I'm a big TLC junkie. I love home decor, house flipping, wedding shows... but this one blew me off the shelf. It's Saturday morning 8am. Nothing else to watch but "Say yes to the dress". Seeing as I had never really seen the show, I figure.. why not?! Couldn't hurt right?
So basically, this is a "docusoap" that gives you an inside look at how things work at one of the worlds most renowned Bridal salons, Kleinfeld Bridal. This shop boasts itself as having the largest (most expensive) wedding dress selection in the world.
Being a self proclaimed wedding obsessed kinda gal, I really started getting into it. You see brides with different body shapes and sizes walk in and the consultants know exactly what to pick out for them based on their preference of price and style.
But here's my beef. (I'll keep it short I promise)
Why the world would you spend $27 000 (yes, twenty seven thousand) on a dress???!???!?!?!
Please someone take my hand and explain it to me.
I just don't get it..
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Showing your true colors..
I Saw this photo on A Backyard Wedding blog... and I LOVED it. I want to start looking for goofy accessories now... mmm the memories
Thursday, September 25, 2008
More reasons to love Etsy
kindredknits via etsyThese beautiful paper garlands made by royalbuffet on Etsy would be absolutely stunning for an outdoor wedding. Wouldn't you love to have hundreds of these steaming and flying about in the wind?
Another great thing about them is you can use them pretty much anywhere during the reception!
Try this.. Instead of hanging a vintage cloth as a backdrop for group photos, try making a back round wall by hanging these vertically. So pretty...
How delish!!
Weddings aside, I LOVE breakfasting.. Hell I just love to eat. If it weren't for my uberly tight budget, and lack of motivation to get up VERY early in the mornings, I would eat out EVERY morning..
Anyways to my point.. I have found my breakfast blogger soul mate. They take photos of different plates, running eggs, eggs beny drenched with Florentine sauce… make my mouth water every time… never fails… http://www.breakfastblogger.com/category/breakfasts/ottawahull/
Check it out! If you live in the area, I'm sure you'll find a cozy new favorite… I know I did!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Lack of sleep...
Pardon my lack of posts!!
It's been a busy week!!!
So I was laying in bed last night.. Couldn't sleep for the life of me. I tossed and turned thinking of different projects the better half and I wanted to do for the familys holiday gifts.. And then I took a left turn (off track as always) and went into this obsession over masson jars (don't ask, it happens sometimes..) My mind kept racing about big ones… small ones… tall and wide… would you put wax candles or waxless candles… water or no water.. floral centerpieces.. Colors? I couldn't stop thinking about it!!
That's when it hit me.
It's been a busy week!!!
So I was laying in bed last night.. Couldn't sleep for the life of me. I tossed and turned thinking of different projects the better half and I wanted to do for the familys holiday gifts.. And then I took a left turn (off track as always) and went into this obsession over masson jars (don't ask, it happens sometimes..) My mind kept racing about big ones… small ones… tall and wide… would you put wax candles or waxless candles… water or no water.. floral centerpieces.. Colors? I couldn't stop thinking about it!!
That's when it hit me.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Cupcake Heaven...
Whoever invented this needs to win a nobel prize. I am in love (again).
I really wanted cupcakes for my wedding cake.. but what if you have a cake shapped as a cupcake?? You can buy specialty cupcake pans at http://www.taylorgifts.com/ for under $30.00.
I really wanted cupcakes for my wedding cake.. but what if you have a cake shapped as a cupcake?? You can buy specialty cupcake pans at http://www.taylorgifts.com/ for under $30.00.
If you're looking for a better deal, try http://www.ebay.com/ bidding starts at around $10.00
The casting is non-stick, so your cupcake parts should come out without incident!! (hopefully) I've yet to try this, but I am ordering one right away to get the feel for it!! Great for centrepieces or an attraction at the dessert buffet!!
Another genius idea is Cakesicles!
Great idea for favors. Just personalize and wrap em' the way you want and send your guests packing with one when the reception winds down. Guaranteed they'll rememebr this delish treat!!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Posh-a-licious
If you're trying to save a couple bucks on your wedding, why not think about cutting the budjet in the dress department?
Ever think about going the vintage route?
Posh girl vintage offers one of a kind vintage garments. They are inexpensive and an absolute treat to look at.. the only thing would be to get the perfect fit!! Oh and catch em' fast.. these things fly off the racks at every release!!
Totally unrelated...
Just a quick post to say... BYE BYE BEAST HELLO NIGHT-RIDER!!!
