tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86507895854411039442024-03-13T18:02:03.286-04:00Sealed With A KissSealed With A Kisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02615343772541360029noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650789585441103944.post-51768044242605007132009-09-10T23:19:00.002-04:002009-09-10T23:24:12.967-04:00Long Time, No BlogI know it's been a while since I've done an update. I feel bad for abandoning my blog. However, I have started a new blog called <a href="http://www.fashungroupie.blogspot.com">Fa'Shun Groupie</a>. It is a blog about the latest fashion accessories and trends. I am just getting started and I am super excited about this blog. I will be updating it regularly. Please come check me out at <a href="http://fashungroupie.blogspot.com">fashungroupie.blogspot.com</a> I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.Sealed With A Kisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02615343772541360029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650789585441103944.post-86619003537996579312009-04-02T23:10:00.004-04:002009-04-02T23:17:14.101-04:00Fit For a Princess<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SdV-ubrbg4I/AAAAAAAAAcM/Fi7tft_xkfI/s1600-h/DSC03340.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SdV-ubrbg4I/AAAAAAAAAcM/Fi7tft_xkfI/s400/DSC03340.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320297870977106818" /></a><br /><br />I did these for a one year old's upcoming Princess themed party. The colors are pink and purple.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SdV_dwtHTsI/AAAAAAAAAcU/SkLip40CC6c/s1600-h/DSC03339.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SdV_dwtHTsI/AAAAAAAAAcU/SkLip40CC6c/s400/DSC03339.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320298684075167426" /></a><br /><br /><br />Instead of using them to pass out as favors, the mother is going to pass them out with the invitations "My Super Sweet 16" style. She is hand delivering all the invites and these will add a special touch to it.Sealed With A Kisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02615343772541360029noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650789585441103944.post-43807787159133770252009-03-19T22:58:00.005-04:002009-03-19T23:33:53.641-04:00Say It With Chocolate!When throwing a big event, you should always "thank" your guests for sharing your special day with you. One way to show your token of appreciation is by handing out favors. Often times, not a lot of thought is put into the actual favors and guests will leave them on the tables or throw them away once they get home. Favors can end up being a very costly part of your budget, and if your guests fail to take them home, you feel like your money was wasted. For this reason alone, you want to be unique and give your guests something they will appreciate and not leave on the tables at the end of the night.<br /><br />What better way to do this, than with chocolate? Everybody loves chocolate, right? Handing out "edible" favors (as in something your greedy guests can eat, lol!) will ensure that there won't be any left over. Chocolate sucker favors are unique and a "sweet" way to thank your guests. They can be made to match any theme and color scheme. For the past couple of nights, I have been making some chocolate sucker baby shower favors for one of my co-workers. Her son and his girlfriend are expecting a baby boy. I <em>used </em>to make these cute little edible favors on the side for a little extra "mula". Notice I said "used to" because it has truly been a while since I have made these. I believe the last time was a few years ago for this same co-worker. Anywho, here are the ones I recently made:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/ScMMLorqxMI/AAAAAAAAAb8/R_z1B07QYxg/s1600-h/DSC03322.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/ScMMLorqxMI/AAAAAAAAAb8/R_z1B07QYxg/s400/DSC03322.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315105379265987778" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/ScMM3RUSV6I/AAAAAAAAAcE/QIskU9yLJHU/s1600-h/DSC03323.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/ScMM3RUSV6I/AAAAAAAAAcE/QIskU9yLJHU/s400/DSC03323.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315106128908146594" /></a><br /><br />Pictured above are Diapers, Bottles, Pacifiers, and of course "It's A Boy" birth announcement. These can be made for any themed party or event: Weddings, Bridal Showers, Bachelorette/Bachelor Parties, Birthdays, Graduations, etc, etc. Hopefully she likes them.Sealed With A Kisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02615343772541360029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650789585441103944.post-89561361890777553532009-02-27T22:19:00.007-05:002009-02-27T22:50:40.315-05:00The Edible CocktailSo, I was watching the end of Whose Wedding Is It Anyway? and one of the Event Planner's surprised his couple with Chocolate Champagne Glasses for their reception. It was pretty much Champagne Flutes lined with chocolate and filled with champagne. It looked SO delicious. Check it out:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SaitxbWw45I/AAAAAAAAAbs/KX-HK4rJ4Yk/s1600-h/85279.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 131px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SaitxbWw45I/AAAAAAAAAbs/KX-HK4rJ4Yk/s400/85279.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307683225524560786" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/Sait6VVK6wI/AAAAAAAAAb0/te3_Ac36V1w/s1600-h/85280.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 129px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/Sait6VVK6wI/AAAAAAAAAb0/te3_Ac36V1w/s400/85280.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307683378526087938" /></a><br /><br />I thought this was a very unique idea, as I had never seen this before. I immediately got on the computer and started doing my research. I was able to find the company that creates these "yummy" masterpieces.<br /><br />The company is called <a href="http://www.bar-candy.com/">Bar Candy</a> and they have this idea patented, so no one else can attempt to recreate it themselves. Therefore, if you want these chocolate babies at your wedding, the only place you can order these from is <a href="http://www.bar-candy.com/">Bar Candy</a>. These would also be a huge hit at not only weddings, but birthday parties, baby showers, bridal showers, spa parties, or any kind of event. Bar Candy can also customize the edible chocolate molds for you with great selections to choose from like chocolate, white chocolate, peanut butter cup, and colored white chocolate to match your color scheme. They can also do edible martini glasses if martinis are your drink of choice for your guests. Not a drinker? Bar Candy also offers non-alcoholic "Mocktini's".<br /><br />Head on over to <a href="http://www.bar-candy.com/">bar-candy.com </a>for more pictures and more informationSealed With A Kisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02615343772541360029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650789585441103944.post-82395434154002733952009-02-22T22:44:00.015-05:002009-09-23T21:54:03.345-04:00Manzanita TreesManzanita Trees make beautiful centerpieces at weddings and other events. You can really get creative with Manzanita Trees by adding your own special touch to them. You can string crystals along the branches to give the impression that the tree is dripping with crystals. These types of Manzanita Trees are also often referred to as Crystal Trees and are perfect for the bride who wants a lot of "Bling" incorporated into her centerpieces.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SaIdQ74P8iI/AAAAAAAAAak/FQt-wBLF0iQ/s1600-h/manzanita_crystal_tree_360223807.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 217px; height: 326px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SaIdQ74P8iI/AAAAAAAAAak/FQt-wBLF0iQ/s400/manzanita_crystal_tree_360223807.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305835487784596002" /></a><br /><br />Manzanita Trees can also serve as placecard holders at weddings:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SaIeLSMtvTI/AAAAAAAAAa0/yHQBFOd4TEg/s1600-h/manazitaplacecards.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 208px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SaIeLSMtvTI/AAAAAAAAAa0/yHQBFOd4TEg/s400/manazitaplacecards.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305836490208427314" /></a><br /><br />The one above was created by <a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/?s=manzanita+trees&submit-2=go">Style Me Pretty</a> and she includes DIY instructions on how to recreate it. As you can see, the guests' names are hung from the branches of the tree. When they arrive to the reception, they pull their name off of the tree and their table number will be printed on it to indicate where they will be seated. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SaIe4wAy4JI/AAAAAAAAAbE/5PT4wCEFUmk/s1600-h/MichelleRago1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SaIe4wAy4JI/AAAAAAAAAbE/5PT4wCEFUmk/s400/MichelleRago1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305837271305609362" /></a><br /><br />Here is another Mazanita Tree placecard holder designed by <a href="http://blog.michelleragoltd.com/">Michelle Rago</a>. In Michelle's version, the Manzanita Tree is used as a striking centerpiece on the placecard table. Instead of hanging from the actual tree, the placecards can be found in clear glass trays in front of the tree. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SaIenuKwpwI/AAAAAAAAAa8/N23-x2ZFR9Q/s1600-h/manzanitatree.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SaIenuKwpwI/AAAAAAAAAa8/N23-x2ZFR9Q/s400/manzanitatree.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305836978752759554" /></a><br /><br />This is another one of <a href="http://blog.michelleragoltd.com/">Michelle Rago's </a>creations. Looks like this one is being used as the focal point in the center of a room.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SaIiiecT7AI/AAAAAAAAAbU/YuV-Tnswi04/s1600-h/phpThumb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 382px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SaIiiecT7AI/AAAAAAAAAbU/YuV-Tnswi04/s400/phpThumb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305841286678572034" /></a><br /><br /><br />This version of a Manzanita Tree is being used as a centerpiece on a table.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SaImpD9sP6I/AAAAAAAAAbk/yHzLIUh3ddg/s1600-h/butterflywedding_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SaImpD9sP6I/AAAAAAAAAbk/yHzLIUh3ddg/s400/butterflywedding_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305845797876416418" /></a><br /><br />This Manzanita Tree from <a href="http://www.pacificweddings.com">Pacific Weddings</a> is one of my newest personal faves. This was created for a "Red, White, and Butterfly" themed wedding. Look at all the pretty red butterflies hanging from it.<br /><br />As you can see, you can get very creative with Manzanita Trees. You can spray paint the branches any color to go with your color scheme. A lot of companies, like <a href="http://www.etherealdecor.com/">Etherealdecor</a>, sell the crystal tree versions already assembled. You can also buy all the materials and create them yourself. This may prove to be a little more cost effective, too. You can buy the Manzanita branches at your local craft store or at <a href="http://www.save-on-crafts.com/">Save-On-Crafts</a>. If you want to incorporate flowers into your tree, any professional florist should be able attach flowers to the tree(s) for you.Sealed With A Kisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02615343772541360029noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650789585441103944.post-65141181925739223972009-02-22T16:25:00.004-05:002009-02-22T16:39:44.401-05:00And The Blog Award Goes To....<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SaHGFFvbu_I/AAAAAAAAAaU/AG2ed6085eg/s1600-h/love_ya.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 160px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SaHGFFvbu_I/AAAAAAAAAaU/AG2ed6085eg/s400/love_ya.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305739626761927666" /></a><br /><br />I was nominated for a Blog Award by <a href="http://kugab.blogspot.com/">Kuga Designs</a>. Thanks for the LOVE!<br /><br />These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.”!<br />So I too, nominate her back and add some of my daily favs:<br /><br /><a href="http://weddingluxe.blogspot.com/">Wedding Luxe</a><br /><a href="http://abridesgoldenmoments.blogspot.com/">A Bride's Golden Moments</a><br /><a href="http://simplydivineevents.blogspot.com/">Simply Divine Events</a><br /><a href="http://lovesickevents.blogspot.com/">Love Sick Events</a><br /><a href="http://www.stylerumors.com/">Style Rumors</a><br /><a href="http://jessicaralph.blogspot.com/">An Atlanta Bride</a><br /><a href="http://fetefanatic.blogspot.com/">Fete Fanatic</a>Sealed With A Kisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02615343772541360029noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650789585441103944.post-3487836292462673772009-01-25T18:42:00.013-05:002009-01-25T20:22:32.630-05:00Total Room Make-OverYesterday, my niece celebrated her 13th birthday. We (my sister and I) couldn't figure out what to do for her. She wanted to throw a big party but we just didn't have the funds for that. So, my sister came up with the bright idea to redecorate her room as a surprise to her. The catch was how were we going to get my niece out of the house to even start on the room. The best time to do it would've been while she was at school, but before we could even get started on the decorating part, her room had to be cleaned. I'm talking, "throw stuff out" kind of clean.<br /><br />We were trying to get her out of the house Friday night to no avail. Then we tried Saturday night and almost succeeded until at the last minute, her little girlfriend flaked on her. They were supposed to go skating. The only thing left to do was to take her and drop her off at my house to spend the night. I left to go back to my sister's to help her finish cleaning the room and eventually get started on the decorating. I told my niece I was going to drop a vacuum cleaner off to her mom and would be right back (yeah right, lol!) She called to the house a few times to see if I was still over there because I had been gone for so long. We were hoping she wouldn't get suspicious because she knew that her mom had started cleaning out her room and throwing stuff out before we headed to my house. My sister told her "You are about to be a teenager now, and you need to start keeping your room clean."<br /><br />It took us SEVERAL hours just to clean her room and throw stuff out. She had all kinds of stuff in there from when she was much younger and just papers and other junk that needed to be thrown away. We had to put a lot of stuff in boxes and store in the garage. We had to sweep, vacuum, clean off furniture (I'm talking warm soap and water kind of clean). My sister had gotten started on it around 6pm while I took my niece to the mall to spend her birthday money. When I got back over there to drop the vacuum off around 10pm, she was STILL cleaning up. I started helping and I don't think we got done with that until after midnight. Trust me, If I had've known that we had to go through all of this, I definitely would not have signed up for this, lol!