Valentine's Day Brides

Photo courtesy of Zappos

 

Are you a Valentine's Day bride? How about a kickin' pair of shoes (and flats at that, so much more comfortable.) You will love these beauties, whether you decide to wear them for your wedding or for another occasion, you have to admit, they are great shoes.

Where can you find them? Zappos. Where else? The shoes are made by Vaneli and the style is called Gabbie.  They are a little pricey for a one time wear shoe which is what is great, these aren't shoes you'll wear just once. And if you love the style you can also buy them in tan or black.

So all you Valentine's Day brides, head over to Zappos to order your shoes. You might as well have comfort and style.  Price: $119.99.

Wishing Wells For Wedding Showers

Wedding showers frequently come with a note attached to bring a kitchen item for a wishing well for the bride. Sometimes the decision about what to bring for the wishing well is harder than choosing the shower gift. Brides frequently register for larger gifts, but often forget to add wishing well priced items. So how to decide what to bring?

 

Photo courtesy of The 'Ove'Glove on 'As Seen On TV'

My favorite wishing well items are oven mitts. I know, ho hum, boring. But I've found two types that are family favorites. My daughters both swear by Ove-Gloves. I know, weird name, ugly gloves, but hey, you can't complain when they work! So Ove-Gloves are not a bad choice. Don't be put off by having to add shipping and handling, my local Rite-Aid Pharmacy carries them, so check your local stores before ordering online.

Photo courtesy of Williams Sonoma

My personal favorites are oven gloves from Williams Sonoma. Williams Sonoma has many different options for oven gloves but I like these best. (They have some similar to the Ove-Glove as well.) These come in a variety of colors and I've never been burned through them. They are easier to use than typical pot holders, and the colors make a nice accent for my kitchen.

 

OXO Ice Cream Scoop photo from JCP

Other favorites? OXO products. I love their products. Good quality and they last. Consider an ice cream scoop, egg slicer, carrot peeler.

 

Acacia Trivet from Crate and Barrel

Or head to Crate and Barrel and pick up an acacia trivet. I own some of these and love them. Inexpensive but work really well and look great!

So the next time you are stymied on what to bring for a wedding shower Wishing Well, just click on WDW, we're full of good ideas.

The Almost Perfect Bride

It's  your wedding. You've spent a year, possibly more planning each detail. You've read dozens of bridal magazines, blogs and seen all the latest wedding fantasies shown on television. Inside your head you have a vision of the perfect bride, the perfect wedding, the perfect day.

But what is reality and what is fantasy? As you read bridal mags and blogs it is important to realize that the 'brides' in these photo shoots are models who have stylists, and who are airbrushed, have their photos retouched, makeup done by professionals, and have photographers who are experts at making a fantasy appear real on a slick magazine page.

Do you have a perfection fantasy as you plan your wedding? Can your perfection fantasy ruin the reality of your wedding day? The answer to that is a resounding 'YES!' The fantasies that live in our heads (and that we've nurtured possibly from the first time we watched Cinderella) are just that fantasies. We need to accept that they aren't reality.

Will you look like that six foot tall, size zero model in that $30,000 dress on your wedding day? Not unless you are a six foot tall size zero bride wearing the same dress, and even then you probably won't have access to the professionals that spend entire days creating that one photo. So it's time to recognize what is YOUR reality.

You may be a tad overweight, or have a less than perfectly toned body (at least in comparison to a model) so accept this. Sure, head to the gym and work out, but don't lose sight of what your wedding day is all about--the beginning of your life with your new husband. Realize you are great just the way you are. After all, your husband to be didn't ask that model on the magazine page to marry him, he asked you.

So plan a day that reflects you and your fiance's values. Strive to show your family and friends the bond between the two of you and how important it is in your lives. 'Glow' for your husband with the happiness that only a woman in love can achieve. And remember, be kind to each other all through the planning process. Don't let the 'perfection plan' get in the way of real life.

The perfect bride is not the one you see on the pages of that magazine, the perfect bride for your groom is YOU. Just the way you are. So smile, enjoy planning your wedding together, but realize something will go wrong, it always does, so just go with the flow and enjoy your day.

Stubborn Groom?

We've all dealt with them, stubborn MEN! Grooms are no exception. So if your groom is acting a little bit stubborn, I have the perfect food to serve at your wedding:

Photo courtesy of TL Catering

 

Just have your caterer change your entrees to pork--this one sort of looks like my husband (just kidding Bill... but... watch your step or Thanksgiving may NOT feature turkey this year.)  Sometimes a little bit of levity is a good thing as you are planning a wedding, so I offer you 'pig on plate' or 'the stubborn groom picnic entree.' OK guys, get with it, sort of looks like a few of you out there!

 

All kidding aside, a pig roast is a great relaxing way to have a wedding. Caterers can recommend someone who specializes in roasting a whole pig for you, as well as serving it attractively. Great for a backyard wedding or an alfresco affair. Pig roasts are not inexpensive, but definitely less than filet! And the photo alone would make it well worth it!

The Cons Of Online Shopping

Wedding Shower Gifts. Wedding Gifts. All items you want to have arrive on time. Unfortunately sometimes when you order them online the order does not get there on the promised date, leaving you embarassed and hunting for a last minute gift. Sometimes it is a result of a split shipment. Sometimes it is just plain late. And sometimes, even when you pay extra shipping costs to have a gift arrive it doesn't get there when you need it.

Have you ordered online and experienced a split shipment? If you spend much time shopping online you probably have. What I had not experienced before was having the split shipment cause a problem with a daughter's shower gift.

Online shopping offers you many conveniences. Unfortunately it also offers some pitfalls. Pitfalls you do not want to encounter when shopping for a shower or wedding gift.