Yes, we have FINALLY said our adieux to the eagle summit. It was about damn time...
and yes, it will be missed...
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Local gems...
Ottawa is pretty big on dividing the city in small 'village' like areas. The Byward Market, Sandy hill, Manotick, Somerset Village.. It never really ends.
My grand parents owned a beautiful house in Westboro on Caroline avenue until about 15 years ago. I don't remember much of what the inside looked like, but if we were to walk by it today, I would have absolutely no hesitation in picking it out. The really neat thing about Caroline ave is that houses aren't cookie cutter homes. Most of my fmaily has lived in westboro at some point in time. My parents had a brief encounter on Athlone ave, and my better half and I lived on the same street for a little while as well. This happened by fluke!
The greatest thing about living in Westboro are the little shops that line the main strip. You want detail? They can give it to you and then some!
It's been over 2 years since we've lived in the area, and we miss it dearly. We occasionally take walks around town for ice cream or check for Elvis sightings at the Newport restaurant.
We took a walk around the area yesterday, and there were many new faces and old friends still lurking about. Old favorites unfortunately closed but will always remain in our hearts. In an homage to Westboro, I thought I'd post our fave spots.
Bark and Fitz
http://www.barkandfitz.com/
We had to throw this one in for Rufus..
This place is crazy nice!! And all about your special pooch : )
Gourmet treats (we saw birthday cake shaped cookies yesterday), fashionable collars and leaches, amazingly soft doggy beds... A dogs dream!!
The Candy Store
http://www.blogger.com/www.thecandystoreottawa.ca
Only opened a few months, this store has already stolen the hearts of the locals westboronians. Amazing lay out, dreamy window décor and whimsical atmosphere. I saw the window display and wanted to go in so bad (to my better half's disappointment) BEAUTIFUL. I especially loved the decanters filled with bright colored hard candy (which I cannot sadly chew but I am more than happy to look at it) They also do custom gift baskets and beautiful candy displays for every event you can think of. I hope they stay in town for a while, I want to go back soon!
Newport Restaurant
http://www.newportrestaurant.com/flash/main.html
This one is a must. If you're from out of town and are visiting Ottawa, you best be setting your foot in this place.. Or else you'll regret it!! If you are adventurous, please try the Montreal Style pizza. When we first moved to Westboro, we decided to have a late night snack and picked this one.. (oh boy were we in trouble!!) We had no clue how pickles on a pizza would work, but it did!! Truly yummy!! (not for everyone) Give it a try!!
P.s. Elvis eats here too!!
Truffle Treasures
http://www.truffletreasures.com/
Westboro chocolate darling, Lara Vaarre, opened this little shop several years ago and has some of the yummiest truffle creations I have ever tasted. Have you ever had an Earl Grey Tea truffle? How about a Champagne and Strawberries Truffle? I know I haven't, but this will be on my list of things to do on my next trip to this shop. (which will hopefully be soon!!) (truffles to try: Chai tea truffle) P.s. Best damn Gelato in town!!
More to come...
My grand parents owned a beautiful house in Westboro on Caroline avenue until about 15 years ago. I don't remember much of what the inside looked like, but if we were to walk by it today, I would have absolutely no hesitation in picking it out. The really neat thing about Caroline ave is that houses aren't cookie cutter homes. Most of my fmaily has lived in westboro at some point in time. My parents had a brief encounter on Athlone ave, and my better half and I lived on the same street for a little while as well. This happened by fluke!
The greatest thing about living in Westboro are the little shops that line the main strip. You want detail? They can give it to you and then some!
It's been over 2 years since we've lived in the area, and we miss it dearly. We occasionally take walks around town for ice cream or check for Elvis sightings at the Newport restaurant.
We took a walk around the area yesterday, and there were many new faces and old friends still lurking about. Old favorites unfortunately closed but will always remain in our hearts. In an homage to Westboro, I thought I'd post our fave spots.
Bark and Fitz
http://www.barkandfitz.com/
We had to throw this one in for Rufus..
This place is crazy nice!! And all about your special pooch : )
Gourmet treats (we saw birthday cake shaped cookies yesterday), fashionable collars and leaches, amazingly soft doggy beds... A dogs dream!!
The Candy Store
http://www.blogger.com/www.thecandystoreottawa.ca
Only opened a few months, this store has already stolen the hearts of the locals westboronians. Amazing lay out, dreamy window décor and whimsical atmosphere. I saw the window display and wanted to go in so bad (to my better half's disappointment) BEAUTIFUL. I especially loved the decanters filled with bright colored hard candy (which I cannot sadly chew but I am more than happy to look at it) They also do custom gift baskets and beautiful candy displays for every event you can think of. I hope they stay in town for a while, I want to go back soon!