<br /><br />Now on to the good stuff. Our inspiration came from these lime green "ball shaped" stools that my sister got for "FREE" (yes free) at a Thrift Store she frequents a lot. She also found a lime green colored lamp from the same Thrift Store. My niece already had a little lamp in the shape of the letter "C" (for her first name, Chiara) that was lime green and blue. With just those 3 pieces, the color scheme became Lime Green and Blue. My sister also found a comforter set that had several different colors like blue, green, red, purple, orange, etc, etc. We decided to pull the green and blue out of the comforter and accessorize the rest of the room with those colors.<br /><br />Now mind you, I hadn't seen any of this stuff. My sister pretty much described the comforter set to me and told me about the Lime Green ball stools. I went to the store and picked out some stuff to add to the decor. I happened to be in Hobby Lobby (LOVE that store!) and saw some cute flowers and butterflies that could be used to hang from the ceiling or hang up on the wall. Hobby Lobby had so many accessories to go with these and they came in lime green, blue, hot pink, purple and orange. So, I picked up a few flowers, butterflies, and paper lanterns amongst some other things. My sister had already told me that she also found these little "Retro" circles that you stick on the wall in lime green and blue. When we finished cleaning, we put all of our stuff together and this is what we came up with:<br /><br />*Click on the pics to enlarge them<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SX0AchTpJJI/AAAAAAAAAZM/wZk1VH1Wdi0/s1600-h/DSC03205.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SX0AchTpJJI/AAAAAAAAAZM/wZk1VH1Wdi0/s400/DSC03205.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295389226834666642" /></a><br /><br />Those are the "ball shaped" stools and the hanging lanterns. I have one more large green lantern to add to it. Unfortunately, the other green one I bought had the wrong sized metal wire that you stick inside of it. I have to take it back and get another one. So that will serve as a little area that she can sit down and read a book or her favorite "Seventeen Magazine" at. Prior to this, her bed filled this area.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SX0BtMyoPdI/AAAAAAAAAZU/ZJIjLxRtgKc/s1600-h/DSC03206.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SX0BtMyoPdI/AAAAAAAAAZU/ZJIjLxRtgKc/s400/DSC03206.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295390612896890322" /></a><br /><br />That's my niece and nephew enjoying the new reading/study nook.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SX0CZ-ki3rI/AAAAAAAAAZc/HNnoWHuPPRE/s1600-h/DSC03207.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SX0CZ-ki3rI/AAAAAAAAAZc/HNnoWHuPPRE/s400/DSC03207.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295391382173834930" /></a><br />Those are the hanging flowers I found. Aren't they adorable?<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SX0Dj7zTauI/AAAAAAAAAZk/4hQaGVu_dOA/s1600-h/DSC03216.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SX0Dj7zTauI/AAAAAAAAAZk/4hQaGVu_dOA/s400/DSC03216.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295392652740750050" /></a><br /><br />We moved her bed to the middle of the room where her dresser used to be. My sister left the mirror there (because she said it was really heavy, lol!) and put her bed under it. I adorned the sides of the mirrors with the cute butterflies I found at HL. I love the image of my niece in the mirror with her hand on her hips, lol! The curtains were also a new addition. My sister bought those. Before, she just had miniblinds on the window.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SX0Ezmg-5MI/AAAAAAAAAZs/_zthg0852rc/s1600-h/DSC03215.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SX0Ezmg-5MI/AAAAAAAAAZs/_zthg0852rc/s400/DSC03215.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295394021416297666" /></a><br />Here is a close-up of the butterflies. Cute.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SX0G7P3qSwI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/xlj1uG5spc4/s1600-h/DSC03212.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SX0G7P3qSwI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/xlj1uG5spc4/s400/DSC03212.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295396351799610114" /></a><br /><br />Here are the "Retro" circles. Wish I had more circles to cover more of the wall. The good thing about them is that you can peel and stick them as many times as you want.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SX0JLg49YLI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/D2vr52GLS-g/s1600-h/DSC03214.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SX0JLg49YLI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/D2vr52GLS-g/s400/DSC03214.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295398830269620402" /></a><br />This is a frame that I made (well I didn't make the actual frame, but the pictures inside of it). I found the butterfly pictures online, printed them and cut them out and placed them in the windows of the frame. I also printed that picture of my niece and cut it out and put it in the frame. I also found that "All About Me" phrase online and cut it out and stuck it in the frame as well.<br /><br />I am SO upset that I didn't think to take a before and after pic of the room. Nobody will ever believe the condition it was in before and how we did this transformation. We were up until after 2 in the morning working on this room. I had the hardest time hanging those lanterns. Almost fell clear on my face a few times. I was also struggling with those darn butterflies. While I was hanging the butterflies, my sister was hanging the curtains. She was having a hard time with that as well, lol! Then, she did all of that to find out that she had bought 2 different lengths. One was waaaay shorter. At first she had some solid lime green curtains that hung down in between the white ones. The store didn't have any more left them when she went back to exchange them, so she had to get those, which are "lacy" and look better than the first ones she had in my opinion.<br /><br />We still have a few things to add to the room. She needs a rug, another lamp shade, and if you notice that weird looking metal thing next to the bed in the 4th pic down, that goes to a butterfly chair my niece already had. The chair is yellow, so my sister has to find another one to match the room.<br /><br />My niece was surprised, to say the least, when she walked into the room. She had no idea what we were up to. She just thought that her mother was cleaning out her room and that I stayed late last night to help her. The look on her face was priceless when she walked in. My sister even had the song "Butterflies" by Floetry playing in the background when she walked in. It was too cute! Now, the real challenge is whether or not she be able to keep her room tidy and clean. I still wish I had a picture of the clutter in that room before the transformation. It doesn't even look like the same room.Sealed With A Kisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02615343772541360029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650789585441103944.post-20338057043069697822009-01-22T22:28:00.022-05:002009-01-22T23:36:58.827-05:00Flower PowerThis post will be dedicated to flowers. I absolutely "heart" flowers. There are so many flowers that I adore, but I will just feature a few of my favorites. These flowers make gorgeous wedding centerpieces and bridal bouquets.<br /><br />Number "1" on my list are Orchids<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXk6s-X4iDI/AAAAAAAAAW8/ZOOB-SBtIoI/s1600-h/AAAAAubbkysAAAAAAPK0ow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 290px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXk6s-X4iDI/AAAAAAAAAW8/ZOOB-SBtIoI/s400/AAAAAubbkysAAAAAAPK0ow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294327381282555954" /></a><br /><br />There are several different types of Orchids and they make great centerpieces. The picture above shows them submerged in water. This is becoming a popular wedding trend.<br />Here is another Orchid wedding centerpiece:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXk7jj8ox3I/AAAAAAAAAXE/eva9wuUBOYs/s1600-h/in_waters_wedding_flowers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 304px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXk7jj8ox3I/AAAAAAAAAXE/eva9wuUBOYs/s400/in_waters_wedding_flowers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294328319081760626" /></a><br /><br />And here is a BEAUTIFUL Orchid bridal bouquet:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXk-PGK5WQI/AAAAAAAAAXM/hwciRdE7krY/s1600-h/orchid.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 182px; height: 211px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXk-PGK5WQI/AAAAAAAAAXM/hwciRdE7krY/s400/orchid.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294331266026002690" /></a><br /><br />These green Orchids are to die for!<br /><br />And here they are again, being used as a table centerpiece<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXk_V6HxZtI/AAAAAAAAAXU/g3zsoEFt9Kc/s1600-h/NiceCenterpiece_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXk_V6HxZtI/AAAAAAAAAXU/g3zsoEFt9Kc/s400/NiceCenterpiece_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294332482562385618" /></a><br /><br />Here is one used to adorn the top of a dinner napkin:<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXk_p88J2SI/AAAAAAAAAXc/CFGulpf2mjU/s1600-h/orchid_napkin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 309px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXk_p88J2SI/AAAAAAAAAXc/CFGulpf2mjU/s400/orchid_napkin.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294332826916346146" /></a><br /><br />This is a nice addition to your table setting at your wedding. Notice how stunning the green orchid looks against fuschia or hot pink.<br /><br />Hydrangeas have been another one of my favorite flowers for a while now:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXlAkGxzLKI/AAAAAAAAAXk/LOrCwFn7FFw/s1600-h/blue-white-table-300x300.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXlAkGxzLKI/AAAAAAAAAXk/LOrCwFn7FFw/s400/blue-white-table-300x300.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294333825989684386" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXlA4jqalPI/AAAAAAAAAXs/GhzzN-LTYoI/s1600-h/Centerpiece%2520hydrangea_monkees_meow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXlA4jqalPI/AAAAAAAAAXs/GhzzN-LTYoI/s400/Centerpiece%2520hydrangea_monkees_meow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294334177340724466" /></a><br /><br />Here is a picture of Hydrangeas and Orchids together:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXlBZXt_4uI/AAAAAAAAAX0/uVe26OgYGE0/s1600-h/wd_Wedding%2520Inspirations_1187880167343_282353D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXlBZXt_4uI/AAAAAAAAAX0/uVe26OgYGE0/s400/wd_Wedding%2520Inspirations_1187880167343_282353D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294334741070209762" /></a><br /><br />As you can see, both flowers can be used together. Hydrangeas come in many colors and can be used to match any color scheme.<br /><br />A flower that has recently been added to my list of favorites is the Peony:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXlCS-KiaNI/AAAAAAAAAX8/rZbBzWvI5wg/s1600-h/peony-p.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 330px; height: 330px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXlCS-KiaNI/AAAAAAAAAX8/rZbBzWvI5wg/s400/peony-p.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294335730643003602" /></a><br /><br />Peonies are SO elegant!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXlCyQ2PvdI/AAAAAAAAAYE/ipYv_s2GllY/s1600-h/peonies-in-bloom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 373px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXlCyQ2PvdI/AAAAAAAAAYE/ipYv_s2GllY/s400/peonies-in-bloom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294336268234112466" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXlDRxy6yuI/AAAAAAAAAYM/qX_SCxrgxD4/s1600-h/wedding%2520centerpiece7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXlDRxy6yuI/AAAAAAAAAYM/qX_SCxrgxD4/s400/wedding%2520centerpiece7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294336809654471394" /></a><br /><br /><br />Here they are being paired with fresh cut fruit:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXlD0T8NITI/AAAAAAAAAYU/FNwi8DnA8lU/s1600-h/wedding%2520centerpiece2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXlD0T8NITI/AAAAAAAAAYU/FNwi8DnA8lU/s400/wedding%2520centerpiece2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294337402935779634" /></a><br /><br />And here are the Peonies again being used in a bride's bouquet:<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXlGHk7aoAI/AAAAAAAAAYk/W4S-VZjuox4/s1600-h/lrg_image.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXlGHk7aoAI/AAAAAAAAAYk/W4S-VZjuox4/s400/lrg_image.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294339932936642562" /></a><br /><br />I think Peonies are the perfect choice for an "all white" themed wedding or event.<br /><br />Tulips are also another one of my favorite flowers. They only bloom in the spring time though:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXlHYZFkQNI/AAAAAAAAAZE/gikc44tCCbQ/s1600-h/tulip-bouquet-ws-13-11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXlHYZFkQNI/AAAAAAAAAZE/gikc44tCCbQ/s400/tulip-bouquet-ws-13-11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294341321327395026" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXlHKN-TQdI/AAAAAAAAAY8/dnC2HwbV8y8/s1600-h/TulipBouquet_85175001_std.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXlHKN-TQdI/AAAAAAAAAY8/dnC2HwbV8y8/s400/TulipBouquet_85175001_std.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294341077825962450" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXlGpKsap6I/AAAAAAAAAY0/E7iNlDHtN0E/s1600-h/pinktulips.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXlGpKsap6I/AAAAAAAAAY0/E7iNlDHtN0E/s400/pinktulips.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294340510009960354" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXlGbFOq-1I/AAAAAAAAAYs/jXQgQ8Gbzt8/s1600-h/34476.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 193px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SXlGbFOq-1I/AAAAAAAAAYs/jXQgQ8Gbzt8/s400/34476.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294340268024855378" /></a><br /><br />I think tulips are a very "girly" flower. They also make great bridal bouquets.