Happy New Year!

Wishing you all a wonderful New Year. May we ALL be blessed and have a better year than we did this year. YAY 2010!!!!

Season's Greetings and Horchata!!!

Season's Greetings from our family to yours! I hope you all have a wonderful hoiday/Christmas and weekend. We will be having my family over today on Christmas Eve. My mom will bring tamales (purchased from a restaurant that makes them....we used to, but don't anymore) and I will be making rice, beans, carnitas and potato salad. I will also make horchata. No, not from scratch...sorry....I don't know how. I actually don't even really like horchata. In fact, I just found out from my 12 year old a few days ago that it's a rice drink. I know, I'm really bad at this kind of stuff.
I found this packet of horchata at Walmart that you mix with water. How easy is that? I hope it tastes good to everyone that knows what it's supposed to taste like. ........
.....and this is what I'll be serving it in. Isn't she beautiful? I just got her this past weekend from Target. She was actually purchased with "wedding" in mind, but I figured....why not break her in a little? =) And it's the perfect occasion.
Tomorrow my Mr's family comes for his famous homemade menudo (uh, which I also don't like). I'm so bad! So I will be eating left over carnitas....AND I found a mix to make tamarindo too (I'm not sure if I like that). He said tamarindo will go better with menudo than horchata would. OK....what do I know? It's a good thing I have people around me that know what the heck is going on! lol
So, 2 fun filled days with family! Yay! And hopefully a relaxing weekend. {{sigh}}
Have fun everyone!!! =)

Just Thought I'd Share My Tree

Hope you all have a fantastic Christmas with your families!

LinenTablecloth.com- NOW Is The Time To Buy!

This is such a fantastic sale at LinenTablecloth.com! 50% off of selected already clearance items! Thanks Brittney from Sand Dollars & Sunflowers for the heads up on this great deal!
Well, since I had already bought my round tablecloths and napkins quite awhile ago, I ended up buying my aisle runner (white)75.5 feet long with polyester on one side/satin on the other, one purple polyester 108" long table cloth (for either my cake table, guestbook table or some other table-lol), and 9 white table runners for my round tables. All came out to $37.39.....not bad at all....free shipping!

A Bride All Lit Up Like A Christmas Tree?

There's no use in thinking "I thought I'd seen it all", because there will always be something out there that will either dumbfound you, make you dream, or have those three little special initials pop into your head....WTF!
These dresses come from a web store called Enlighted. And they don't just have wedding dresses. They have vests, capes, jackets, bras, hats, shoes, belts....you name it!
So what do you ladies think of this dress?

Here's a youtube video of the light show in action:

Ghost Chairs- WOW!

What an awesome idea! I just barely saw these for the first time today. Of course, we couldn't possibly afford to rent these for our reception.....but I can dream, can't I?
So beautiful.....
So clean and elegant..........
I really do love the look..........
......and there's absolutely no need for chair covers!

These chairs are manufactured by Kartell and designed by Phillipe Starck. There are actually 3 different styles of chairs like this. The first is called the Kartell classic Louis ghost ($410 to purchase!) , the second is called the Victoria ghost chair ($330), and the third is the La Marie ($305!).

Here's a place I found in California that rents the Louis version of these gorgeous chairs for $12.00 each:

Baker Party Rentals

So what do you think? Cool, right?

Picture credits: Pure Contemporary, TaylorCreative.com, Manolo for the brides, bryanjeanphotography.com

I Made One Myself!-DIY

(above pic from Martha Stewart)
You remember my posting about these creative little centerpieces (here) ? Well, in it I stated that I would be alternating these luminescent photo frame centerpieces with the original ones that I planned on doing (simple floating candle centerpieces). Well, I have finally tackled that project and made one! Woo-hoo!
I started with some 4 x 6 silver frames that I found at The Dollar Tree. I also bought more of this same type, some unfinished wood frames and some silver 5 x 7 frames, but have only actually completed one centerpiece to share with you. You start with removing the backs off of these and only using the front frame and glass. The backs can be discarded, or you can actually use them for something like signs.
Since these frames were silver ( one of my wedding palette colors) I didn't have to hassle with painting it.
I then went on Picasa (I don't have Photoshop or anything like that) =(
I placed the pictures so that I could fit 2 pictures per sheet of vellum....'cause it's kinda expensive paper. I got mine from Michael's....a package of I believe 100 at half price with a coupon. woohoo!
Here's are a few of the sheets I've printed thus far.
After printing them out, it's time to cut.
I used the insert that came in the frame for a template for cutting.
When you're done, place the pics in the frames then attach the frames to each other. I used duct tape (from a 99 cent store), which holds very well. I've also read other directions that said you can use epoxy. I really like the duct tape because it's clean....no muss, no fuss, and no waiting for anything to dry.
And here's my photo frame with a candle placed in the center (in a candle holder high enough to keep flame protected).
I love it! And it was SOOOO simple to make. I only bought one set that I will have to paint.....or maybe I'll just find another set that I won't have to paint. =)
Is anyone else planning on using this idea? You know, you don't even have to use these as centerpieces. These would be great at a remembrance table....for those that have passed and couldn't be with us to share in the celebration.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Hope you all have a wonderful day with friends and family. We will have much of our family missing from our get together this year for various reasons, but they will be in our hearts and in our thoughts. ~~~Happy Thanksgiving~~~~

