I Heart Fascinators!!!

While the world waits with baited breath to see bride-to-be Kate Middleton's wedding gown, the royal wedding guests are certainly turning heads with a collection of stunning fascinators.

FASCINATORS defined:

Hair accessories, usually clips or pins with feathers, flowers, or lace, are everywhere these days, gracing the heads of celebrities, brides, and girls who love a little vintage flair on Saturday nights. Although they're cool and trendy now, they've actually been around since at least the 18th century, when large feathered and beaded hair accessories were the height of fashion. Funnily enough, a "fascinator" initially meant a lacy, fancy head covering for ladies to wear with their evening clothes. However, the meaning has evolved over the centuries to encompass the fun, flirty confections we wear in our hair now.

With the long awaited Royal Wedding happening I can't imagine the trend of these head pieces being the next big thing in wedding accessories.

Here are a few modern styled Fascinators perfect for that special day or everyday!

Rachel Trevor Morgan, milliner to the Royal family { R1196 + R1124 + R11102 }

Louise Green Millinery { kelly black and white + minnie silver + off face floppy }

Leah C Millinery { accessories + hats + aviary collection }

xoxo

Baby Wednesday...

Floating Hearts...

Bath time isn't always the most favorite time of the day for most kids. I don't know if they just hate sharing the water with the rubber duckies or just think smelling like sand and milk stains is cool.

Here's an amazing toy / game that might help get your kids in the tub. Give the duckies and bubbles a rest and see how many times your kid can beat you at gold fish while rinsing their hair.

Milliwik Floating Playing Cards
Flat bath time card games ($11-$13) have no nooks for nastiness to take hold. Choose from SplashJack, a kid-friendly deck of cards; Splashimals, a mix-and-match animal game; and SumBodies, a character mash-up. Visit www.milliwik.com

Enjoy!

Pancakes!

Because today is a special day! The day I was brought in this world...what better way to celebrate, but with pancakes. Most people know I am not too traditional. So no need for a cake. Just give me 4-5 stacks of delicious flat cakes with strawberry toppings and I am one happy girl!

Anybody else going to partake in a little birthday pancake treat? If you are what's your favorite topping for these fluffy round delights? Are you gonna go classic with maple syrup and tones of butter? Or maybe honey? Or maybe even take it more savory than sweet?

Whatever you decide you really can't go wrong. Looking for an easy and awesome recipe here's one:

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth.
2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.
   

Happy Birthday to MEEEEH!

xoxo

Viva Las Vegas... No More!

Planning a bachelorette party??? If you are, make sure you don't limit your options to just Viva Las Vegas. Here are a few fun and different destinations Get Married Magazine have suggested for you and the girls.

Memphis, Tennessee

Why We Love it: From blues music to BBQ aplenty, this town sure knows how to show off it's southern hospitality! Why You'll Love it: Gambling boats, Graceland, great food, music and cool boutique hotels near Beale Street -- it's definitely has enough going on to keep you and your girls entertained for a long weekend.

Key West, Florida

Why We Love it: Great bars, beautiful weather, and no need for cars - Key West is tropical paradise you can easily manage on foot and not have to worry who's going to play designated driver while you're there. Why You'll Love it: Artwork, Hemingway, and bar room turtle races are just some of the highlights for this small island off the Florida Keys. Why pay Miami prices when you can enjoy an awesome getaway without the crowds and major attitude?

Austin, Texas

Why We Love it - A college town like no other, Austin boasts a hipster crowd and a celebrity following. Fashion and music rule the scene - a perfect mix if you're looking to get your shop on while celebrating your last days of freedom. Why You'll Love it: Unless you're planning on traveling to L.A. or New York, Austin is the one place you're likely to run into a celebrity (Sandra Bullock and Matthew *McConaughey are just two A-listers who have homes and businesses in the area). The South by Southwest Festival is another plus -- catch indie music and movies and then hit the bars afterwards and rub shoulders with Hollywood's biggest movers and shakers.

Sedona, Arizona

Why We Love it: The anti-bachelorette party destination, Sedona is all about relaxing and taking a breather from the stressors that come with planning your wedding day.* Why You'll Love it: Sedona's downtown is full of gourmet restaurants, art galleries, spas, and wine-tasting opportunities aplenty. If you're the outdoorsy type, you can always go for a hike through Red Rock country.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Why We Love it: With it's easy-breezy style, numerous bars and restaurants, and many walkable/mass transit options, the Big Easy is a no-brainer if you want to kick back, relax, and have a blast along the way. Why You'll Love it: From the many bars on Bourbon St. to the amazing shopping options over in the Garden District, you won't have a problem finding something to keep you occupied during your stay there.

These destinations may not be your first choice, but how memorable will it be to explore and be adventurous in a new city / town with the gals.

Have fun!!!

xoxo

credits: www.getmarried.com

"An Island Invasion"

With Spring here and Summer near I can't wait to add in my season's wardrobe this amazing collection designed by Charlotte Taylor.