<br /><br />There are so many other flowers that I just absolutely adore. With that said, be on the look-out for future flower blogs. I would like to note that the florals featured in this blog don't have to only be limited to weddings. They can be used for any type of event.Sealed With A Kisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02615343772541360029noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650789585441103944.post-91235859967591333242009-01-04T02:03:00.021-05:002009-01-04T15:14:47.944-05:00Moroccan Decor<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWBpNvJnd3I/AAAAAAAAAUk/IZYT8d4EyOA/s1600-h/Lori%27s_house_-_Morrocan_Party_6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWBpNvJnd3I/AAAAAAAAAUk/IZYT8d4EyOA/s400/Lori%27s_house_-_Morrocan_Party_6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287341647248979826" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWBtvgyp2bI/AAAAAAAAAVE/xyCsp8NHIds/s1600-h/Lori%27s_house_-_Morrocan_Party_5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWBtvgyp2bI/AAAAAAAAAVE/xyCsp8NHIds/s400/Lori%27s_house_-_Morrocan_Party_5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287346625556634034" /></a><br />Out of all of the themes out there to decorate an event with, the Moroccan theme has to be my absolute favorite. Everything from the colors, to the fabric, the furniture, I just love everything about Moroccan decor. I've always wanted to decorate my bedroom in a Moroccan theme and still plan to do so one of these days.<br /><br />Moroccan themes are ideal for dinner parties, birthday parties, corporate events, etc, etc. There are Moroccan decor specialists that will come out and transform your event into a magical Moroccan atmosphere. <a href="http://www.haremnights.co.uk/">Harem Nights </a>is an example of one these companies.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWBugOKW31I/AAAAAAAAAVU/SKjrAjDkL-Q/s1600-h/moroccan-shabat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWBugOKW31I/AAAAAAAAAVU/SKjrAjDkL-Q/s400/moroccan-shabat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287347462369369938" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWBuRG0ru3I/AAAAAAAAAVM/i8XM1TWEJ10/s1600-h/moroccan_107121629_std.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 283px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWBuRG0ru3I/AAAAAAAAAVM/i8XM1TWEJ10/s400/moroccan_107121629_std.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287347202701376370" /></a><br />The two images above are examples of a Moroccan themed sit-down dinner. In this type of setting, pillows and cushions are used for seating. Also notice how the ceiling is draped with yards of colorful, lush fabrics.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWByr0q0TbI/AAAAAAAAAV8/R_B_lzSI11A/s1600-h/moroccanleatherpouffes_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWByr0q0TbI/AAAAAAAAAV8/R_B_lzSI11A/s400/moroccanleatherpouffes_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287352059731135922" /></a><br />These leather seats are called "pouffes" and are often used as additional seating in most Moroccan settings.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWBtcch8-TI/AAAAAAAAAU8/tE1tWfDjbbY/s1600-h/img-54b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWBtcch8-TI/AAAAAAAAAU8/tE1tWfDjbbY/s400/img-54b.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287346297995327794" /></a><br />If you want to throw an outdoor event, a tent, like the one shown above, can be transformed into a Moroccan paradise<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWBtKVv_Y1I/AAAAAAAAAU0/G8dWWSD9BCc/s1600-h/Casa-BeSueno-PalmBeach-1980.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWBtKVv_Y1I/AAAAAAAAAU0/G8dWWSD9BCc/s400/Casa-BeSueno-PalmBeach-1980.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287345986937512786" /></a><br />Shown above is another example of how an outdoor space can be used to create a Moroccan atmosphere.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWBvD50K6mI/AAAAAAAAAVk/B4ZAgGQpvvs/s1600-h/Biltmore.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWBvD50K6mI/AAAAAAAAAVk/B4ZAgGQpvvs/s400/Biltmore.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287348075382893154" /></a><br />This is the reception hall of a Moroccan themed wedding.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWBtCpwvAXI/AAAAAAAAAUs/2oYgbscBYIs/s1600-h/CasaBendita-PalmBeach-1117.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWBtCpwvAXI/AAAAAAAAAUs/2oYgbscBYIs/s400/CasaBendita-PalmBeach-1117.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287345854870389106" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWBu7fDYr4I/AAAAAAAAAVc/Ykt0YEYtyLk/s1600-h/1409528906180774278b09.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWBu7fDYr4I/AAAAAAAAAVc/Ykt0YEYtyLk/s400/1409528906180774278b09.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287347930759999362" /></a><br />Moroccan decor also makes for cozy lounge seating.<br /><br />In the home, bedrooms, living rooms, patios and even kitchen and dining areas can be transformed into colorful Moroccan themes.<br /><br />Bedrooms:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWB3hojvacI/AAAAAAAAAWc/wh7_MYVa22g/s1600-h/vogue_living_aussie_1_0015_small.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 295px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWB3hojvacI/AAAAAAAAAWc/wh7_MYVa22g/s400/vogue_living_aussie_1_0015_small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287357382239676866" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWB3RymppbI/AAAAAAAAAWU/7qUsPAw_Z1c/s1600-h/room8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 348px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWB3RymppbI/AAAAAAAAAWU/7qUsPAw_Z1c/s400/room8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287357110058329522" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWB3C__WY0I/AAAAAAAAAWM/6H9BFZYhHdI/s1600-h/image_room_double_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWB3C__WY0I/AAAAAAAAAWM/6H9BFZYhHdI/s400/image_room_double_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287356855953548098" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWB26Qk8oII/AAAAAAAAAWE/Xp3tokbcqgo/s1600-h/dod1109_bedroom_aft1_e.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 219px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWB26Qk8oII/AAAAAAAAAWE/Xp3tokbcqgo/s400/dod1109_bedroom_aft1_e.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287356705787388034" /></a><br /><br />Patio:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWB4NNf5w3I/AAAAAAAAAWs/1J0X1N4l9n4/s1600-h/124432342_0387b3ae24.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWB4NNf5w3I/AAAAAAAAAWs/1J0X1N4l9n4/s400/124432342_0387b3ae24.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287358130890064754" /></a><br /><br />Kitchen:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWB3wHiOSdI/AAAAAAAAAWk/yW27LMsOKzY/s1600-h/vogue_living_aussie_1_0018_small.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 274px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SWB3wHiOSdI/AAAAAAAAAWk/yW27LMsOKzY/s400/vogue_living_aussie_1_0018_small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287357631072979410" /></a><br /><br />As you can see, I got a little carried away with the pictures in the post, lol! I could go on and on when it comes to Moroccan Decor. Did I mention that it is my absolute favorite? I think that is quite evident at this point, LOL! Remember, if you want to use this theme for an upcoming event, there are Event Planning companies as well as companies that specialize in Moroccan decor. Just do a google search for your area. They have them all over. Hopefully, you were inspired to throw an event or decorate a room in your house using this theme.Sealed With A Kisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02615343772541360029noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650789585441103944.post-47715068425244469742008-12-30T00:09:00.006-05:002008-12-30T00:55:02.111-05:00Pop Champagne!With New Year's Eve being one day away, I'm sure most of you will be planning on "Popping Champagne" (or sparkling cider for my non-alcoholic drinkers) at midnight. If you plan on entertaining guests inside of your home this New Year's Eve, here are a few "Champagne" inspired drinks featured on <a href="http://www.hostessblog.com/2008/12/champagne-desserts-for-new-years-eve/#more-4252">Hostess With the Mostess' blog</a>. These yummy drinks are sure to be a big hit at any New Year's Eve bash:<br /><strong><em>WHITE PEACH, CASSIS & CHAMPAGNE FLOATS</em></strong><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SVmvgQrv0rI/AAAAAAAAAUE/y1aO-FXwPCc/s1600-h/51PpERjix5L__AA260_.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 248px; height: 350px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SVmvgQrv0rI/AAAAAAAAAUE/y1aO-FXwPCc/s400/51PpERjix5L__AA260_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285448606465118898" /></a><br /><strong><em>ingredients</em></strong><br />6 medium-size white peaches, halved, pitted, each half cut into 4 wedges <br />2 pints peach ice cream <br />3/4 cup crème de cassis (black-currant liqueur) plus additional for drizzling <br />2 cups chilled brut Champagne or sparkling wine <br /><br /><strong><em>preparation</em></strong><br />Place 3 peach wedges in bottom of each of 6 tall glasses. Top with 1 scoop ice cream, then another 3 peach wedges. Add second scoop ice cream and top with 2 more peach wedges. Drizzle each with 2 tablespoons crème de cassis. Pour 1/3 cup Champagne into each glass. Top with 1 scoop ice cream, drizzle with additional crème de cassis, and serve. <br /><br /><em><strong>PINK GRAPEFRUIT, STRAWBERRY, AND CHAMPAGNE GRANITA WITH SUGARED STRAWBERRIES</strong></em><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SVmxPS9KMFI/AAAAAAAAAUM/uYF-T5zyEVc/s1600-h/109409.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 306px; height: 350px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SVmxPS9KMFI/AAAAAAAAAUM/uYF-T5zyEVc/s400/109409.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285450514040500306" /></a><br /><strong><em>ingredients</em></strong><br /><br />1 1/4 cups sugar, divided <br />3/4 cup water <br />1 cup small strawberries, hulled (about 6 ounces) <br />3/4 cup fresh pink or ruby grapefruit juice <br />2 1/4 cups chilled brut Champagne <br /><br /><br />1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon peel <br />9 teaspoons mascarpone cheese* <br />18 whole small strawberries <br /><br /><strong><em>preparation</em></strong><br />Stir 3/4 cup sugar and 3/4 cup water in large saucepan over low heat until sugar dissolves. Cool. Puree 1 cup strawberries in processor. Whisk 1/2 cup puree into sugar syrup. Mix in grapefruit juice, then Champagne. Pour mixture into 8-inch square metal baking pan. Freeze mixture until firm, stirring every 2 hours, about 6 hours. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover; keep frozen.) <br /><br />Mix remaining 1/2 cup sugar and lemon peel in pie plate. Spread 1/2 teaspoon mascarpone around pointed tip half of each whole strawberry. Dip in lemon sugar to coat mascarpone. <br /><br />Moisten rims of 6 Martini glasses with water; dip rims into remaining lemon sugar. Scrape fork across surface of granita to form ice shavings. Mound granita in glasses. Garnish with sugared berries and serve immediately. <br /><br />*Available at Italian markets and some supermarkets. <br /><br /><strong><em>CHAMPAGNE DARLING? FREEZES</em></strong><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SVmzVwbLpmI/AAAAAAAAAUU/H9kK4Y7nLZE/s1600-h/tm1c21_champagne_freezes_lg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SVmzVwbLpmI/AAAAAAAAAUU/H9kK4Y7nLZE/s400/tm1c21_champagne_freezes_lg.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285452824053524066" /></a><br /><strong><em>ingredients</em></strong><br />4 scoops lemon sorbet <br />2 ounces chilled vodka, citrus vodka or limoncello (Italian lemon liqueur) <br />2 ounces prosecco or other sparkling wine or Champagne <br />2 sprigs fresh mint <br /><br /><strong><em>preparation</em></strong><br />Blend lemon sorbet on low speed and pour in vodka or lemon liqueur in a slow stream. Add prosecco or Champagne. Pour cocktails into a chilled martini glass and serve, garnished with a sprig of mint. <br /><br /><strong><em>JELLED CHAMPAGNE DESSERT RECIPE</em></strong><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SVmz50wP7II/AAAAAAAAAUc/R8tiqES1YeU/s1600-h/exps27090_HC62210D181.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SVmz50wP7II/AAAAAAAAAUc/R8tiqES1YeU/s400/exps27090_HC62210D181.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285453443690916994" /></a><br /><strong><em>ingredients</em></strong><br />1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin<br />2 cups cold white grape juice, divided<br />2 tablespoons sugar<br />2 cups champagne or club soda<br />8 fresh strawberries, hulled<br /><br /><strong><em>preparation</em></strong><br />In a small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over 1 cup cold grape juice; let stand for 1 minute. Heat over low heat, stirring until gelatin is completely dissolved. Stir in sugar. Remove from the heat; stir in remaining grape juice. Cool to room temperature. <br />Transfer gelatin mixture to a large bowl. Slowly stir in champagne or soda. Pour half of the mixture into eight champagne or parfait glasses. Add one strawberry to each glass. Chill glasses and remaining gelatin mixture until almost set, about 1 hour. <br />Place the reserved gelatin mixture in a blender; cover and process until foamy. Pour into glasses. Chill for 3 hours or until set. Yield: 8 servings. <br /><br />Enjoy! And please remember to drink responsibly this New Year's. If you are hosting a New Year's Eve party and serving alcohol to your guests, please make sure that they are able to drive themselves home before leaving. It is also a good idea to provide a transportation service that will drive your guests home should they get too inebriated.Sealed With A Kisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02615343772541360029noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650789585441103944.post-20569244863780424052008-12-18T23:52:00.010-05:002008-12-19T00:35:47.618-05:00Ornament DecorChristmas ornaments make very attractive and festive centerpieces during the holidays. These pictures prove that Christmas ornaments don't only belong on a tree:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SUspa1wQeZI/AAAAAAAAATM/qbdRQ-1n_9I/s1600-h/2007-12-6-ornamentvase.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SUspa1wQeZI/AAAAAAAAATM/qbdRQ-1n_9I/s400/2007-12-6-ornamentvase.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281360529104861586" /></a><br /><br />Simply placing ball ornaments in a glass dish or vase adds a bit of pizazz to any table.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SUspun0UJkI/AAAAAAAAATU/IIv6tGcqgnk/s1600-h/2007-12-6-ornament5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SUspun0UJkI/AAAAAAAAATU/IIv6tGcqgnk/s400/2007-12-6-ornament5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281360868961166914" /></a><br /><br />In the picture above, ornaments are used to line the center of a table...kind of like a "table runner".<br /><br />*Note: above images are taken from <a href="www.apartmenttherapy.com">Apartment Therapy</a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SUsyD1SETkI/AAAAAAAAAT8/BRN-pBwIh04/s1600-h/ny07_multicolor_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SUsyD1SETkI/AAAAAAAAAT8/BRN-pBwIh04/s400/ny07_multicolor_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281370029445893698" /></a><br /><br />Our favorite <a href="http://www.hostesswiththemostess.com/">"Hostess With the Mostess"</a> used "Retro" inspired ornaments (which I believe are the same ones from my previous post) to decorate a holiday table.