they can be used for almost any event.  From the engagement party to the wedding, and everything in between (not to mention children's birthday parties, school parties, holiday get-togethers, etc...), a little paper straw can really add to the festivity.  You can order Sippy Stix by clicking here, or you may even be able to find them in a boutique in your local area.

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Dream Date

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Popcorn + a movie in the backyard = perfect date night.  How dreamy is this set-up?!

Look of the Day: The Preppy Bride

For all you preppy brides out there:  Allure Bridals style # 2465

"A simply sweet style in taffeta. The strapless bodice features lace applique while a ruched band and bow define the empire waistline. The A-line skirt is completed with a chapel length train."

One Of A Kind Seating Chart

I just ADORE this idea for a seating chart.  I have no idea how this creative couple came up with this idea, or how they even got pictures of all their guests, but this is absolutely ingenious!  They have a photograph of each of their guests from sometime in the past, and wrote their name and table number under the photo.  What a clever way to set up a seating chart - and what a great conversation starter!  I found this on the Wedding Chicks website.

Look of the Day: The Fashionista Bride

Here's one for all you fashionistas out there: Allure Bridals style 8760

"A fabulous fit and flare design perfect for the fashion forward bride. Rich taffeta ruches delicately throughout the entire slim silhouette while floral embellishments adorn the one-shouldered design and accent the fitted skirt."

Description and all images are credited to Allure Bridals

Favorite Favors

Many brides these days are setting up a candy "bar" at their reception, or a sweets table filled with delicious treats guests can take home.  I really love this idea; it is so cute (and yummy), and you can basically take it in any direction.  Your sweets table can be as elaborate or simple as you wish, depending on the style of your reception.  Here is an example of an elaborate sweets table designed by Amy Atlas (nobody does a sweets table better than her!).

If you want to try doing this in a simple, more timely and cost-efficient way, try choosing just one treat to send home with your guests.  My personal favorite?  Chocolate covered pretzels!  They are so cute and delicious.  For years, I have been making chocolate covered pretzels with a friend of mine who owns a small business called Pink Sugar.  She sells these gourmet chocolate pretzels in a lovely little boutique in Nashville (The Dotted Line) and was once-upon-a-time mentioned in Southern Living!  She's had me help her with custom pretzel orders for all kinds of occasions - from holiday parties to birthday parties to wedding favors.  We've used different kinds of chocolate in all different colors to mix and mix and mix until we get the chocolate to match the exact color of the bridesmaids' dresses!  They make for really cute favors, as they can come in nearly any way you like: rods or twists, white, milk or dark chocolate, chocolate drizzled over the top, sugar crystals on top, any color of the rainbow, etc...

We've made white chocolate twists with a light pink chocolate drizzle on top for a baby shower.

We've made baby blue chocolate rods with white chocolate drizzled over the top for a birthday party.

We've made white chocolate rods and twists covered with red and green sugar crystals for the holidays.

We've made bright pink chocolate with white sugar crystals on top for wedding favors.

The list goes on and on...the point is that you can personalize these in any way, and they are just. so. cute.  My personal favorite for weddings is white chocolate twists with white sugar crystals on top.  I made these as favors for my wedding.  I placed two pretzels in a clear cellophane bag and tied it with a blue silk ribbon, the same shade as my bridesmaids' dresses. 

These chocolate covered pretzels are an easy DIY project, as long as you have a little bit of time and patience, and a LOT of counter space.  Just melt baking chocolate in a double boiler until it is at a smooth, runny consistency.  Dip the pretzel all the way into the chocolate, and lift out with a fork, letting most of the excess chocolate drip off.  There is an art to this step, as you don't want all of the excess chocolate to drip off - you want to kind of flip the pretzel around as you lay it down, making some of the excess chocolate swirl around the pretzel, giving it a fancy finish.  Lay the pretzels on parchment paper, and sprinkle with the sugar crystals while the chocolate is still wet.  If you would prefer to drizzle a different color chocolate over the pretzel instead of using sugar crystals, I recommend waiting until the first layer of chocolate has dried before drizzling - just so the colors don't run.  Let the chocolate harden completely before touching.

You can also sometimes find these pretzels in bakeries, if you prefer to have someone else make them for you.

Bridesmaid's Luncheon Menu

My aunts hosted the most lovely bridesmaid's luncheon for my sweet bridesmaids and me before my wedding in May.  The menu they chose was light and refreshing - perfect for any springtime or summertime soiree.  Although I don't have the exact recipes, I thought I would share the basics of it with y'all today in a revised menu.  There were two particular items (pineapple chicken salad and fruit sorbet) they served that were stunning in presentation, so I will try to describe them as well as possible.

