ghost writer

My friend Nicole (great name) is soon to be wed to a guy that I have known since grade school-and, I will admit, used to have a crush on (read it and weep Zach).  They are a couple that I can honestly say that I know were meant for each other-and it makes me so happy to see them so happy.  Both are of Mexican heritage and thus, will be saying "I Do" in Cancun this May.  Now, Nicole is a fashionista and has the inside scoop on all things wedding, so when she discovered that I am blogging she thought that she could help-and oh, has she ever.  Not only is Nicole planning her wedding on a budget, but she also has great taste-can you tell that she and I get along splendidly?!
Now, I will likely be borrowing ideas from Nicole a lot in the near future, and I should honestly probably be paying her for the leads that she provides, but until she names her price I will continue to freeload (not sure how I feel about that word, but it will have to do-for now).
So, one of the most appealing sites that she has led me to thus far is MyGatsby.com.  No matter the occasion, this site is to be bookmarked.  They provide ideas, inspiration, templates and step-by-step guides to creating your own invitations.  You can mix and match, pick your paper, print your own or craft a completely unique design.  Additionally, they provide quick tips and customer support over the phone so that if you get stuck or are having trouble, you are able to right your 'wrong' in no time.  No matter the occasion, My Gatsy is sure to have something that tickles your fancy.  And if you are short on time, check out their featured collections for exclusive invitations, beautiful designs and even green/eco-friendly galleries.

**Stay tuned for more ideas from the bride to be herself-including destination-themed inspiration.  Thanks in advance Nicole, for your amazing sense of style and willingness to contribute! 

a penny saved is a penny earned

Saving time and saving money do not always go hand in hand-where you save on one, you often splurge on the other.  I might suggest however, that for some things, the compromise is well worth it, depending on what is more valuable to you.  If it is money that you seek to save, there are a lot of DIY ideas out there, some of which utilize your God-given talents and do not require you to purchase many materials, if any.  Take, for example, writing your own invitations, or at least addressing them...while the time commitment is relatively large, the money you can save on a calligrapher, etc., can make it well worth your while.
Don't like your handwriting?  The alternative is to ask friend or relative who's handwriting is particularly neat or unique to write the invitations for you-either at a less-expensive rate, or in exhange for your undying gratitude (I prefer the latter).  Recently a good friend of mine asked me to address her wedding invitations and I gladly accepted.  Even though she and her fiancee had a large number of invitees, I found time on my lunch breaks, while watching television in the evenings, on weekends while sipping coffee (oh so carefully around the envelopes, of course) and intermittently during slow times at work-and before I knew it, they were done!  I took pride in knowing that I had saved my friends some money and that they would choose me to be a part of this important piece of correspondence.  Additionally, the process became part of my wedding gift to them; they valued my time and effort, and that gift is more memorable than any serving dish I might have picked out the day before (as is my style).

'tis the season to save money

So yesterday I got home from work and decided that it was about time to take down the Christmas decorations (tear).  For some reason, this year I have grown especially attached to my adorable 3 foot tall tree-and you would too if you saw it.  One by one I picked the ornaments from their perch and carefully wrapped them up until next year, but when it came time to take down the tree, I just couldn't do it.  I decided that I will keep the tree until it sheds enough needles to make me tire of vaccuming every day...so, maybe March? 
Honestly though, how much money goes into things that we throw away-in particular around the holidays?  From trees, to greeting cards, to wrapping paper, Christmas is expensive-notice no mention of gifts in that list.  Maybe more so than the tree, I felt bad throwing away cards from family and friends.  How do I look at a picture of your smiling children (one, by the way that was chosen through hours of deliberation on who looks good in which shot) and toss it in the garbage? 
The same can be said of the countless correspondence that has become standard to send when you are planning on getting married; engagement announcements, save the dates, invitations, RSVP cards, thank you notes-the list goes on and on.  A bride-to-be spends hours, not to mention thousands of dollars, choosing paper that guests will eventually throw away.  This got me to thinking...how do we encourage people to want to save what we send?  I can't expect my aunts and uncles to be framing my wedding invitation, but maybe they will throw it in a scrapbook if I make them think twice about it-like, "Oh this is just too pretty to be wasted".  Or what about a functional save the date?  I am just planting the seed here, but there are tons of options out there-and what a fine way to practice your green lifestyle! 
The following are just a few of my ideas-feel free to make them your own.