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SUst88xrPUI/AAAAAAAAATk/gu5WSPnZ_fc/s1600-h/030_19-750198.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 277px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SUst88xrPUI/AAAAAAAAATk/gu5WSPnZ_fc/s400/030_19-750198.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281365513151921474" /></a><br /><br />*image taken from <a href="*image taken from www.graceamore.com/blog/">Grace Amore</a><br /><br />The picture shown above is an example of how various ornaments placed in a hurricane vase can make a great centerpiece.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SUswU6UVAYI/AAAAAAAAAT0/TSPSBsUf_Nw/s1600-h/241.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SUswU6UVAYI/AAAAAAAAAT0/TSPSBsUf_Nw/s400/241.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281368123832074626" /></a><br /><br />This picture was taken by <a href="http://erinhession.com/?p=1653">Erin Hession Photography</a> and was used as a cenerpiece in a winter themed wedding. How beautiful is that?<br /><br />So, as you can see, there are tons of ways you can dress up a holiday table with the simple use of Christmas ornaments. This is a quick and easy way to decorate at the last minute. You can use clear vases and serving bowls that you already have at home. You can also use Christmas ornaments that you may already have stashed in your garage. Ornament decor doesn't only have to be limited to just the holidays. You can use ornaments all year round to decorate the inside of your house or apartment.Sealed With A Kisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02615343772541360029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650789585441103944.post-79375493040128876072008-12-08T21:57:00.004-05:002008-12-08T22:58:35.755-05:00Spread Some "Cheer"<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/ST3lPgXlmfI/AAAAAAAAATE/qeHlF7QtTvQ/s1600-h/8540-093-42-1042.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/ST3lPgXlmfI/AAAAAAAAATE/qeHlF7QtTvQ/s400/8540-093-42-1042.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277626392897755634" /></a><br /><br />At my job, we are taking a different approach to the "Secret Santa" method of gift exchanging that most companies take part in during the Christmas holiday. With the recession in mind (and the fact that our company will not be giving out raises this year), we are doing what's called a "Secret Cheerer". The purpose of a Secret Cheerer is to bring some Christmas "cheer" to a fellow co-worker's day or morning by showering them with small gifts no more than a couple of dollars. The holidays are a time when a lot of people become lonely and depressed for various reasons. Last week, names were secretly drawn and for the two weeks leading up until Christmas, all of the "Secret Cheerers" will be secretly placing gifts on the desk of the person whose name they pulled. Or, they can choose to send their gift via another person to prevent their identity from being revealed. Gifts can be given on a daily basis, a few times a week, or the "Secret Cheerer" can wait until the end of the two weeks and give one big gift.<br /><br />Gifts can be anything from candy, a doughnut,bagel, cup of coffee, a Christmas card, a holiday poem, candle, $1 to get something out of the vending machine, lunch money, flowers, plant, etc, etc. The ideas are endless. All of the "Secret Cheerers" will be able to reveal themselves at our Christmas Party on December 23rd. Secret Cheering is an unique way to still have fun and be able to exchange gifts while on a budget. I'm not participating in it because I was absent when names were pulled (I fell ill and had to call out sick last Thursday and Friday). But, had I not been sick, I would've definitely participated. It's fun to try and come up with original "cost-effective" gift ideas that will bring a smile to someone's face. Sometimes it's the little things that count...Sealed With A Kisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02615343772541360029noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650789585441103944.post-73014765988486856092008-11-24T20:23:00.023-05:002008-11-25T00:11:36.118-05:00Stepping Out of the Box for ChristmasTraditional Christmas colors like Red and Green have been the color scheme of choice by many when it comes to decorating for the holidays. Red hollies, green mistletoe, candy canes, green christmas trees, etc, etc, all seem to be the norm. In addition, santa clauses, reindeer, gingerbread men, snow flakes, etc are all symbolizations of Christmas. Most people tend to incorporate these themes when it comes to decorating or trimming their Christmas trees.<br /><br />For the past couple of years or so, I've noticed that the traditional theme of Christmas is being replaced by more comtemporary themes. Now, when you walk into department stores or look in home decorating catalogs, you are seeing things as non-traditional as pink christmas trees, and ornament collections that you wouldn't normally associate with Christmas.<br /><br />When I go to Target around this time of year, I am always inspired by their Christmas decorating section. Each year they introduce new color schemes in their holiday decorating section and I am always tempted to do away with my old color scheme and adopt one of their new ones.<br /><br />I really like this tree:<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStXdLuqo8I/AAAAAAAAAQ8/KkT5N3ixRgA/s1600-h/DSC03011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStXdLuqo8I/AAAAAAAAAQ8/KkT5N3ixRgA/s400/DSC03011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272403947643642818" /></a><br /><br />This tree has a "Retro" vibe to it. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStYQ8FYuoI/AAAAAAAAARE/50rHcKo2NgI/s1600-h/DSC03012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStYQ8FYuoI/AAAAAAAAARE/50rHcKo2NgI/s400/DSC03012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272404836797168258" /></a><br /><br />If you take a closer look, you can see glitter word ornaments that spell out "Naughty" "Nice" "Dream" along with retro colored candy canes and other retro colored ornaments.<br /><br />Here are some other ornaments that would go with the retro theme of this tree:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStZjduOPtI/AAAAAAAAARM/EvrhZvjv0jU/s1600-h/41CDGEHnfSL__AA400_.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStZjduOPtI/AAAAAAAAARM/EvrhZvjv0jU/s400/41CDGEHnfSL__AA400_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272406254576090834" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStZ3ENUokI/AAAAAAAAARU/V68ybYPjIFQ/s1600-h/51PpERjix5L__AA260_.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 260px; height: 260px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStZ3ENUokI/AAAAAAAAARU/V68ybYPjIFQ/s400/51PpERjix5L__AA260_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272406591324594754" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStaAzkiXNI/AAAAAAAAARc/-58zNQ7pPww/s1600-h/51rabAgYdPL__AA400_.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStaAzkiXNI/AAAAAAAAARc/-58zNQ7pPww/s400/51rabAgYdPL__AA400_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272406758657252562" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStaNmxXQrI/AAAAAAAAARk/iaFUYEDz46Y/s1600-h/51sDKfRqCHL__AA400_.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStaNmxXQrI/AAAAAAAAARk/iaFUYEDz46Y/s400/51sDKfRqCHL__AA400_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272406978559689394" /></a><br /><br />Target also had some other unique Christmas color schemes:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStbmNGEbHI/AAAAAAAAARs/GpjKSywqJxc/s1600-h/DSC03014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStbmNGEbHI/AAAAAAAAARs/GpjKSywqJxc/s400/DSC03014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272408500675570802" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStcY5V8u_I/AAAAAAAAAR0/Mea72HobIQQ/s1600-h/DSC03018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStcY5V8u_I/AAAAAAAAAR0/Mea72HobIQQ/s400/DSC03018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272409371546794994" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStdKOLv7gI/AAAAAAAAAR8/mCRIuSnVhHw/s1600-h/DSC03022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStdKOLv7gI/AAAAAAAAAR8/mCRIuSnVhHw/s400/DSC03022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272410218954747394" /></a><br /><br />And for my "Divas" and true "Fashionistas" out there, this ornament collection is for you:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SSteCVh69NI/AAAAAAAAASE/OiF_1FGZTWM/s1600-h/yhst-9901986642544_2025_77004126.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SSteCVh69NI/AAAAAAAAASE/OiF_1FGZTWM/s400/yhst-9901986642544_2025_77004126.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272411182999467218" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStfDCi_p1I/AAAAAAAAASM/72V0UIQiLto/s1600-h/yhst-9901986642544_2025_78621379.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 336px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStfDCi_p1I/AAAAAAAAASM/72V0UIQiLto/s400/yhst-9901986642544_2025_78621379.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272412294595192658" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStfg20lx2I/AAAAAAAAASU/blJwP_9Y4wc/s1600-h/yhst-9901986642544_2025_85692210.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 318px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStfg20lx2I/AAAAAAAAASU/blJwP_9Y4wc/s400/yhst-9901986642544_2025_85692210.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272412806843844450" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStf4spfG0I/AAAAAAAAASc/Yh_uWOFMKqE/s1600-h/yhst-9901986642544_2025_88040942.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStf4spfG0I/AAAAAAAAASc/Yh_uWOFMKqE/s400/yhst-9901986642544_2025_88040942.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272413216429775682" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStgOGdxQyI/AAAAAAAAASk/f6zr2yO79rI/s1600-h/yhst-9901986642544_2025_89626503.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStgOGdxQyI/AAAAAAAAASk/f6zr2yO79rI/s400/yhst-9901986642544_2025_89626503.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272413584137208610" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStghvu9GFI/AAAAAAAAASs/OLEa-DEUMzY/s1600-h/yhst-9901986642544_2025_98619478.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 245px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStghvu9GFI/AAAAAAAAASs/OLEa-DEUMzY/s400/yhst-9901986642544_2025_98619478.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272413921632655442" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStg1UW2xXI/AAAAAAAAAS0/UlzkosujTDM/s1600-h/yhst-9901986642544_2025_193367497.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 346px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SStg1UW2xXI/AAAAAAAAAS0/UlzkosujTDM/s400/yhst-9901986642544_2025_193367497.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272414257881204082" /></a><br /><br /><br />This "Girly" collection can be found at <a href="http://www.sohodecor.com">Soho Decor</a> <br /><br />...And this is an idea of what they will look like on a tree:<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SSthcvjQADI/AAAAAAAAAS8/X3EmsB7A42Y/s1600-h/PinkHot_Ornaments_Tree.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SSthcvjQADI/AAAAAAAAAS8/X3EmsB7A42Y/s400/PinkHot_Ornaments_Tree.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272414935195844658" /></a><br /><br />So, as you can see, there is more to Christmas than the usual Reds and Greens. It is now safe to step out of the box and try something different. So, if you are holding on to those same "traditional" ornaments that have been recycled and reused over the past years, throw them out take a more contemporary and modern approach on your holiday decorating this year.Sealed With A Kisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02615343772541360029noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650789585441103944.post-63350987249049047542008-11-10T20:56:00.019-05:002008-11-10T23:39:30.965-05:00ThanksgivingThe holidays are quickly approaching. Can you believe Thanksgiving is in a couple of weeks?! For those of you hosting Thanksgiving dinner at your house this year, I have a few tabletop decorating ideas to share with you.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bhg.com/">Better Homes and Gardens</a> introduces several festive fall table settings including this one using a "nature" inspired theme:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SRjojyYRRiI/AAAAAAAAAOk/NuZa85NqMZQ/s1600-h/ss_MWL444680.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SRjojyYRRiI/AAAAAAAAAOk/NuZa85NqMZQ/s400/ss_MWL444680.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267215465726428706" /></a><br />Neutral colored candles, autumn leaves and berry sprigs, along with other natural touches work well for a Thanksgiving tabletop setting.<br /><br /><br />Footed glass bowls make for great centerpieces. Fill them with fruit, like apples or berries. Mini pumpkins can also be used:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SRjpD5a8RHI/AAAAAAAAAOs/m2C0fMnUo28/s1600-h/ss_SIP887872.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 275px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SRjpD5a8RHI/AAAAAAAAAOs/m2C0fMnUo28/s400/ss_SIP887872.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267216017372497010" /></a><br /><br />Candles and Fruit can be paired together to make an attractive centerpiece:<br /><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SRjvJPlA3EI/AAAAAAAAAO8/cUEDJmPOys4/s400/ss_MWL442244.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267222706289433666" /><br /><br />Fill glass jars with flowers and berries to make stunning tabletop centerpieces:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SRjws_u7THI/AAAAAAAAAPE/n2VO3Ezk5B4/s1600-h/ss_100991402.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SRjws_u7THI/AAAAAAAAAPE/n2VO3Ezk5B4/s400/ss_100991402.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267224420022963314" /></a><br /><br />This pumpkin candle centerpiece is simple and easy to <a href="http://www.bhg.com/decorating/seasonal/autumn/fall-pumpkin-candle-centerpiece/">make</a>:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SRjyfJJf8yI/AAAAAAAAAPM/MIEtZ2FZNt0/s1600-h/ss_candles.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SRjyfJJf8yI/AAAAAAAAAPM/MIEtZ2FZNt0/s400/ss_candles.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267226381055423266" /></a><br /><br />Get creative by wrapping fresh green vegetables around candles and secure with pretty, satin ribbon:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SRj0JnCRkqI/AAAAAAAAAPU/WLU8dRvUt0w/s1600-h/ss_100224890.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SRj0JnCRkqI/AAAAAAAAAPU/WLU8dRvUt0w/s400/ss_100224890.