My DIY Map Printed On Photo Paper

Do you remember the hand drawn map I made? Well, I just thought I would share the printed out view of it. The colors came out much darker in the printed out form.....which is totally fine with me. I really didn't need a map anyways, but I thought it would be a fun project (and it was!). =)

My Sweets Bags Display-DIY

So, I've shown you how I was going to use my monogrammed stickers that I got from UPrinting (here). They will be used on the purple cellophane bags for my "sweets" table. Now here is the way the bags will be displayed......
I made this mock up really quick just for blog posting purposes.
I have 2 tall cylinder vases like this that I will be using. It's not exactly the way I want it.....the word "enjoy" will be in different writing. I used a stencil I had for the letters on this, and I am not impressed at all with the results. I think it would have come out much better freehand. But other than the font on the tag, I think they will work out just fine.
I got the template for the tag/label here . (Wedding Style Guide)
You are able to type into the blank space directly onto the downloaded template, but I felt the lettering was too small for my taste. Template comes in paled colors of purple (shown), yellow and green.

Square Cupcakes?

Can you believe I had never seen these before yesterday? Do I live under a rock, or what? They are so freakin' cute! Especially because they're not your regular run of the mill round cupcakes.
I wouldn't mind having these at our wedding. I was watching the Martha Stewart show yesterday (on destination weddings) and they showed these square cupcakes. I immediately looked them up online. They also go by "mini cakes", but I'm not really sure that they are one in the same.
Very pretty, but not sure if these can only be done in fondant..........

Pic sources: cakethat.com, photobucket

Thee Stickers Have Arrived!

Here they are....just arrived yesterday. My monogrammed 3 x 3 stickers from UPrinting and Sand Dollars & Sunflowers (thanks Brittney, you rock!). They're pretty BIG! I wasn't sure if they would look okay on my "sweets" bags for my Sweets Buffet.......
...but I think they look alright. I'll try and post a pic soon of the way my bags will be displayed.
BTW....I got my bags from a dollar store by my house(30 bags/ $1). NOT BAD! =)
Anyone having a candy or sweets buffet? What type of bags will you use (if any), and how and will they be decorated?

Monkey Tails?

You remember my post on the awesome bout I fell in love with? If you don't remember, you can look here. I really like it because it has a "manly" masculine look to it, don't you agree? Well, I found out a few things about the dark swirly thingy that's in it. It's called a Fiddlehead Fern, but also goes by the name of Monkey Tails, Uluhe Ferns and False Staghorn.
I was thinking of incorporating this "monkey tail" into my bouquet. I think just a few speckled around my bouquet would be enough. But I don't really plan on making my own bouquet (though, that can change), but I am definitely planning on making a DIY bout....ok, not definitely...more like probably. hehe
Here is another bout I found using this strange fern.......
....and more.
Here, they've used them in their centerpieces. They look interesting, but as centerpieces they sorta creep me out. They somehow remind me of venus fly traps, even though they look nothing like them....hmmmm?
Here's a whole family of them. =)
A bouquet with them. This is about how many I think I would use in a bouquet....maybe a little less considering the least expensive you can probably find these for is about $1.50 a piece! Expensive little suckers!
I also found out that these are edible! They are, from what I understand, a unique
delicacy from northern New England, particularly prized in Maine and New Hampshire. They are also very rich in vitamins A and C. Whoulda thunk?
And here's yet another bouquet with these whimsical, strange and expensive (maybe even yummy?) little guys.
Anything a bit "unusual" you'll be having in your bouquet?


Pic sources: marthastewart.com, camflor.com, sherrilee.wordpress.com, jesse leake photography, photobucket, petalsedge.com, visionart and wedding day photo

2010 Mini Photo Calender Templates

This is so cool, and just in time for the holidays. You can get these templates for free....exclusively from Shutter Sisters. These are great for gift giving, save-the-date cards, or even in place of sending out Christmas cards. Favors for an upcoming wedding? They are sized to fit into a cd jewel case.....so many possibilities. So go get your free template now!

UPDATE: SeeHere! Don't Miss Out On This!

I don't know if you've already heard or not, but SeeHere.com is giving away 50 photo cards....AND free shipping! So you pay absolutely nothing! No obligations to do anything!
But this offer ends this Saturday, so hurry on over. This is for ANY 4 x 8 photocard....perfect for your Save The Dates, Holiday cards, bridal shower invites.....anything goes!
Oh, and you don't have to get all 50 in the same style either. You can get 10 of these, one of these, 22 of those....so forth and so on. What a deal! But wait, that's not all. You also get ENVELOPES for these.
So my UPDATE....I forgot to post the coupon code you will need to enter at checkout for this special offer...DOH!
Here it is: freebies4mom-1109

(Courtesy of freebies4mom.com)

8 Wedding Songs To Skip- from the knot

The knot just posted this article: 8 Wedding Songs To Skip- written by Bethany Porter

We're not saying we don't like these songs (okay…we don't like the "Chicken Dance"), but we think it's time to reconsider whether these really are wedding music essentials. Here are eight songs you might want to add to your "do-not-play list."