Coasters-sort of obsessed with this idea:

I love trees (as you have probably surmised by this point), and simply love this idea.  I have not yet seen a coaster save-the-date, etc., but I would assume that it could be done-all you need is heavy stock, recycled fiber and a wateproof ink.  This is something that could even be done at home, on the cheap(er).

Magnets-Magnets are a great idea, especially for people like myself, who spend a lot of time in front of the refridgerator.  I would bet that people who use a magnet as a save-the-date, etc., will have higher attendance on average, at their event.  Plus, who doesn't love a cute magnet?  Pretty sure that I would gladly throw away a Papa Johns magnet over a save-the-date should the fridge get too crowded.

Postcards-This is something that your guests could post on a bulletin board for years afterward and not look like serious creepers.  In fact they might appear to outsiders as seasoned travelers.

(Photobooth) photos-Although this has been done in many ways before, it is not a bad idea to send guests an invitation, etc., on the back of a photo; two birds, one stone.  This way, you are able to circulate a picture that you both like and get the word out.  It is my opinion that people are much less likely to throw away a picture than they are a piece of paper-no matter how fancy or elegant.

For more ideas and some amazing designs from independents, visit the New York Wedding Guide online.  Or, as per usual, check out etsy, where you are sure to find a multitude of treasures at reasonable prices.

Save on my friends.

arctic conditions=creative opportunities

Cold weather got you down?  Are you stuck inside with nothing to do besides watch repeated airings of 'Say Yes to the Dress'?  I feel you.  Looking on the bright side, being cooped up in your cozy abode while the wind whips outside your frosty window might provide a great opportunity to learn a new craft.  Not only are people finding new and interesting ways to be creative-some are actually making a living doing so, and you could very well join them.  Whether it is (a second) income you are looking for or just a fun, inexpensive and healthy way to spend a Saturday indoors, we have some great ideas for you.  One could spend hours on etsy (God knows I have), but that might be a good place to start in terms of idea generation and inspiration if you are lacking, otherwise, please read on for some delightfully entertaining and crafty suggestions.

• Letter Press
• Paper Flowers
• Anything knit: why not use these cold weather months to create winter-weather inspired accessories that you can rock no matter how low the temperature plummets?  Knitting is a time honored tradition and a relatively simple skill to master in time.  You can even learn to knit on youtube, so lessons may not even be necessary!
• Beaded _____ (fill in the blank): read anything!  The sky is the limit. 
• Embroidery: Can be used to create beautifully adorned clothing and accessories or can be exhibited alone as say, a monogrammed scarf or tote bag.
• Quilting: another time honored tradition.
• Create your own jewelry: either through embellishments on the items that you just don't wear or on new items that need some bedazzling.
• Furniture Refinishing

This list truly is just the beginning-no matter your passion, the opportunities to be creative with even the most mundane of objects are limitless.  So please, if you see that we have missed something that simply should not be overlooked, let us know-and until then, happy crafting!

eat, DRINK and be merry

With the holidays come parties, and with parties come appetizers, entrees, desserts and my personal favorite: beverages.  No, not because there is an endless assortment of alcoholic options, but because here again, the choices are abounding and the creative opportunities plentiful.  Whether it be a tall glass of egg nog, garnished with Nutmeg or a soothing hot tottie in a festive mug, the winter holiday season affords ample occasion to showcase your individuality down to the last drop.  Additionally, stir sticks and garnishes can be embellished to dress up a drink that may seem otherwise ordinary.  The following is a list of our personal favorites (some of the names are fun too!).