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267228210144318114" /></a><br /><br />Directions:<br />Take fresh greens like asparagus, green beans, artichoke hearts and wrap around the candle, securing it with a rubberband. Then hide the rubberband by tying the ribbon around it. This makes for beautiful centerpiece.<br /><br />Fill a wire basket with Thanksgiving harvest-themed foods to create the following centerpiece:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SRj2g7-w-CI/AAAAAAAAAPc/buTdlQ1xQH0/s1600-h/ss_BKS053616.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SRj2g7-w-CI/AAAAAAAAAPc/buTdlQ1xQH0/s400/ss_BKS053616.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267230809926989858" /></a><br /><br />That should give you a few ideas for your Thanksgiving dinner table. Hopefully you were just as inspired by these pictures as I was.<br /><br />Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it gives you an excuse to "pig out". However, one of the things I hate about Thanksgiving is all the left-over turkey. In my household, we would eat turkey for like the next couple of weeks. Turkey stew, turkey sandwiches, turkey salad, turkey, turkey, turkey! It got to the point where I'd never want to see another turkey again. My parents always wanted to prepare turkey again for Christmas and I'd beg them not to.<br /><br />Here are some delicious recipe ideas for that left-over Thanksgiving turkey. That is, unless you are frying your turkey. In that case, you won't have to worry about any left-overs. LOL, Seriously! Fried turkeys always get eaten down to the bone, literally. If you have never had fried turkey, you are truly missing out. Those of you who have, know exactly what I'm talking about. But, for those of you who are still baking your turkeys, here are some left-over turkey ideas:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bhg.com/recipe/turkey/turkey-tortilla-soup/">Zesty Tortilla Soup</a>:<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SRj--QRIg-I/AAAAAAAAAPk/CsFfWxprczA/s1600-h/ss_R109335.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SRj--QRIg-I/AAAAAAAAAPk/CsFfWxprczA/s400/ss_R109335.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267240109681968098" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bhg.com/recipe/soups/corn-chowder/">Corn Chowder</a>:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SRkB4d5bKFI/AAAAAAAAAPs/_mP65K_T7pg/s1600-h/ss_R097353.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SRkB4d5bKFI/AAAAAAAAAPs/_mP65K_T7pg/s400/ss_R097353.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267243308796291154" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bhg.com/recipe/turkey/turkey-paella-salad/">Turkey Paella Salad</a>:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SRkComU4-LI/AAAAAAAAAP0/f9gbKsYKUcQ/s1600-h/ss_R092020.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 250px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SRkComU4-LI/AAAAAAAAAP0/f9gbKsYKUcQ/s400/ss_R092020.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267244135692695730" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bhg.com/recipe/salads/cranberry-turkey-spinach-salad/">Cranberry-Turkey Spinach Salad</a>:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SRkDVPVQW2I/AAAAAAAAAP8/hzxl_t_DtBI/s1600-h/ss_R076616.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SRkDVPVQW2I/AAAAAAAAAP8/hzxl_t_DtBI/s400/ss_R076616.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267244902614326114" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bhg.com/recipe/turkey/turkey-spinach-toss/">Turkey Spinach Toss</a> <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SRkMOvYAMmI/AAAAAAAAAQc/rYGz1sJ_1Jg/s1600-h/ss_R107557.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SRkMOvYAMmI/AAAAAAAAAQc/rYGz1sJ_1Jg/s400/ss_R107557.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267254686561350242" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bhg.com/recipe/turkey/nacho-turkey-casserole/">Nacho Turkey Casserole</a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SRkE1itro3I/AAAAAAAAAQM/zfiEqOqlgpA/s1600-h/ss_R036499.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SRkE1itro3I/AAAAAAAAAQM/zfiEqOqlgpA/s400/ss_R036499.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267246557084492658" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bhg.com/holidays/holiday-slide-shows/thanksgiving/fresh-ideas-for-leftover-turkey/?page=2">Cran-Turkey Enchiladas</a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SRkFdRFaCiI/AAAAAAAAAQU/cYraYuqv56w/s1600-h/ss_R092019.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 250px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SRkFdRFaCiI/AAAAAAAAAQU/cYraYuqv56w/s400/ss_R092019.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267247239546931746" /></a><br /><br />And there you have it! Turkey recipes that are not so boring, and easy to make. So, before you throw out that left-over turkey, try some of these scrumptious recipes. Check back with me after the holiday and let me know if you tried any of these ideas. I'd love to hear all about it. Oh! And I love pictures : )Sealed With A Kisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02615343772541360029noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650789585441103944.post-42954135533235401422008-10-30T20:49:00.022-04:002008-11-02T01:26:07.572-04:00Wedding TrendsIn this post, I will discuss new wedding trends and other special elements that can really make a wedding stand out. Weddings are becoming more and more non-traditional as brides are tending to deviate from what is considered to be the "norm". I am going to share with you some wedding trends I feel can add originality and overall elegance to a wedding.<br /><br /><strong>Wedding Cake</strong><br /><br />Cupcakes are the new wedding cake. A lot of brides are choosing cupcake tiers in lieu of the traditional wedding cake. This new trend is becoming popular amongst brides who aren't afraid to step out of the box. Cupcake tiers can be displayed in several different ways and can easily coordinate with the color and theme of a wedding.<br /> <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQpt2EJK4fI/AAAAAAAAAMM/alkOOSPNKv8/s1600-h/07c4642b-ce1b-44fe-9b2a-a8680218189f.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 306px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQpt2EJK4fI/AAAAAAAAAMM/alkOOSPNKv8/s400/07c4642b-ce1b-44fe-9b2a-a8680218189f.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263139890128413170" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQpuqOLanpI/AAAAAAAAAMU/AOlZU_m2nbY/s1600-h/daisy_and_lily_cupcake_tower.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 208px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQpuqOLanpI/AAAAAAAAAMU/AOlZU_m2nbY/s400/daisy_and_lily_cupcake_tower.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263140786175385234" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQpvFrPNhQI/AAAAAAAAAMc/Hbhj0qkxOYs/s1600-h/vanilla_bake_shop_cupcakes_3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQpvFrPNhQI/AAAAAAAAAMc/Hbhj0qkxOYs/s400/vanilla_bake_shop_cupcakes_3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263141257832400130" /></a><br /><br />As you can see, a miniature cake can be added to the top of the tier so that the couple can freeze eat on their one year anniversary. Check out my dear friend, Dr. Yakini's, <a href="http://www.girlyhomewebzine.com/ymw/2008/09/are-cupcakes-th.html">article </a>she wrote about this growing wedding trend on her online webzine. In the article she points out a few cons of replacing a wedding cake with this whimsical display of sugary confection.<br /><br /><strong>Candy Buffet</strong><br />Displaying a candy buffet table at your reception is another wedding trend that adds a whimsical effect to the room. Candy buffets are always a huge hit at weddings because it can be used to coordinate with the wedding colors and can double as favors. There are several different ways to display a candy buffet.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQp0d7o7_iI/AAAAAAAAAMk/4gcGQO0_gV0/s1600-h/Beca_(7).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQp0d7o7_iI/AAAAAAAAAMk/4gcGQO0_gV0/s400/Beca_(7).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263147172110269986" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQp0zFWrCEI/AAAAAAAAAM0/FPGFyO0yyWA/s1600-h/candy-buffet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQp0zFWrCEI/AAAAAAAAAM0/FPGFyO0yyWA/s400/candy-buffet.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263147535495268418" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQp0t80OfSI/AAAAAAAAAMs/-7V13_Mc3Mw/s1600-h/Beca_(11).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQp0t80OfSI/AAAAAAAAAMs/-7V13_Mc3Mw/s400/Beca_(11).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263147447303961890" /></a><br /><br />Bags can be placed on the candy buffet table for your guests to scoop candy into and take home with them. You can personalize the outside of the bags by adding <a href="http://www.myownlabels.com/weddings.asp">customized labels</a>. You can find bulk candy from places like <a href="http://www.candywarehouse.com/candycolors.html">Candy Warehouse</a> and the <a href="http://www.bulkcandystore.com/store/index.aspx">Bulk Candy Store</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Favors</strong><br /><br />While it is not a necessity, giving your guests favors is a nice way of thanking your guests for attending your wedding. Favors can put a nice dent in your budget because you have to provide one for each guest. Therefore, it is a good idea to use elements in your wedding that can serve two purposes. The aforementioned candy buffet serves a dual purpose because it can double as favors for your guests. Place card holders can also double as favors.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQp47Xx-wmI/AAAAAAAAANE/AiRYU7xQzvE/s1600-h/pnk_placecard.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQp47Xx-wmI/AAAAAAAAANE/AiRYU7xQzvE/s400/pnk_placecard.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263152075927110242" /></a><br /><br />These cute little bubble vases have prongs where you can display place cards directing your guests to their assigned tables (that's if you choose to have a seating chart). At the end of the night, they can go home with your guests.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQp7xF46NiI/AAAAAAAAANM/g38AXyBWigM/s1600-h/blue_image.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQp7xF46NiI/AAAAAAAAANM/g38AXyBWigM/s400/blue_image.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263155197860525602" /></a><br /><br />Here is another cute place card holder idea found on <a href="http://www.theknot.com">The Knot</a> which can double as favors.<br /><br />A couple on one of my favorite wedding sites, <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com">Weddingbee</a> really took an original and charitable approach to wedding favors. Instead of handing out favors guests could take home with them, they gave their guests four charity tokens, worth a dollar each, to donate to three different charities.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQp9h1SeS1I/AAAAAAAAANU/PaZZnudilUk/s1600-h/z130725.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQp9h1SeS1I/AAAAAAAAANU/PaZZnudilUk/s400/z130725.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263157134729562962" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQp9qMGzvyI/AAAAAAAAANc/LJ0vvlFN-lY/s1600-h/z13072501.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQp9qMGzvyI/AAAAAAAAANc/LJ0vvlFN-lY/s400/z13072501.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263157278293606178" /></a><br /><br />Guests were given the option to divide their charity tokens amongst the three charities or they could choose to donate all of their tokens to one cause. There were three glass bowls set out on a table at the reception, each representing one of the different charities. Guests were given instructions to drop their charity tokens in the bowl of their choice. When I first saw this, I thought this was such a neat idea. Couples spend so much money on their wedding, but in this case, part of the money spent was going to be donated to a good cause. For more details and information on how you can also implement this at your wedding, check out former Weddingbee blogger, affectionately known to her readers as "Mrs. Lovebug's" post with step-by-step instructions <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2008/02/05/sweet-charity/#more-45314">here</a> <br /><br /><strong>A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words</strong><br /><br />Photo booths are becoming ever so popular at weddings<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQqC7rR2j0I/AAAAAAAAANk/t2Dr9ORnS68/s1600-h/booth.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 390px; height: 316px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQqC7rR2j0I/AAAAAAAAANk/t2Dr9ORnS68/s400/booth.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263163076277342018" /></a><br /><br />Wedding photo booths add a sense of nostalgia to your wedding reception. Your guests will have a ball playing around in the photo booth. Most photo booth rental companies include unlimited photos in their rental packages and some even provide you with a scrapbook where all of your guests photos can be placed and later used as a keepsake for your wedding. You and your husband/wife will have fun looking back at all the silly poses and funny faces of your guests.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQqEZ9XjBVI/AAAAAAAAANs/3sbTYgtbQVE/s1600-h/5128-C1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQqEZ9XjBVI/AAAAAAAAANs/3sbTYgtbQVE/s400/5128-C1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263164696040768850" /></a><br /><br />There was a caricature artist at a wedding I planned back in May. Each of the guests were able to take turns and get a caricature drawing done of themselves at the reception. This was a huge hit as well. I don't think the caricature artist got a break the entire time. Guests were anxiously lined up awaiting their turn.<br /><br /><strong>Guest Book</strong><br />Many brides are doing away with the traditional guest book. Photo frame guest books are being used at a lot of weddings<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQqFpxhV9iI/AAAAAAAAAN0/LVA05b1egUc/s1600-h/zyk2918ccp.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQqFpxhV9iI/AAAAAAAAAN0/LVA05b1egUc/s400/zyk2918ccp.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263166067250165282" /></a><br /><br />The bride and groom can display a picture of themselves (such as a professional engagement picture) in the middle of the frames and have their guests sign around the outside of the frame. This, too, can double as a memorable keepsake.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQqGG6vPIXI/AAAAAAAAAN8/2wlMzMdPD3c/s1600-h/platterlg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 335px; height: 333px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQqGG6vPIXI/AAAAAAAAAN8/2wlMzMdPD3c/s400/platterlg.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263166567940563314" /></a><br /><br />Guest book platters are also be used to replace the typical "sign-in" guest books. This can also be taken home and used as a keepsake.