Charlottes inspirations transgress into yet another weird and wonderful combination. Vintage Robots, Sail making, Copper and Rust provide the catalysts for Charlotte's second collection. Expect unusual fabric combinations and heaps of colour.

It's quirky, British, elegant and most importantly; it's fun.

“AN ISLAND INVASION”

Happy Shopping... www.charlottetaylorltd.com

xoxo

Something New, Something Borrowed and Something White...

I am such a fan of BHLDN and their awesome collection. Check out these amazing white dresses that is perfect for that casual, small backyard wedding as well as for the bridal shower and or even the rehearsal dinner.

Of course a dress is never complete without the shoes and accessories.

You can find all these amazing collection at www.bhldn.com

Enjoy and remember being comfortable is as important as looking good.

Cupcake Madness...

On your wedding day, you'll probably expect to meet so many family and friends. Those you've know for years and those you've barely met. With so many different personality in your guest list, choosing that one or two cake flavor for dessert might not always be someone's cup of tea.

If you want a little variety on your wedding desserts, but don't want to limit it to 2 cake flavors, check out these amazing unique styles of cupcakes. They might not be your traditional wedding cake, but it'll sure knock your guest's shocks off when they see these unique little bit size treats full of flavor and swag.

Enjoy!

Paper Botanicals...

I LOVE flowers especially the freshly picked ones. If I can seriously sleep on a bed of flowers, that would be a dream come true. So for me I always thought anyone who had fake flowers in their home or decor was so tacky. It amazes me though how faux flowers now a days look more and more real.

Quick Story Telling: There's a girl at work with this beautiful orchid and I swear ever time I see it I always wonder how she keeps them so fresh and pretty. Then 3 months pass and that orchid still stands. Then of course I wonder, what was the deal. So I had to go to her office and take a closer look. OMG!!! Yes... They were in fact plastic orchids! I swear that was the lamest I ever felt. You think you know it all and when something like that hits you in the head, you seriously feel dumb. I sure did. It was a good laugh.

Being in the wedding industry, I am always seeing new and unique trends. As much as I am not a big fan of faux flowers, I have noticed faux flowers are brewing in the wedding trends this season. In particular paper flowers. If you haven't seen such art, well you are sure missing out. They look soooo real. I can't believe the amazing talent of these floral artists.... Hats off to them!

Check out these amazing paper flowers designed by Paper Botanicals.

It's a perfect and unique way to dress your center pieces, ceremony or where ever else you need it. So I guess in this case fake or not, the outcome will always be beautiful.

Make sure you check them out www.paperbotanicals.com

Enjoy!

xoxo

All Twisted Up....

The most important thing in any wedding is how the Bride Feels and Look... Isn't that right?

When I was getting married, I have to say I was so stressed out about how I was going to do my make up and especially hair. As crazy as this sounds a hair style can really complete the look and ensemble you're going for.

You have to really ask yourself:

"Am I going bohemia?"

"Am I going traditional?"

"Am I going trendy and chic?"

Yes! The questions can go on and on and on. Here are a few new and stylish hair styles I ran into from Kiss the Groom Blog (www.kissthegroom.com)

The Bed Head (Sexy and Chic)

The Bohemia (Simple and Casual)

The Trendsetter (Stylish and Artistic)

The Traditional (Vintage and Sweet)

Hope this helps!

xoxo

DIY Fabric Flower Containers...

Tips for the Budget Bride...

Sticking within your budget when planning a wedding is very important. There's so much you want to do and add but of course everything has a price. Here's a great tip to personalize your upcoming Spring / Summer wedding... DIY Fabric Flower Containers.

These fabric covered flower containers are super easy to make and very inexpensive. By going to IKEA and getting a container for $1, then adding fabric, you have an instant decor piece for your wedding. Pick the fabric, twine or ribbon, and flowers based on your wedding colors to make them completely custom. They are perfect for hanging on the chairs along the aisle.

Supplies: Bygel IKEA containers (only $1 each), spray mount, fabric, twine, scissors, and flowers.


Step 1: Cut a piece of fabric 14″ x 9″


Step 2: Using the spray mount, go outside and spray the entire IKEA container. Make sure to spray a little on the inside rim as well.

Step 3. Take your fabric and tightly wrap it around your container. Make sure to press the fabric firmly against the container and smooth out creases and air bubbles. Tuck the fabric at the top inside the container. Then cut off any excess in the back to make a smooth line.


Step 4: Add twine or ribbon by tying it around the “hook” on the back of the container.

Step 5: Add flowers!

It's a crafty way to make you're wedding extra special!

Happy Crafting!

xoxo

(Credits: Project created by Dolci Odille)

A Town of Art...

I had a fun time visiting Sonoma today. Not only did I meet amazing and talented gals from The Collectiones Event Studio, but I had a minute to drive around this old historic town and admire the natural beauty this town has to offer. Like ever old town comes raw and classic art, wether it's the street signs, graffiti art hidden behind a wall near an ally or the church that peacefully sits there and admires back at you. This place is flawless and what comes with that is a picture perfect wedding.

Here are a few pictures of a Town full of Art!

xoxo