Chilled Tomato & Basil Soup - A smooth, creamy tomato soup with the light, delicious flavor of basil to brighten it up.  Serving it chilled makes this traditional comfort food seem a little bit more sophisticated.  Served with croissants.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 diced onion
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 cup dry vermouth
• 3 (15-ounce) cans roasted diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 10 large fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cream

Directions

In a medium pot over medium high heat, saute diced onions and garlic in olive oil for 1 minute. Add remaining ingredients except for cream. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 5 minutes.

Remove soup from heat. Working in batches, puree soup in blender. NOTE: When blending hot liquids, only fill blender bowl halfway and place kitchen towel over lid. Always start with lower blender settings before puree setting.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Return puree to saucepan, add cream and heat through. May be served hot or chilled, garnished with chopped fresh basil.

Recipe from Sandra Lee

Pineapple Chicken Salad - A pineapple was quartered and cut-out, with the chicken salad served inside.  Very neat presentation, and the pineapple added a subtle amount of sweet, fruity flavor to the chicken salad, enhancing all the flavors in a very interesting (and delicious) way.

Ingredients

• 1 celery rib, diced
• 2 cups diced cooked chicken
• 2 large hard cooked eggs, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup sliced scallions, white and light green parts
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup of sliced red grapes

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the ingredients.  Serve chilled over pineapple slices.

Recipe adapted from Paula Deen

Spinach & Arugula Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsweetened frozen raspberries, thawed
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 cups baby spinach leaves
• 4 cups arugula
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted (see Cook's Note)

Directions

For the vinaigrette: Place the raspberries, olive oil, lemon juice, and honey in a blender. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

In a large salad bowl, mix together the spinach, arugula, tomatoes and chopped walnuts. Just before serving, add the vinaigrette and toss until all the ingredients are coated.

Cook's Note: To toast the walnuts, arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F oven until lightly golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Cool completely before using.

Recipe adapted from Giada De Laurentiis

Lemon, Pineapple and Orange Sorbet - The presentation for this dessert was so pretty!  Lemons, pineapples and oranges had been sliced in half, hollowed out, stuffed with sorbet and put back in the freezer until the peel was frozen.  You can do this by hand, or you can buy the pre-made treats by Island Way Sorbet at Costco.

Fruit Tea -This is the South, after all, and no luncheon is complete without iced fruit tea.  This recipe is taken from The Picnic Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee - perhaps the best fruit tea in the state, hands down!

• 8 cups water, divided
• 1 family size tea bag
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
• 1/2 cup frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
• lemon slice, for garnish,if desired
• mint sprig, for garnish,if desired

Directions:

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in medium saucepan.  Remove from heat and add cinnamon stick and tea bag.  Let stand for 5 minutes.  Remove tea bag.  Add sugar and stir until dissolved.  Add orange juice concentrate and lemonade concentrate.  Pour mixture into pitcher and add remaining 4 cups of water.  Serve over ice with lemon and mint garnish.  Enjoy!

Recipe adaption from here.

Reminder

"Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels."

-Hebrews 13:2

Look of the Day: The Blushing Bride

White by Vera Wang Collection at David's Bridal

Reese Witherspoon wore a light blush Monique L'Huillier gown when she recently got married.

Some brides are choosing to wear gowns in shades of blush and light peach.  What do you think about this trend?  Would you wear a wedding gown in one of these hues?  As for me, I think these gowns are pretty (and Reese Witherspoon looked stunning), but I am more traditional and don't think I could pull this trend off.

Flower Idea: Baby's Breath

Baby's Breath is often times used as a "filler" flower, inserted in rose bouquets to add a little extra volume without spending a lot of extra money.  Here's a new idea: try using Baby's Breath on its own for a dreamy, whimsical look!  Gather large bundles of Baby's Breath together and place in tall vases to create big, cloud-like flower "balls."  The Baby's Breath makes quite a statement because it is simple, yet so unique. These tiny, fluffy white flowers have such a fairytale allure.  When bunched together, they are elegant, soft and romantic, creating perfectly beautiful bouquets, centerpieces and arrangements.

Fresh Baby's Breath usually costs between $8 and $10 per bundle, which typically includes about 10 stems.  You can purchase them from florists, wholesale florists or even at most large grocery stores.  If you prefer dried Baby's Breath, you can usually find it at a florist shop where silk flowers are sold, and it's typically priced a few dollars higher than the fresh variety.  If you wish, you can hang your bundles of fresh Baby's Breath upside down in an indoor room to dry out.  Just leave it alone for a few days and it should dry out fairly quickly.  Keep in mind that dried flowers can become brittle and break easily, so for making bouquets, boutioneers and corsages, it is best to use the fresh flowers.