<br /><br />Martini Luges<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQqJFm_98lI/AAAAAAAAAOE/2ePvhKEJ_vc/s1600-h/phpThumb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 382px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQqJFm_98lI/AAAAAAAAAOE/2ePvhKEJ_vc/s400/phpThumb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263169843997045330" /></a><br /><br />Martini Ice Luges are ideal for weddings. It is also a cost effective way to serve complimentary alcohol to your guests because you can have a signature martini being poured down the martini luge all night. Guests can just walk up and hold their glass underneath the spout while the bartender pours the liquor down the luge into a martini glass. Some couples choose to have 2 to 3 different martini luges so that guests can have different flavor choices.<br /><br /><strong>Professional Lighting</strong><br /><br />Hiring a professional lighting specialist can add a romantic ambience to your reception. You can select lighting to match your wedding colors. Professional lighting really creates a "Wow" factor when your guests enter the room.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQqK9Aj8t8I/AAAAAAAAAOM/sA8HYH8xLLs/s1600-h/php.Thumb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQqK9Aj8t8I/AAAAAAAAAOM/sA8HYH8xLLs/s400/php.Thumb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263171895263279042" /></a><br />*Photo taken from <a href="http://www.exquisiteweddingsmagazine.com/">Exquisite Weddings</a><br />Isn't that lighting gorgeous?<br /><br /><br /><strong>Ceiling Draping</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQqMB1UnTbI/AAAAAAAAAOU/mwEPgDtSBbc/s1600-h/WEB-Full%2520View%2520Shelbyville%2520Armory.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQqMB1UnTbI/AAAAAAAAAOU/mwEPgDtSBbc/s400/WEB-Full%2520View%2520Shelbyville%2520Armory.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263173077657144754" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQqMMlAJQ2I/AAAAAAAAAOc/gjpifFMxw5E/s1600-h/reception-chineselanterns.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQqMMlAJQ2I/AAAAAAAAAOc/gjpifFMxw5E/s400/reception-chineselanterns.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263173262254883682" /></a><br /><br />Ceiling draping can add a touch of romantic elegance to your reception room. It can really transform a room. Ceiling draping is also commonly used in wedding tents when utilizing an outdoor space for the reception.<br /><br />There are so many trendy wedding ideas, that I can't possibly cover them all in one post. Perhaps, I'll come back with some other ideas in a "Part 2" segment. I hope you enjoyed Part 1's segment and saw some ideas and trends that were new to you. Until next time...<br /><br />Smooches!Sealed With A Kisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02615343772541360029noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650789585441103944.post-5059754866726395062008-10-29T17:25:00.005-04:002008-10-30T08:42:08.323-04:00I'm Featured!I am pleased to announce that my last post, "Decoratiing With Scrapbook Paper" is being featured on a very good friend of mine's <a href="http://www.girlyhomewebzine.com">website</a>. Dr. Yakini is a clinical psychologist in the New York City area. She is also a freelance lifestyle writer and Editor of the <a href="http://www.girlyhomewebzine.com">Girly Home Webzine</a> which is an online web magazine geared towards women. The Girly Home Webzine touches on fashion, relationships, finances, and beauty & wellness to name a few.<br /><br />Yakini enjoyed the ideas I shared in my Scrapbook Paper post so much, that she wanted to feature it on her site. How cool is that?! Check out my feature article <a href="http://www.girlyhomewebzine.com/ymw/home_and_crafts/">here</a>. While you're over there, be sure to check out the rest of her website for beauty tips, lessons on proper etiquette, yummy southern recipes and many, many more!Sealed With A Kisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02615343772541360029noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650789585441103944.post-41106186793416705802008-10-26T21:30:00.010-04:002008-10-26T22:47:04.271-04:00Decorating With Scrapbook PaperDecorating with scrapbook paper is a quick and easy way to dress up a table setting for those last minute "get-togethers". It is also inexpensive and perfect when decorating on a budget. Scrapbook paper can be used as placemats, table runners, napkin rings and to cover vases.<br /><br />Jenn from <a href="http://www.hostesswiththemostess.com/">Hostess With The Mostess</a> uses scrapbooking paper in a lot of her party theme designs.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQUfF2bAsRI/AAAAAAAAALU/T1D0fB9XT2Q/s1600-h/scrapbookpaper_placemat_270-thumb-270x224.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 224px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQUfF2bAsRI/AAAAAAAAALU/T1D0fB9XT2Q/s400/scrapbookpaper_placemat_270-thumb-270x224.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261645925020905746" /></a><br /><br />In the above picture, Jenn uses a 12" sheet of scrapbook paper as a placemat.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQUhSvD2EzI/AAAAAAAAALk/FGtNfjN95A0/s1600-h/scrapbookentertaining_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQUhSvD2EzI/AAAAAAAAALk/FGtNfjN95A0/s400/scrapbookentertaining_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261648345406247730" /></a><br /><br />Here she uses 1"-2" strips of scrapbook paper as napkin rings. Jenn also uses it to cover cylinder shaped vases for floral centerpieces. You can also use rhinestone stickers and other embellishments to decorate your scrapbook paper designs. <br /><br />Scrapbook paper can be found at <a href="http://www.americancrafts.com/category.php?id=25">American Crafts</a>, <a href="http://luxedesigns.com/fabulous/">Luxe Designs</a> as well as any craft store like Michael's.<br /><br />Scrapbook paper can also be used to decorate around the house.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQUlYEwp2yI/AAAAAAAAALs/8kDK85P--84/s1600-h/ae0546.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 284px; height: 350px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQUlYEwp2yI/AAAAAAAAALs/8kDK85P--84/s400/ae0546.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261652835177192226" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQUlhu9LXDI/AAAAAAAAAL0/6-ACKSkISvU/s1600-h/ae0546d.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 229px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQUlhu9LXDI/AAAAAAAAAL0/6-ACKSkISvU/s400/ae0546d.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261653001122831410" /></a><br /><br />The above wall art can easily be created by using 12x12 inch Styrofoam Brand Foam Squares and covering it with scrapbook paper of your choice. At less than $5/sq, this is a really inexpensive way to transform a room in your house. They can be found at any craft store.<br /><br />The Styrofoam Brand Foam also comes in 3" cubes that can be also be wrapped in scrapbook paper and used as vases.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQUoSkCocZI/AAAAAAAAAME/qafIIqw8LBc/s1600-h/11118.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 224px; height: 222px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQUoSkCocZI/AAAAAAAAAME/qafIIqw8LBc/s400/11118.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261656039029764498" /></a><br /><br /><br />As you can see, scrapbook paper can be used in a variety of ways. So head on over to your nearest craft store and stock up on loads of scrapbook paper. This way, when you have to entertain guests at the last minute, you will already have something at home to work with. The good thing about scrapbook paper is that it comes in hundreds of colors and designs. You can even use a particular scrapbook paper design as inspiration for a color scheme. Use it to decorate your entire event around.Sealed With A Kisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02615343772541360029noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650789585441103944.post-26906885692852084492008-10-24T20:50:00.014-04:002008-10-24T23:04:25.644-04:00My Love for ChandeliersI absolutely love chandeliers. Chandeliers come in various colors, different sizes , and can add character to any room or space. They are no longer only being used as an ornament over the dining room table, chandeliers can now be found in living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and even used to decorate an event or party space.<br /><br />These bright colored chandeliers from <a href="http://www.incidence.fr/incidence-e.html">Incidence</a> in Paris each make a bold statement without saying a word:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQJy8LKVm6I/AAAAAAAAAKI/Vj5TSr1VFfw/s1600-h/luminaire_incidence%255B5%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQJy8LKVm6I/AAAAAAAAAKI/Vj5TSr1VFfw/s400/luminaire_incidence%255B5%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260893692836027298" /></a><br /><br />This French black glass chandelier from <a href="http://www.blackorchidinteriors.co.uk/shop.asp">Black Orchid Interiors </a>in the U.K. has a Vintage Glam feel to it.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQJ0OW8n22I/AAAAAAAAAKQ/je7pG5l-jp8/s1600-h/black_orchid_chandelier.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQJ0OW8n22I/AAAAAAAAAKQ/je7pG5l-jp8/s400/black_orchid_chandelier.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260895104749001570" /></a><br /><br />This chandelier from <a href="http://www.lampsplus.com/products/">Lamps Plus</a> sets off a romantic, vintage charm:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQJ6AJlELOI/AAAAAAAAAKY/wxjSreHpJts/s1600-h/crystal_with_black_finish_fpx.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 391px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQJ6AJlELOI/AAAAAAAAAKY/wxjSreHpJts/s400/crystal_with_black_finish_fpx.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260901457712131298" /></a><br /><br />This Water Fall styled pink mini chandelier from <a href="http://kingdomlightingusa.com/index.aspx">Kingdom Lighting</a> is the perfect addition to a little girl's room or nursery:<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQJ7E42gcbI/AAAAAAAAAKg/fE2hVmOUulc/s1600-h/7039.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQJ7E42gcbI/AAAAAAAAAKg/fE2hVmOUulc/s400/7039.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260902638632858034" /></a><br /><br />This Spectrum chandelier from <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com">Urban Outfitters </a>is a personal fave of mine and is only $36!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQJ9IpgqJLI/AAAAAAAAAKw/NGi-MfP_6W0/s1600-h/urban_light.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQJ9IpgqJLI/AAAAAAAAAKw/NGi-MfP_6W0/s400/urban_light.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260904902257419442" /></a><br /><br />This would go SO well in my dining room to compliment this painting I have hanging up:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQKALmbbAsI/AAAAAAAAAK4/2jqv6-1PZHw/s1600-h/DSC02973.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQKALmbbAsI/AAAAAAAAAK4/2jqv6-1PZHw/s400/DSC02973.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260908251504640706" /></a><br /><br />But unfortunately, my apartment has a track lighting system in the dining area:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQKA62QBOJI/AAAAAAAAALA/9V9DyPePMuw/s1600-h/DSC02976.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQKA62QBOJI/AAAAAAAAALA/9V9DyPePMuw/s400/DSC02976.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260909063205632146" /></a><br /><br />And....well, I really can't do anything with that, lol!<br /><br />And last but not least, some chandeliers come with lamp shades like this one from <a href="http://www.muranoglass-shop.com/chandeliers/">Murano Glass</a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQKD34kniTI/AAAAAAAAALI/dQylTPnM_dg/s1600-h/1151-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 326px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SQKD34kniTI/AAAAAAAAALI/dQylTPnM_dg/s400/1151-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260912310824175922" /></a><br /><br />The lamp shades on this chandelier add a modern, contemporary flair to it.<br /><br />Chandelier use doesn't have to be restricted to inside the home. They can be used to decorate an event space. Chandeliers illuminate a room and can serve as a beautiful focal point. While some can be priced pretty high, they come in various price ranges to suit just about any budget. The key is to shop around and you are guaranteed to find one that suits your budget. There are multiple styles of chandeliers that can easily coordinate with any theme whether it be French, Vintage Glam, Modern, Romantic, Colorful, etc, etc. So, the next time you are planning an event and looking for that one added touch that will create a "wow" factor, consider hanging a chandelier.Sealed With A Kisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02615343772541360029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650789585441103944.post-53144746250529602652008-10-19T11:29:00.023-04:002008-11-02T00:27:11.996-04:00A Reason to CelebrateBirthdays, Anniversaries, New Baby, Just Because...these are all happy occasions that are cause for people to throw a big party or celebration. How about inviting all of your closest friends and family out to celebrate earning your Master's degree? Well, that's exactly what Susann did last night. Earning your Master's degree is a BIG accomplishment and definitely something worth celebrating. I teamed up with my good friend, Arnisca Wilson, owner of <a href="http://www.liseevents.com">Li Se' Catering & Events</a>, and came up with decorating ideas for the event. Together, Arnisca and I gathered our thoughts and ideas and put our creative minds to work. <br /><br />The color scheme we used was Red, Black, and Silver. The event room was very "drab" to say the least. It's one of those spaces where a lot of work has to be put into it to actually transform it into something beautiful. Unfortunately, we weren't working with a large enough budget to completely transform the entire room. But, we made do with what we had, and in my opinion, it came out nice. Let me know what you think:<br /><br />We used <a href="http://www.blumebox.com">Blumebox </a>centerpieces on the tables. Thanks so much to Michelle with <a href="http://www.lemiga.com/">Lemiga Events </a>for coming through at the last minute with the <a href="http://www.blumebox.com">Blumeboxes</a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPtcrnmzmqI/AAAAAAAAAIA/cXuhQNG0mns/s1600-h/DSC02894.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPtcrnmzmqI/AAAAAAAAAIA/cXuhQNG0mns/s400/DSC02894.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258898894321064610" /></a><br /><br />We decorated the outside of the Blumebox with a black satin ribbon and a red, shimmery, sheer ribbon on top of that. We also made custom drink menus and sat them on each of the tables. Here are a couple of close ups of some of the different menus:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPteET2KyaI/AAAAAAAAAII/So-ykLzyxcY/s1600-h/DSC02893.