1. "YMCA" -- Village People

Why to Skip It: The fact that everyone knows the words, everyone knows the dance, and that this song fits lots of occasions -- between innings at a baseball game, for instance -- does not automatically qualify it as a must at your wedding.
2. "Chicken Dance"

Why to Skip It: At a wedding, everyone's dressed to the nines and feeling festive. Is this really the best time to flap your arms like a chicken in front of that cute bridesmaid/groomsman/new spouse? Didn't think so.
3. "Stayin' Alive" -- Bee Gees

Why to Skip It: There aren't too many people who know more than one line and one dance move to this song -- leave "Stayin' Alive" to the Saturday Night Fever reruns.
4. "Every Breath You Take" -- The Police

Why to Skip It: The Police are legendary, but the tune is a little high school dance-ish, and the line "Every move you make…I'll be watching you" is a little stalker-ish.
5. "Total Eclipse of the Heart" -- Bonnie Tyler

Why to Skip It: This song is worth skipping if only to avoid any guest from reenacting the profanity-laced rendition made famous from Will Ferrell's wedding in Old School.
6. "Macarena" -- Los Del Rio

Why to Skip It: You may know how to do the dance -- but do you really want to? Besides, everyone has a few certain relatives they'd rather not see get down with that hip swivel move.
7. "My Heart Will Go On" -- Celine Dion

Why to Skip It: We're not passing judgment on Celine Dion, but Titanic propelled this song into the realm of romance cliche. Besides, remember that Leo died in the movie -- a bit tragic for a wedding.
8. "Mony Mony" -- Billy Idol

Why to Skip It: Not sure what Billy Idol is singing in this song? Most other people don't know, either, and when that's the case, a good 10 percent of sing-alongers will find a way to say something objectionable.

-- Bethany Porter

Our Wedding Recessional Song

We just began last weekend thinking of the songs we will incorporate into our wedding.



We definitely decided on our recessional song, which will be "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz. I love this song so much...it gives my soul a lift, and puts a big smile in my heart and on my face. What better song to end the wedding ceremony with?
I remember the first time I heard this song....it was on my daughter's myspace page (when she had one). Love at first sound! I'm soooo glad that my Honey also loved it the first time I played it for him. It was meant to be played at our wedding.



Thanks Born to be Mrs. Beever, for giving me an idea for a post today. Like I told you.....I was having a tough time thinking of what to write about today....hope you don't mind.



You see, I have to post everyday during the month of November because that is what I commited to. (NaBloPoMo)
I think I've done very well up to this point, although I did have a few days where I just sort of put "whatever" type of stuff up. Oh well, at least I'm writing, right?



Born to be Mrs. Beever also committed to this, and I believe already had a whole months in drafts waiting to be posted. Good idea! I wish I had that many ideas in my head. Most of my thoughts right now are about getting projects that are half done or not even started, DONE. I'd like to put all this craft stuff put away once and for all, especially since Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve will be here at our house.
OK...I've begun to rant......so......



What songs have you decided on for your processional and recessional? I'll write about our processional tomorrow.....gotta spread this out, you know?

I Can't Wait Til They Get Here!

The sticker design has been sent in and approved, and now all I have to do is wait for their arrival.
Thanks so much to Brittney from Sand Dollars & Sunflowers for having her giveaway for 250 labels from UPrinting!
I will be using these for my sweets buffet bags. And since there are so many, I may use a few for the outside envelopes of the invites....if they don't look too big on the envelopes, that is. I ordered 3 x 3 stickers, so we'll see.
Hurry, hurry, hurry! Oh...I can't wait to see them.

Have You Gotten Your Man's Ring Yet?

Aren't these just gorgeous? And the price....wow! These rings are from Titanium Kay. This is where I bought my Mr.'s ring, which was also only $99. I got the Tungsten Greco Carbide style.
But these.....wow....I really like these.
I had a really great experience with Titanium Kay. They tell you on their site exactly how to measure for their rings (it's a little different than the usual way) to ensure the best fit. I followed their guidelines and it was a perfect fit! And I received it in something like 2 or 3 days!
Have you gotten your Mr.'s ring yet? What kind was it?

Cupcakes, Cake or Fake Cake?

So I am now considering going with :
a) a cupcake tower, with a small cake on top for us to cut -OR-
b) a partially fake (DIY) cake with the top tier real for us to cut and sheet cakes in the kitchen for the guests


My Mr. found a friend of a co-worker who does cakes, so I will email her with what I want (my original idea of a small real 2 tier cake for display and sheetcake in the kitchen). Depending on what THAT estimate is, I may have to consider these other options.
Has anyone else done the fake cake thing?