Newport Restaurant
http://www.newportrestaurant.com/flash/main.html
This one is a must. If you're from out of town and are visiting Ottawa, you best be setting your foot in this place.. Or else you'll regret it!! If you are adventurous, please try the Montreal Style pizza. When we first moved to Westboro, we decided to have a late night snack and picked this one.. (oh boy were we in trouble!!) We had no clue how pickles on a pizza would work, but it did!! Truly yummy!! (not for everyone) Give it a try!!
P.s. Elvis eats here too!!
Truffle Treasures
http://www.truffletreasures.com/
Westboro chocolate darling, Lara Vaarre, opened this little shop several years ago and has some of the yummiest truffle creations I have ever tasted. Have you ever had an Earl Grey Tea truffle? How about a Champagne and Strawberries Truffle? I know I haven't, but this will be on my list of things to do on my next trip to this shop. (which will hopefully be soon!!) (truffles to try: Chai tea truffle) P.s. Best damn Gelato in town!!
More to come...
Monday, September 15, 2008
Thank goodness for sweets!!
Mondays always give me be blues.. bluesy Mondays we call em'. I was trying to find something to get me out of a funk so I browsed and browsed on my fave gossip blogs, and the news paper... there's only so much a news day can hold!!
Then everything changed. I found this.
Amy Atlas is officially a candy goddess.
If it wasn't for Style me Pretty, I don't think I would have ever found her.
For that, I thank them.
Enjoy.
Then everything changed. I found this.
Amy Atlas is officially a candy goddess.
If it wasn't for Style me Pretty, I don't think I would have ever found her.
For that, I thank them.
Enjoy.
Amy Atlas Events for high end dessert bars http://amyatlas.com/index.php/main/about/
"Want to Trash my Dress?"
Bet you don't hear brides saying that everyday!!
One of the biggest trends this year is taking on the world of weddings by storm. A 'Trash the Dress' photoshoot consists of you (and your hubby if you wanted) having shots taken of you doing what you wouldn't want to do on your wedding day.
You can sit in the hood of a banged up/greasy car in a junk yard, roll around in the mud during a rain storm, go for a swim in your dress... any thing your little heart desires to catch on film.
The only catch? You'd probably have to part with your wedding gown.. Would you be game?
Sunday, September 14, 2008
My kind of Cake
If I were going to go for a traditional wedding cake, I would have something like this in mind. You don't need to have a 15 tier cake for a wedding the reception. Chances are no one will end up eating it anyways! ( in my past experience with weddings, the bride and groom end up having a dessert at the end of the meal in addition to the cake. Who wants to eat more cake after they've already stuffed themselves with dessert??)
Some couples end up having custom 'fake' cakes (made of styrofoam and fondant) to cut the costs and waste. The cost gets cut by at least half and the guests wouldn't even know the difference! In addition, you can ask your baker to make decorated cake slabs with the same color scheme for dessert to serve when the time comes for coffees and tea.
That sounds good and all, but I still think cupcakes are at the top of my list for wedding desserts...
I'm torn... This is a second.
I really like this..
Watermelon goodness
mmmm... how great would this be for a pre-reception snack?
I found this little appi on Foodnetwork.com this morning. Great for cooling off during a warm summer day.. My mouth is watering already!
Photos from http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/everyday-italian/tomato-watermelon-and-basil-skewers-recipe/
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar or Balsamic syrup
1/4 cup sugar
1 (4 to 5 pound) watermelon, cut into 32 (1 1/2-inch cubes
32 small basil leaves (or torn larger leaves)
16 cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Additional items:
16 (6-inch) skewers
Combine the balsamic vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved. Turn off the heat and set aside to cool.
Starting with the watermelon squares, push the watermelon to the very tip of the skewer. Then skewer a basil leaf, then a tomato half. Continue with another watermelon, basil leaf, and tomato half. Place the skewer on a serving platter so it stands upright, using the lowest watermelon square as a base. Continue with the remaining skewers.
Drizzle the skewers with the reserved balsamic syrup and the olive oil. Sprinkle with coarse salt.
Serve chilled.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Buttons Galore!
I was browsing through the google search engine for quirky wedding ideas for table settings and centerpieces.. This is genius!!! Find buttons (several hundreds) to match your color scheme, and organize them in a way to make it work.. check these photos for inspiration.