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPteET2KyaI/AAAAAAAAAII/So-ykLzyxcY/s400/DSC02893.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258900418025146786" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPte08uDIbI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/Zn1tdF9W4qk/s1600-h/DSC02900.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPte08uDIbI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/Zn1tdF9W4qk/s400/DSC02900.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258901253630665138" /></a><br /><br /><br />Each of the menus were decorated differently and added a nice "personal" touch to each of the tables. Special thanks goes out to Cindy, the bartender, for putting together these menus for us at the last minute. Arnisca and I were running behind schedule and Cindy came in and got right to work. Had it not been for her assistance, we probably would not have been able to display these cute little menus on the tables. So "thanks" again to Cindy, "You Rock!"<br /><br />We even set up a "head table" in the back for Susann and her family to sit:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPtmBiZDKZI/AAAAAAAAAJA/3c_QafZyejs/s1600-h/DSC02897.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPtmBiZDKZI/AAAAAAAAAJA/3c_QafZyejs/s400/DSC02897.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258909166482958738" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPtmvyn_BbI/AAAAAAAAAJI/Dojqm0KyMQ4/s1600-h/DSC02895.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPtmvyn_BbI/AAAAAAAAAJI/Dojqm0KyMQ4/s400/DSC02895.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258909961114551730" /></a><br /><br />They ended up not sitting there because they were too busy mingling with all of the guests and having fun on the dance floor. They were definitely not the type of people to be secluded at a different table away from their guests. What were we thinking? Lol! That was alright because the table added a nice touch to the room.<br /><br />Complimentary alcohol was flowing all night. Cindy did an awesome job behind the bar. She was friendly to everyone that came up to the bar. She was just a fun person to be around. And...she even showed me her "Thug Passion" tattoo on her lower back (No, seriously! She REALLY has one, lol!) in honor of her favorite rapper TuPac Shakur.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPthMCJOEQI/AAAAAAAAAIY/cp8ThfTDcGs/s1600-h/DSC02928.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPthMCJOEQI/AAAAAAAAAIY/cp8ThfTDcGs/s400/DSC02928.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258903849247052034" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPthxjY7EvI/AAAAAAAAAIg/u8Avp2nehzg/s1600-h/DSC02935.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPthxjY7EvI/AAAAAAAAAIg/u8Avp2nehzg/s400/DSC02935.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258904493826446066" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPtic3-g1wI/AAAAAAAAAIo/CoArHhciD_4/s1600-h/DSC02929.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPtic3-g1wI/AAAAAAAAAIo/CoArHhciD_4/s400/DSC02929.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258905238087194370" /></a><br /><br />Here she is, having fun with her Martini shaker, lol!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPtjGN_foCI/AAAAAAAAAIw/O2MIs4EvovE/s1600-h/DSC02930.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPtjGN_foCI/AAAAAAAAAIw/O2MIs4EvovE/s400/DSC02930.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258905948371525666" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPtj5e4gpiI/AAAAAAAAAI4/dsefuuwoIXo/s1600-h/DSC02924.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPtj5e4gpiI/AAAAAAAAAI4/dsefuuwoIXo/s400/DSC02924.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258906829078963746" /></a><br /><br />Cindy was very attentive to everyone's drink requests and made sure she gave them exactly what they asked for and even added her own little special touch at times.<br /><br />Susann's guests were a fun bunch of people. They really knew how to party.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPtoUIz_8TI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/GiMKWK-7mjw/s1600-h/DSC02918.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPtoUIz_8TI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/GiMKWK-7mjw/s400/DSC02918.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258911685057442098" /></a><br /><br />Here is Susann (turquoise shirt) and her guests doing the "Cupid Shuffle"<br /><br />And a party isn't a party without a Soul Train line!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPtpkLxwxcI/AAAAAAAAAJY/JvN_yRDXFvQ/s1600-h/DSC02941.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPtpkLxwxcI/AAAAAAAAAJY/JvN_yRDXFvQ/s400/DSC02941.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258913060242900418" /></a><br /><br />Here is the "Guest of Honor" going down the Soul Train line.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPtqb-yJtaI/AAAAAAAAAJg/QvIqPWoaBK8/s1600-h/DSC02939.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPtqb-yJtaI/AAAAAAAAAJg/QvIqPWoaBK8/s400/DSC02939.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258914018827548066" /></a><br /><br />A lot of people "let loose" on the dance floor going down the Soul Train line, lol!<br />*Please excuse the blurriness of the pictures, the smoke is coming from the DJ booth. He let loose this smoke on the dance floor to give the room a "smokey" effect<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPtru-4Vc2I/AAAAAAAAAJo/yWueHOoDmsM/s1600-h/DSC02944.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPtru-4Vc2I/AAAAAAAAAJo/yWueHOoDmsM/s400/DSC02944.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258915444782625634" /></a><br /><br />A guest doing the "Robot" down the line.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPtsdsGf5gI/AAAAAAAAAJw/Ltlsrjol6Zo/s1600-h/DSC02947.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPtsdsGf5gI/AAAAAAAAAJw/Ltlsrjol6Zo/s400/DSC02947.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258916247195608578" /></a><br /><br />Susann and her friend CJ going down the Soul Train line together as they both had something in common to celebrate. CJ also earned her Master's degree and graduated with Susann. Congrats to both of you ladies!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPttPvk3ZAI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/HL2eSCC64dU/s1600-h/DSC02945.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPttPvk3ZAI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/HL2eSCC64dU/s400/DSC02945.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258917107121742850" /></a><br /><br />And this guy just couldn't resist going down the Soul Train line a second time and I couldn't resist snapping another picture of him, lol!<br /><br />Fun times indeed!<br /><br />And here is a picture of the DJ, DJ Triple M, who was responsible for everyone dancing and having a good time.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPtuYv88woI/AAAAAAAAAKA/Ye56e8x1ESE/s1600-h/DSC02927.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPtuYv88woI/AAAAAAAAAKA/Ye56e8x1ESE/s400/DSC02927.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258918361353208450" /></a><br /><br />He played all the hot tunes and provided a nice mixture of music that everyone could enjoy. He even took it back to the "Old School" with some of the most popular R&B hits from way back in the day. From Frankie Beverly and Maze to some early Michael Jackson (when he was black, lol!)everyone was reminiscing and just having a good time.Sealed With A Kisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02615343772541360029noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650789585441103944.post-34666106606841160312008-10-12T16:07:00.029-04:002008-10-13T14:26:37.315-04:00Barack The Vote!With the 2008 Presidential Election around the corner, I'm sure many people have been throwing Debate Parties. If you are planning to host an Election 2008 Viewing Party in your home on November 4th, here are a few planning tips and decorating ideas:<br /><br />A Patriotic/4th of July theme can be used for an Election Party<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJjsCTSn0I/AAAAAAAAAFw/NUp_H7a2rBQ/s1600-h/AP672176_ai.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJjsCTSn0I/AAAAAAAAAFw/NUp_H7a2rBQ/s400/AP672176_ai.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256373323277967170" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.buycostumes.com/50-Patriotic-Bunting-Border-Roll/24145/ProductDetail.aspx">Patriotic Bunting Borders </a>can be used to decorate edges of tables or as borders on the walls.<br /><br />Other Patriotic decor that can be used are Red, White, and Blue streamers, Patriotic Confetti, and balloons.<br /><br />Who to Invite:<br /><br />If you are a Barack Obama supporter, make sure all of your guests are, too. This is to avoid any confrontations or heated political debates. Also, if guests are allowed to bring someone along with them, ask them to make sure their guests are also Barack Obama supporters.<br /><br />Breaking the Ice<br /><br />If you are inviting a diverse group of people, then chances are everyone might not be acquainted with one another. How about playing a game to "break the ice" amongst your guests prior to the start of the debate?<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJnz1oXv9I/AAAAAAAAAGA/RhZMaOldCs8/s1600-h/22058.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJnz1oXv9I/AAAAAAAAAGA/RhZMaOldCs8/s400/22058.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256377855362187218" /></a><br />This Election Topics 2008 game from <a href="http://www.plumparty.com/22058/election+topics+2008.html">Plum Party </a>is a great conversation starter.<br /><br />What to serve?<br /><br />Finger foods like hors d'oeuvre's and snacks are probably the easiest to serve at your Election 2008 Viewing Party.<br /><br />You can also play off of the "patriotic" theme of the event by serving drinks and other treats in patriotic colors.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJxTLHjnbI/AAAAAAAAAHI/O9DM9icgDuo/s1600-h/Red%2520White%2520and%2520Blue.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJxTLHjnbI/AAAAAAAAAHI/O9DM9icgDuo/s400/Red%2520White%2520and%2520Blue.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256388289310727602" /></a><br /><br />These Red, White, and Blue Cocktail Shooters are perfect for the occasion.<br />All you need is:<br /><br />1 part grenadine<br /><br />1 part peach schnappes<br /><br />1 part blue curacao<br /><br />Layer in this way:<br />1) Grenadine<br />2) Peach schnapps<br />3) Blue curacao<br />i.e. 1) on bottom<br /><br />Or these Blue Yankee Doodles and Red Patriotic Punches:<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJzD_kz3LI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/knnCqjG-pD8/s1600-h/top_uv_july4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJzD_kz3LI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/knnCqjG-pD8/s400/top_uv_july4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256390227537419442" /></a><br /><br />Yankee Doodle<br />- 1 part UV Blue Raspberry-flavored vodka<br />- 2 parts sour<br />- 1 part tonic<br /><br />Pour vodka, sour and tonic into a rocks glass over ice. Stir and serve.<br /><br /><br />Patriotic Punch<br />- 1 part UV Red Cherry-flavored vodka<br />- 3 parts lemonade<br /><br />Pour the ingredients into a rocks glass over ice. Stir and serve.<br /><br />Sweeten things up a bit and serve these Obama'08 Cupcakes from <a href="http://www.mrsbeasleys.com">Mrs Beasley's</a>:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJz9aTVQQI/AAAAAAAAAHY/mj1L7eR-S4M/s1600-h/cupob_l.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJz9aTVQQI/AAAAAAAAAHY/mj1L7eR-S4M/s400/cupob_l.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256391213964411138" /></a><br /><br />Or these Obama'08 Cookies, also from <a href="http://www.mrsbeasleys.com">Mrs Beasley's</a>:<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJ0rNsDrNI/AAAAAAAAAHg/0Fr1N_HlQ3s/s1600-h/PhotoOB_L.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJ0rNsDrNI/AAAAAAAAAHg/0Fr1N_HlQ3s/s400/PhotoOB_L.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256392000852438226" /></a><br /><br />*Mrs Beasley's also sells these 2008 Election cupcakes and cookies for the Republican candidates. They can be found <a href="http://www.mrsbeasleys.com/obamamccain.cfm?ProductGroupID=85">here</a><br /><br />Or try these easy-to-make cupcakes:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJ3KUp780I/AAAAAAAAAHw/oXw5ibjReWE/s1600-h/2253376574_501dbc8c67.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJ3KUp780I/AAAAAAAAAHw/oXw5ibjReWE/s400/2253376574_501dbc8c67.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256394734321791810" /></a><br /><br />And last but not least, try these <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_1&listing_id=15168603">Campaign Button Cookies </a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJ2PCeNjfI/AAAAAAAAAHo/wQguLR6QzZI/s1600-h/il_430xN_37808323.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJ2PCeNjfI/AAAAAAAAAHo/wQguLR6QzZI/s400/il_430xN_37808323.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256393715828493810" /></a><br /><br /><br />Encourage guests to wear Barack Obama gear or other Democratic paraphernalia.<br />Here are some cute t-shirts and hoodies from <a href="http://www.barackawear.com/store/">Barackthevote.com</a>:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJqD6zkfSI/AAAAAAAAAGY/uCzzDxeefiM/s1600-h/Eva%2520Mainlr.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJqD6zkfSI/AAAAAAAAAGY/uCzzDxeefiM/s400/Eva%2520Mainlr.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256380330652499234" /></a><br /><br />I LOVE the colors in this tee being rocked by America's favorite Top Model, Eva Pigford.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJqpE2LjyI/AAAAAAAAAGg/u6GtpUrbh2A/s1600-h/WRDMC.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJqpE2LjyI/AAAAAAAAAGg/u6GtpUrbh2A/s400/WRDMC.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256380969002962722" /></a><br /><br />This one is for all of my Old School Hip Hop heads and Run DMC fans. It also comes in Men's sizes as well.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJrpJtQboI/AAAAAAAAAGo/8pd6iogyZGA/s1600-h/blk_mens_hoody.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJrpJtQboI/AAAAAAAAAGo/8pd6iogyZGA/s400/blk_mens_hoody.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256382069819338370" /></a><br /><br />In anticipation of cooler weather come November, you can also Barack the Vote in a hoodie. (*side note: Ladies, isn't that model a nice piece of eye candy?)<br /><br />If you are welcoming children to your event then they too can "Barack" their vote. Well not really since they can not legally vote, but they can show their support in this cool gear<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJssK_r8oI/AAAAAAAAAGw/_O0mDhln54w/s1600-h/blkonesiepic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJssK_r8oI/AAAAAAAAAGw/_O0mDhln54w/s400/blkonesiepic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256383221216309890" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJs8gWfMpI/AAAAAAAAAG4/qEsNOML6150/s1600-h/The%2520Rackstar.