Kir Royales: Creme de Cassis, champagne or other sparkling white wine, tangerine or orange zest to garnish.
Ginger Sparkler: Fresh ginger, sugar, dry, sparkling wine (we like Prosecco)
Eggnog Martini: I don't even care what is in it, I'll take two.
Mulled Wine: This one is a little more complicated, but won't take you long (45 minutes), for the complete recipe, click here: mulled wine.
Apple Ginger Sparklers: Ginger syrup, sparkling apple cider, cinnamon sticks, crystallized ginger.
Pink Grapefruit "Margaritas": A great option for the kiddies as this margarita is non-alcoholic.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Can be made with or without a cordial of your choosing.

Running short on time?
Mulled cider is a no stress, no mess alternative to these sometimes-complicated concoctions.  If you are running short on time, follow this recipe; your guests will never guess that you took less than 10 minutes to prep this warm and tasty treat.

Hot chocolate (Suisse Miss made with milk works fine), garnished with marshmallows is also a time-honored, last minute warmer-upper that is sure to please in a moment's notice.

And if I have my way, Starbucks will soon make peppermint mochas in the cantine size (still working on that one).

Martha Speak

We are all familiar with winter and the inconveniences which it can provide. But the snowy season can also afford ample opportunity to add grace with seasonal colors and decor. For example, naturally bare branches covered in ice are easily and beautifully replicated using crystal beads and droplets to produce a sophisticated and luminous tone indoors. The following is a collection of ideas from Martha Stewart's crew at marthastewartweddings.com. Keep in mind however, that the most exciting piece of this may be that the options are limitless no matter the occassion.

Cold Weather Bouquets

The winter-white season is the perfect inspiration for pristine bridal bouquets.  Casablanca lillies can be wired into a plump and ruffled lily ball and intermixed with silver mesh leaves to create a sparkling bundle.  Additionally, anemones make a stunning white-laced bouquet and are elegant enough for a wedding, but classic enough for a holiday soiree.

Holiday Reds Bouquet

Velvety, perfectly-opened amaryllis blossoms and Hypericum berries resembling beads of garnet can be offset by lacy sprigs of arborvitae to create the perfect red arrangement.  Adding sprigs of mistletoe or pine branches will also help to create a warm holiday feel and could be used as a centerpiece or
a less traditional bridal bouquet.

Homemade (Holiday) Wreaths

Blue-gray juniper boughs and deep-green arborvitae will boldly replicate the cool colors of winter; the branches themselves determine the dramatic shape of the bouquet or wreath and can be sculpted to the creators liking.  Be it a swag or wreath that you desire, delicate and graceful snowdrops can be tied onto the branches to resemble tiny blossoms cascading as they would in nature.

Paper Wreaths

This wintry white alternative to the other, maybe more "traditional" wreath is an inexpensive way to decorate most any space.  Using tissue, delicate fabric or lace, this wreath won't wilt or fade and so can be made well ahead of time and reused in the future.  There are also an abundance of fun embellishments that could be added depending on your vision.  From whimsical to seasonal, this option affords many an opportunity for creativity.

Snowflake Confetti

A sprinkling of snowflake confetti at any event will help to set a merry mood.  Using a variety of different paper varieties and colors will also help to add a hint of seasonal "warmth".

Comfort Food Hors d'Oeuvres

A good way to warm up when the snowflakes fly (if you need an excuse) is with a dose of warm comfort food.  Even macaroni and cheese can become elegant when served in dainty ramekins.  This can also become a good way to get unaquainted guests chatting.

Fabric Flower Placecards

During the winter when fresh flowers are a bit harder to come by, fabric flowers are a resourceful and wilt-proof alternative.  They are also a great way for your guests to identify assigned seats and can be sported as corsages and boutonnieres later on.

There are countless options for your special event.  From the extravagant to the understated, the possibilities are virtually limitless.  And just because it appears that your favorite summer staple is unavailable during the colder months, that does not mean that it can not be replicated with a frosty twist.  For more ideas and inspiration, check out marthastewartweddings.com, or as per usual, give us a ring...