They even went as far as finding match sunglasses for each guest.. truly amazing!!
They even went as far as finding match sunglasses for each guest.. truly amazing!!
I {heart} Kate & Clifton
Holy Double Matrimony by Kate* via flickrAround this time last year, I was browsing flickr for photobooth themed wedding invites for inspiration. I wasn’t looking for anything specific but any type of idea would have been good at the time.
Then, I stumbled onto this…
Double weddings aren’t very common where I come from, and it’s not necessarily the first thing that comes to mind for wedding shindigs either. Brides seem to have it ingrained in their heads that it’s supposed to be “HER” special day. Well, technically you are sharing it with the groom and technically it’s “YOUR” special day.. if you catch my drift. So.. while you’re at it, why not make it Double the fun??
In Comes this double matrimony extravaganza… there is so much detail and personal touch in everything! From the handmade buttons right down to the table cloths (made by Kate’s mother), everything is beautiful.
The reason for the double matrimony?
Then, I stumbled onto this…
Double weddings aren’t very common where I come from, and it’s not necessarily the first thing that comes to mind for wedding shindigs either. Brides seem to have it ingrained in their heads that it’s supposed to be “HER” special day. Well, technically you are sharing it with the groom and technically it’s “YOUR” special day.. if you catch my drift. So.. while you’re at it, why not make it Double the fun??
In Comes this double matrimony extravaganza… there is so much detail and personal touch in everything! From the handmade buttons right down to the table cloths (made by Kate’s mother), everything is beautiful.
The reason for the double matrimony?
we are all friends, and all of our friends live spread apart...so we decided to
save some money and some money for our friends and get married at the same time!
(quote via Kate* )
They made it a theme…
Kate, documented her wedding prep on flickr by posting photos and adding clever captions through the different stages of planning. When I first saw this set, I absolutely loved all these ideas. I was quick to print them out and stick them in my scrapbook of lovelies for safe keeping.
I’m not sure if I could stomach the work that went into this project, but it is brilliant to see the stages of prep during and after all the final details were in place.
1200 photo strips were printed, cut BY HAND… (lots of paper cuts come to mind?) and Gocco’d over with both sets of the Bride and Grooms' names. (After printing behind 150 of the strips, they decided maybe printing on top of the strip would work much better.. oh boy, did it ever!)
They also printed over handkerchiefs by ironing fabric to wax paper and then cutting them down to individual squares to fit into a laser printer for a great Double Matrimony design they created. The result are pretty impressive!
The RSVPs are my fave part of the project. The colors, page layout and text wording just blew me away. The pink and orange card stock made the gold gocco paints really pop off the page. (The double cake graphic is to die for) The invitations are simple, yet seriously awesome. In this case, less really is more! Again, the gold lettering makes this set work. Everything in this package ties together so wonderfully. It has a very vintagy/moderny feel to it.
After everything was done, the invitations were assembled (like a little press pack if you will) and placed in plastic see-through envelopes ready to be sent out to guests.
500 handmade designer wedding buttons, 175 personalized music CDs and stacks of beautiful programs later, PERFECTION!!
See it for yourself...
I’m not sure if I could stomach the work that went into this project, but it is brilliant to see the stages of prep during and after all the final details were in place.
1200 photo strips were printed, cut BY HAND… (lots of paper cuts come to mind?) and Gocco’d over with both sets of the Bride and Grooms' names. (After printing behind 150 of the strips, they decided maybe printing on top of the strip would work much better.. oh boy, did it ever!)
They also printed over handkerchiefs by ironing fabric to wax paper and then cutting them down to individual squares to fit into a laser printer for a great Double Matrimony design they created. The result are pretty impressive!
The RSVPs are my fave part of the project. The colors, page layout and text wording just blew me away. The pink and orange card stock made the gold gocco paints really pop off the page. (The double cake graphic is to die for) The invitations are simple, yet seriously awesome. In this case, less really is more! Again, the gold lettering makes this set work. Everything in this package ties together so wonderfully. It has a very vintagy/moderny feel to it.
After everything was done, the invitations were assembled (like a little press pack if you will) and placed in plastic see-through envelopes ready to be sent out to guests.
500 handmade designer wedding buttons, 175 personalized music CDs and stacks of beautiful programs later, PERFECTION!!
See it for yourself...
Friday, September 12, 2008
Would you like to Polka?
Stephanie James CoutureIf you had a choice to add a fun detail to your dress, would you?