I ran into this when I shopped for my daughter's shower gift. I ordered three gifts from One Stop Plus. I paid extra to have things shipped to arrive well in time for her shower. The customer service associate assured me that the items would ALL arrive in time for her shower.

I could have shopped from a reputable company who would honor their promises and not had a problem, or who would have told me upfront that one item would not be shipped on time. I could have purchased the item that was missing from somewhere else, but I didn't. I specifically asked the company rep if all items would arrive by the date needed and was assured they would even if they split shipped. I had no reason to think they would not get here when needed. They didn't arrive on time. Or at least one of them didn't.

So if you are shopping for a wedding or shower gift, and want to be sure it arrives in time for the event, and you don't have time to run around buying the same product at a brick and mortar store, don't trust them when they assure you that your items will arrive on time. Just shop brick and mortar from the start, then no worries.

Obviously the company felt as long as they shipped something to my house on the date promised it fulfilled their promises. I didn't receive a notice that one item would not arrive on time. It just wasn't there. Days later I got an email they were shipping it. Too late.

If you don't want to get stuck holding the bag and with a red face, buy from your local brick and mortar if it's a gift item. With the holidays coming it's something to consider before making your purchase.

Short and Sweet Hair For Weddings

Curly Wedding Hair Style 

Photo no longer shows up at link. See Pinterest link below. 

 

Wedding hair, especially if your hair is short and curly, is tricky. But I found these two styles that are perfect for your special day without making you pull all the 'natural' look out of your hair.

 

I'm a strong believer in keeping as close to your natural look as possible while adding enough styling to make it 'wedding day special.' Of course a good stylist and makeup artist don't hurt the look either.

 

 

 Photo courtesy this site, photo no longer available at that site, as seen on Pinterest. 

 

Curly Wedding Hair can be beautiful while retaining it's natural look. This second style has added some pretty decorative hair pins. Depending on the theme of your wedding, there are a variety of hairpins available to take you hair from ho hum to wow. They are well worth the small investment and can often be used on other occasions.

 

No matter how curly your hair, there is always an option that will allow you to retain your individuality but still look bridal.

 

Make Your Own Mini Wedding Cakes

Mini Wedding Cake Photo from Tablespoon

 

This easy recipe will make four mini wedding cakes from Betty Crocker cake mix. These make great individual servings or to be shared by a couple, as well as great favors. Buy tiny cake pans from William Sonoma.

 

Mini Cakelet Wedding Cake Pan From William Sonoma

 

 

Mini Wedding Cake Recipe 

• 1 Betty Crocker Supermoist white cake mix
• 2 whole eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/3 cup oil
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 (16 ounce) container Betty Crocker Whipped Fluffy White Frosting

1. Set your oven at 350 degrees F.
2. Combine top five ingredients, cake mix, 2 eggs, 1/2 Cup milk, 1/3 cup oil and 1 C of sour cream.
3. Mix on medium for thirty seconds.
4. Scrape bowl.
5. Then increase speed to high and beat for two minutes.
6. Spray your multi-cake mini wedding cake pan with Pam for baking.
7. Fill pans up to the top of the bottom layer.
8. Bake 15 minutes in 350 degree oven, then rotate pan and bake for another 15 minutes.
9. Frost an even layer of icing using a spatula.
10. Decorate using frosting tips, ribbon, pearls or other decorations.  

So if you are looking for an option to paying an expensive baker for that huge wedding cake, think about choosing these mini wedding cakes, easy to make at home and decorate with detailing from your local grocery store.

Buy two pans and double the recipe each time. Faster and easier yet!

 

 

I'd Call These The Best Shoes ...

Photo from tumbler

 

but I'll just find another pair and fall in love all over again next week! (This is the reason women marry people not shoes!)

 

Love these shoes for a rehearsal dinner, don't you? Sexy and cool at the same time! Can't wait to find a pair. Great for dancing and really show off your legs.

 

Anyone seen them anywhere else? I do so love shoes! Sometimes I just cannot resist sharing the loves of my life!

Topshop Trellis Rings Make Great Bridesmaid Gifts

Trellis Rings Photo courtesy of Nordstrum

 

Looking for a bridesmaid gift that tells your maids just how much you appreciate all they've done for you and how much they mean to you? Are you tired of the ho hum pearl necklaces? Have I got a gift for you!

 

How about this set of heart rings? The Trellis Heart Rings, straight from Nordstrum's are both trendy and heartfelt. They are easy for your bridesmaids to wear and can be dressed up or down. I love giving fun gifts and these fit the bill.

 

Enjoy Cupcakes At Your Wedding Reception

Photo courtesy of Enjoy Cupcakes

 

Why not make cupcakes the focus of your wedding reception? It is a great way to feed your guests, less mess and inexpensive.

 

Serve a variety of cupcakes with some quality lemonades and iced tea. You can even spike the lemonade if you want to!

 

Great for an early summer outdoor wedding in your local park or your own backyard. Friends and family can bring cupcakes as gifts, you provide the drinks, decor, and music. Sounds like a fun party to me!

 

Check Enjoy Cupcakes' Gallery for more great photos of delicious cupcakes and display ideas.

Photo shows: Left to Right ~ lemon basil sherbert www.bakingobsession.com, strawberry basil lemonade cupcake www.enjoycupcakes.com, vintage lemonade table Brea McDonald Photography, wine barrel lemonade stand www.countrygirlwedding.blogspot.com, bride with red shoes Elisabeth Millay photography, rustic centerpiece www.ourlaboroflove.com, vintage herb spoons www.etsy.com/shop/monkeysalwayslook, cowgirls forever trailer www.tinyhouseblog.com.jpg, tablescape www.marryyoume.com, vintage mugs www.jaditekate.etsy.com.jpg, strawberry mug www.flickr.com/photos/greenwellies/galleries