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJs8gWfMpI/AAAAAAAAAG4/qEsNOML6150/s400/The%2520Rackstar.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256383501826994834" /></a><br /><br /><br />Even your favorite pooch can participate in all the fun<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJtrXz2A6I/AAAAAAAAAHA/G-imjI4o27c/s1600-h/Pink%2520Pooch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJtrXz2A6I/AAAAAAAAAHA/G-imjI4o27c/s400/Pink%2520Pooch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256384306988057506" /></a><br /><br />How cute is this Doggy Tee? And furthermore, how adorable is that little doggy?<br /><br />And why not invite the "Guest of Honor" to your event?<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJ4d4ngcCI/AAAAAAAAAH4/Qimf9KvmLfg/s1600-h/7024Obama739_LRG.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPJ4d4ngcCI/AAAAAAAAAH4/Qimf9KvmLfg/s400/7024Obama739_LRG.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256396169904418850" /></a><br /><br />You can purchase this life-sized, 6'2" cut-out of Barack Obama at <a href="http://www.celebritygift.com/adg-739.html">www.celebritygift.com</a><br /><br />And that, my friends, should be enough to get you started on planning your Election 2008 Viewing Party. Feel free to email me pictures of your event and I will post them on my site after the election.Sealed With A Kisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02615343772541360029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650789585441103944.post-20171274386345307282008-10-10T21:38:00.015-04:002008-10-10T23:41:48.798-04:00Fall Wedding Trends<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPAf-rTsF2I/AAAAAAAAAFA/6UTRMM4_3oU/s1600-h/b102271645.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPAf-rTsF2I/AAAAAAAAAFA/6UTRMM4_3oU/s400/b102271645.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255735926779025250" /></a><br />The above picture is one of world renowned celebrity event designer <a href="http://www.prestonbailey.com">Preston Bailey's</a> creations. This was the ceremony area at a Fall Themed wedding/event. Isn't that just absolutely breathtaking?<br /><br />The weather is cooling down and leaves are on the ground. These are clear indications that the Fall season is here. A lot of people get married during this time of the year and Fall colors are very popular for weddings. These colors consist of reds, browns, oranges, yellows, and even subtle hints of green. Let's take a look at some Fall wedding trends:<br /><br />Reception:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPAHFuJx5II/AAAAAAAAADc/2kirkJruqkc/s1600-h/orange-centerpieces.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPAHFuJx5II/AAAAAAAAADc/2kirkJruqkc/s400/orange-centerpieces.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255708560011158658" /></a><br />*Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.theknot.com">The Knot</a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPAJTvuK-aI/AAAAAAAAADo/nvEVsdAMX0I/s1600-h/d5e60523b097c7bf02fd2718a04511bf_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPAJTvuK-aI/AAAAAAAAADo/nvEVsdAMX0I/s400/d5e60523b097c7bf02fd2718a04511bf_m.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255710999973656994" /></a><br />*Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.projectwedding.com">Project Wedding</a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPAUG8KOxXI/AAAAAAAAAEA/qRwdDHItjog/s1600-h/946a7ef1283fad31366cfe6919cf0360_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPAUG8KOxXI/AAAAAAAAAEA/qRwdDHItjog/s400/946a7ef1283fad31366cfe6919cf0360_m.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255722874602177906" /></a><br />*Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.projectwedding.com">Project Wedding</a><br /><br /><br />The red, orange and yellow hues used in these centerpieces are very appropriate for a Fall themed wedding.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPAKs-BJ_OI/AAAAAAAAADw/nZXZ5kEZ-cc/s1600-h/2815319618_a1c4e33d19.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPAKs-BJ_OI/AAAAAAAAADw/nZXZ5kEZ-cc/s400/2815319618_a1c4e33d19.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255712532819737826" /></a><br />*Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.projectwedding.com">Project Wedding</a><br /><br />The Bride's bouquet shown above was placed in a cylinder vase and used to decorate the cake table at the reception. Aren't those Fall colors beautiful? I love how the various shades of brown adds a "pop" of color.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPAMyyltTUI/AAAAAAAAAD4/1b6C_74oUT4/s1600-h/40423a7a3033107c553a50ee0e5c0861_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPAMyyltTUI/AAAAAAAAAD4/1b6C_74oUT4/s400/40423a7a3033107c553a50ee0e5c0861_m.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255714831854292290" /></a><br />*Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.projectwedding.com">Project Wedding</a><br /><br />This Chivari styled chair is adorned with a beautiful sphere of peachy, orange colored roses. The closed rose buds scattered throughout the middle add a subtle hint of green. <br /><br />Let Them Eat Cake!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPAVDFUyHXI/AAAAAAAAAEI/44cNgFBPqFQ/s1600-h/10700.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPAVDFUyHXI/AAAAAAAAAEI/44cNgFBPqFQ/s400/10700.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255723907854507378" /></a><br />*Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.weddingbycolor.com">Wedding By Color</a><br /><br />The bride's bouquet, or a replica of it, is often used as a wedding cake topper.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPAVXVhpnRI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/P9OLAbPRibY/s1600-h/fall-cake-ka-msiyara.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPAVXVhpnRI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/P9OLAbPRibY/s400/fall-cake-ka-msiyara.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255724255800827154" /></a><br />*Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.dianescakesandmore.com">Diane's Cakes and More</a><br /><br />The use of Fall/Autumn leaves is a very popular Fall wedding trend. Here, they are used to decorate the wedding cake and the edges of the cake table.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPAXZwBf4RI/AAAAAAAAAEY/VBC1ZWksMhI/s1600-h/cupcakes-fall-leaves.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPAXZwBf4RI/AAAAAAAAAEY/VBC1ZWksMhI/s400/cupcakes-fall-leaves.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255726496296722706" /></a><br />*Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.dianescakesandmore.com">Diane's Cakes and More</a><br /><br />Cupcake Towers are the new "cake" trend. Cupcake Towers are replacing the standard cake at not only weddings, but birthday parties and other events where cake is normally served to guests. These little cupcakes with autumn leaves on top are a cute alternative to cake for a Fall themed wedding.<br /><br />Favors<br /><br />Monogrammed Cookies: A lot of couples use personalized Monograms throughout their wedding.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPAY88aAKlI/AAAAAAAAAEg/KSH5ZXcVgoY/s1600-h/monogram-cookies-orange-brown.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPAY88aAKlI/AAAAAAAAAEg/KSH5ZXcVgoY/s400/monogram-cookies-orange-brown.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255728200427776594" /></a><br /><br />Leaf Shaped Cookies: These yummy looking cookie favors tie in well with a Fall themed wedding.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPAaj_7Z6UI/AAAAAAAAAEo/fZvPrKWAiPo/s1600-h/fall-cookies.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPAaj_7Z6UI/AAAAAAAAAEo/fZvPrKWAiPo/s400/fall-cookies.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255729970899708226" /></a><br /><br />*Both photos courtesy of <a href="http://www.dianescakesandmore.com">Diane's Cakes and More</a><br /><br /><br />Favors are a nice way of simply telling your guests "Thank You" for sharing your special day. Edible favors are becoming more and more popular because, let's face it, most people leave "non-edible" favors on the table or either lose them or even throw them away. By giving your guests a token of your appreciation that they can eat, you can be certain that your favors will not go to waste. Most edible favors never make it to your guests' homes. They are usually devoured sometime during the reception.<br /><br />And last but not least, here is an "Inspiration Board" with some more wonderful ideas for a Fall themed wedding:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPAe0y5lT0I/AAAAAAAAAE4/QF_DjxaQWe8/s1600-h/orangeweddingcolorsboard.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SPAe0y5lT0I/AAAAAAAAAE4/QF_DjxaQWe8/s400/orangeweddingcolorsboard.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255734657506692930" /></a><br /><br />If you are planning a Fall wedding, hopefully you were inspired by some of these ideas and designs.Sealed With A Kisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02615343772541360029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650789585441103944.post-84481388188634887662008-10-09T18:35:00.024-04:002008-11-02T00:21:54.594-04:00Halloween FunHalloween is quickly approaching. If you are planning to throw a big Halloween bash this year or if you always throw an annual Halloween party, here are some great decorating ideas from the <a href="http://www.hostesswiththemostess.com/">Hostess With the Mostess</a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SO6JbJU3foI/AAAAAAAAABc/v_hxtObsztg/s1600-h/image_2592_608_1000.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SO6JbJU3foI/AAAAAAAAABc/v_hxtObsztg/s320/image_2592_608_1000.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255288914640862850" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SO6YsC_7W4I/AAAAAAAAACs/91UriTTBDZk/s1600-h/image_2577_500_340.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SO6YsC_7W4I/AAAAAAAAACs/91UriTTBDZk/s320/image_2577_500_340.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255305697674615682" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SO6Y2JmNEwI/AAAAAAAAAC0/qkI7cki-8PM/s1600-h/image_2583_500_340.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SO6Y2JmNEwI/AAAAAAAAAC0/qkI7cki-8PM/s320/image_2583_500_340.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255305871244464898" /></a><br /><br />Instead of decorating in the typical Black and Orange, why not get creative and change the colors up at bit and throw some "Pink" in the mix for a "girly" feel. You can also throw in your own personal touch by wrapping wine bottles in decorative black Halloween paper like this:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SO6gpJRlVcI/AAAAAAAAAC8/Wm9Gcmk0avA/s1600-h/image_2585_500_340.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SO6gpJRlVcI/AAAAAAAAAC8/Wm9Gcmk0avA/s320/image_2585_500_340.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255314443912697282" /></a><br /><br /><br />If you want to plan a more "formal" event but still have a spooky vibe going on, you can go do something like this:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SO6L-xtzqcI/AAAAAAAAABk/KSe0SH13Qn8/s1600-h/image_2501_500_340.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SO6L-xtzqcI/AAAAAAAAABk/KSe0SH13Qn8/s320/image_2501_500_340.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255291725801564610" /></a><br /><br />Our "Hostess With The Mostess" describes this as "Spooky Chic"<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SO6NM00xqTI/AAAAAAAAABs/x8q4xG1MT4M/s1600-h/image_2532_500_340.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SO6NM00xqTI/AAAAAAAAABs/x8q4xG1MT4M/s320/image_2532_500_340.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255293066665896242" /></a><br /><br />The picture above is also from the "Spooky Chic" party. Another personal touch is to serve drinks that coincide with your theme colors.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SO6Ou5C5WkI/AAAAAAAAAB0/Qbsf3dwaJK4/s1600-h/image_2537_500_340.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SO6Ou5C5WkI/AAAAAAAAAB0/Qbsf3dwaJK4/s320/image_2537_500_340.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255294751426042434" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SO6PWV8x07I/AAAAAAAAAB8/CrBbLE1KS1k/s1600-h/image_2533_500_340.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SO6PWV8x07I/AAAAAAAAAB8/CrBbLE1KS1k/s320/image_2533_500_340.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255295429199909810" /></a><br /><br />You can also get creative by serving drinks in specially labeled glasses with warning stickers daunting words like "Infested" "Corrosive" and "Poison"<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SO6QfhdHFjI/AAAAAAAAACE/eKT-v0SOCyA/s1600-h/image_2534_500_340.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SO6QfhdHFjI/AAAAAAAAACE/eKT-v0SOCyA/s320/image_2534_500_340.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255296686418761266" /></a><br /><br />Puts a whole new meaning to "Think Before You Drink" doesn't it? LOL! <br /><br />*The <a href="http://www.marthastewartcrafts.com/detail.php?p=32411&SESSID=fe83e40b69c2f6f49fd223982d7adaa5">warning stickers </a>can be found <a href="http://www.marthastewartcrafts.com/detail.php?p=32411&SESSID=fe83e40b69c2f6f49fd223982d7adaa5">here</a><br /><br />Don't know what to serve your guests at your Halloween bash other than the typical Halloween candy? Why not try something like these cute little Halloween Cake Pops from Bakerella over at <a href="http://bakerella.blogspot.com/">http://bakerella.blogspot.com/</a>:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SO6SVF6YjsI/AAAAAAAAACM/dKSR8D3H4M4/s1600-h/untitled.bmp"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SO6SVF6YjsI/AAAAAAAAACM/dKSR8D3H4M4/s320/untitled.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255298706249912002" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SO6TGqOftVI/AAAAAAAAACU/Jmg5hFGrAvk/s1600-h/2917626306_d2e633b8b7.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SO6TGqOftVI/AAAAAAAAACU/Jmg5hFGrAvk/s320/2917626306_d2e633b8b7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255299557811533138" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SO6TO3c5-vI/AAAAAAAAACc/DpEuZmpRmz8/s1600-h/2916782261_88848e4dd5.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SO6TO3c5-vI/AAAAAAAAACc/DpEuZmpRmz8/s320/2916782261_88848e4dd5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255299698800589554" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SO6TZWW5G8I/AAAAAAAAACk/R4ZPhsZ5Wxs/s1600-h/2916781747_7c5ba56f0f.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fnLmtDCBcJs/SO6TZWW5G8I/AAAAAAAAACk/R4ZPhsZ5Wxs/s320/2916781747_7c5ba56f0f.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255299878895557570" /></a><br /><br />Dying to make these cute little "spooktacular" treats? Well head on over to Bakerella's <a href="http://bakerella.blogspot.com/">site</a> for instructions and ingredients to use.Sealed With A Kisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02615343772541360029noreply@blogger.com3