I would soooooooo dig a killer polka dot crinoline. I would have to find a matching garder though.
Thoughts?
I am in love with Stephanie James
Stephanie James CoutureHer designs that is.
LOVE,LOVE,LOVE... LOVE,LOVE,LOVE... LOVE,LOVE,LOVE... LOVE,LOVE,LOVE... LOVE,LOVE,LOVE... LOVE,LOVE,LOVE... LOVE,LOVE,LOVE... LOVE,LOVE,LOVE... LOVE,LOVE,LOVE... LOVE,LOVE,LOVE... LOVE,LOVE,LOVE... LOVE,LOVE,LOVE...
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Comfort foods..
Mini burgers available through catering at Blue Plate Weddings
I saw a show last night and it got me thinking of comfort vs traditional foods. I wouldn't oppose if my wedding hors d'oeuvres consisted of mini burgers..
Besides, this looks too yummy to on pass!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Center of attention
Photo by SMN http://www.flickr.com/Doubling up wedding cake as a table centerpiece is a brilliant idea (one you've probably heard before) some say tacky. However, If your centerpiece looked like this... would you change your mind?
Another Etsy favorite...
Created by CheerupCherup Available for purchase: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_6&listing_id=11491254I would save the date to this wedding.. would you?
Petits Bonhommes
I've always liked this design for thank you cards.. but the more and more I think about it, they would look really cute for an invitation. Simple yet nice for a casual affair.
Monday, September 8, 2008
If only...
Reasons like this make me wish I had a truck load of cash for our nuptuals.. We totally aren't the couple that would want the glitz and glamour and we most certainly do not have the money to foot something like this.. but how pretty!! : )
Top of the Top...
Photography by Tim Chin Photography Creative cake toppers are a really great way of dressing up plain cakes!! Wedding Star Magazine/catalogue has really popularized this trend of quirky toppers with different themes.. My fave? Still shopping. It has the groom, a shoe/clothing rack, shopping bags and a sign. The expression on the grooms face pretty much sums it up.
I want this...
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Champagne Weddings...
Top row from left: tissue paper pom poms from Blueprint via All Things Bright and Beautiful, carrot cupcake from Martha Stewart, button seating cards via Black Eiffel, gold fish wine glass photo by Michele M. Waite via Married & MoreRow 2: save-the-date by Cheerup Cherup, J.Crew image via Nibs, crepe paper flowers from Martha Stewart Crafts, crudite centerpiece from Martha StewartRow 3: Tory Burch Olivia banana flats from Net-A-Porter, ribbon board via Weddingbee, convertible Bug photo by Amy Squires, dahlia boutonniere via {frolic!}Row 4: burger truck, orange candy from Martha Stewart, orange iPod nano, birdcage veil via Brooklyn Bride
I'm really warming up to this board posted via Snippet and Ink.
This is by far the sweetest inspiration board I've seen in a while. I love Love LOVE the color scheme, love the burger truck idea, and ABSOLUTELY love the fact that this can actually work!!
I've been trying to piece this 'imaginary' wedding together and I can draw quite a few ideas from this inspiration board.
This is very much the vintage feel I'm trying to go for. The initial idea was to have a carnival theme incorporated with the modern wedding. The key word was (I'll spell it out for you) F-U-N! Now here's the thing we have a carnival for your wedding. If you're having an outdoor extravaganza, you have to keep many factors in mind during the planning.
Everyone already knows these, but it doesn't hurt to re-iterate them.
1. Weather, 2. Mobility (for your elders of course) 3. Comfort (you don't want to be outside during a heat wave or a very cold and blistery day!!) 4. Washroom accessibility
Weather: A key factor in why many people decide not to host an outdoor wedding. If you are a firm follower of the Almanac, (to this day, I will not look at one) or follow the weather network religiously (again, not looking) you might be out of luck for long term decisions. In the past year alone, I figured the weather network has had a 12/365 day ratio of getting the weather accurately. With these odds, I always wonder what they're still doing on TV!! The weather is something no one can really control. That said. The lesson here is ALWAYS HAVE A BACKUP PLAN in case things don't exactly go the way you planned them too. P.s. Rain on your wedding day is supposed to be good luck. Embrace it. I wonder what kind of luck you'd get If a hurricane decided to hit your city on your wedding day?
Mobility: This might tie in with the washroom accessibility. It's nice to say it's your wedding day and you'll cry if you want too.. But this, you really have to think about. You don't want your poor Grand-father Lou to have to climb himself in a Porta-potty.. