Cake Fix

Maybe it's because I've been trying not to eat sweets lately, but I can't seem to get enough cake! When it comes to the design of cakes, I am pretty simple and love these modern designs from Cheryl Kleinman (no website). Mmmm.

Tweed accessories

Tweed is tough. It is really only appropriate in small doses unless your a detective about to solve a hot case. Here are some great accessories for Fall that could easily be incorporated into any wedding for an unmistakeably seasonal touch.

images: j.crew, j.crew, martha stewart, martha stewart

Enjoying Life

When I started this blog a few months ago I had no idea how many people would actually read it or that I would actually develop friends out of it. One thing I promised myself was that I would keep this blog strictly as an outlet for inspiration for any and everything related to planning and organizing fabulous weddings and parties. Along the way, however, I found that no matter how hard you try, inevitably who you are seeps into everything you do. And, no matter how much of an effort is made, sometimes you just can't help but want people to better understand who you really are.
I've never been one for journaling- too time consuming, too much pressure, no spell check-but I have always envied those who have the discipline to do so. I have often wished, however, that I had written down something someone had said, taken better care to file away photos, copied down that recipe, or chronicled my feelings about or for any given experience. Well, now its my turn. I have started a new blog entitled ENJOYing : {my life} to do just that. In these last few months there have been so many great experiences to share, thoughts and ideas to express, and just things I wanted to say, but I didn't feel a blog I started for my business was the proper outlet. Not everything in my life revolves around parties and party planning! Whether you'll read or not, I don't know, but I am happy to share anyway. Enjoy!

No tricks, just treats!

How lucky to have a birthday right before Halloween! This year we're throwing my nephew Sullivan a "Halloween Treats and Sweets" themed party for his second birthday. Just what all kids need, more candy.

images: Martha Stewart

Almost DIY

It seems I am always being invited to shop-at-home parties where I end up spending a ton of money on items I probably would not have bought out on my own at the mall, but somehow feel obligated to purchase because I don't want to make the hostess feel bad! Enough! It's time for a party where everyone leaves with something they love. Apparently 1154 LILL Studios agrees. They host a make-your-own purse party where everyone designs their own custom bag. Very clever! With prices ranging from $26-$185, more than 20 different styles, and up to 300 different fabric options, there is definitely something for everyone and every budget. Guests simply choose a fabric and a purse style and it is mailed to their door within 3-4 weeks. Not that I don't love a good kitchenware party, but come on - do I really need anymore condiment holders?

If a party is not your thing and you just want a really cute custom bag for yourself, your friend, or your bridesmaids you can order directly from the website, too.

Why didn't I think of this and why don't I have one yet?

Do you ever come across a product and think to yourself, "this could possibly be the most perfect ___ ever?" That is exactly what I thought when I came across Start Here. I have been on a quest for the perfect day planner for a while now. I don't want the bulky, "I'm a very important person", I have way more compartments than I'll ever use kind of planner. No way, I want something simple with a full month at a glance format that I can throw in my purse and not feel wrecked with guilt if I only choose to use it once every other month. Enter the Linkable Notebook Planner. You mean I can actually have the day planner I've been imagining with clean pages and a sleek design without spending a fortune? And I can just add pockets to hold stuff? And extra paper? And any tabs I want wherever I want? OK, this is just too perfect. This company has got something great here and soon I'm going to have one, too.

A few more favorites

Fashion week was full of amazingly feminine and romantic dresses. Just a few more of my "could do double duty as bridal" favorites.

Max Azria


Jovovich-Hawk

Badgley Mischka

all images : style.com

BCBG Spring 2008

Not your typical bridesmaid dress, but then again, who wants typical? This you would wear again. From the BCBG Ready to Wear line for next Spring.

images: style.com

Bill Blass Spring '08 - Simply Divine

Bill Blass Ready to Wear debuted on the runway last week and wow! These "party dress" inspired gowns are perfectly feminine and decidedly bridal. Who says you have to wear a "real" wedding gown (or a white one for that matter)?

images: style.com

A sweet treat

Mmmm. Gifts you can eat are my favorite gifts of all. Today I was lucky enough to receive a box of cookies from Sweets from Mrs. Z in Corona del Mar. This mail order cookie and treat company is incredible. I cannot even begin to describe the lemon cookies or, for that matter, the chocolate devils, the macaroons, the molasses, or the lime-pistachios. Yes, I quickly ripped into them and tried one of each. You would have done the same. What a lovely hostess, thank you, or just because (just because you are dying for some amazing cookies) gift. Just one more macaroon and then I'm back on a diet!

There's a chill in the air

Could it be? Could I have actually considered turning on my seat warmer this morning? Resisting the temptation I quickly realized that Fall is among us and will be in full swing before long. It seems the only maple tree on my street will soon begin it's transformation from green to orange and then red and I will forgo my current wardrobe of tank tops and shorts in exchange for jeans and scarves. So long, Summer!

images: Rebecca Thuss, Brides, White Lilac, White Lilac, The Green Vase, Rebecca Thuss

Something old, something blue

It's been a while since I've thought about engagement rings, but I can remember spending a lot of time on the Fay Cullen website browsing their selection of vintage, antique, and estate rings. I even seem to remember bookmarking it on Gabe's computer at one point in time! I have no shame. You see, before being engaged I never thought much about the style of ring I would want, but what I did know was that I wanted it to have a history. Engagement rings have changed so dramatically in size, shape, and materials over the years that they are truly a reflection of the style and fashion of their period.

I now wear my grandmother's diamond proudly, although in a new setting. It is so special to me to know that I carry a daily reminder of a long and happy marriage and of a simpler time when strangers would have never thought to ask you, "how many carats is that?".

Perfect wedding shoes

I always push for colored shoes with wedding gowns. Face it, you'll never wear the white ones again. Buy a color you love and wear them every year on your anniversary. You may never fit in the dress again (I won't!), but the shoes will always be just the right size. {Besides, if you pitch this idea when calculating wedding costs, you can justify splurging on these Miu Mius!}

Trees, please

I love coming across pictures of great pieces in my files such as these candle trees from Patina. Great for a wedding...or my dining room.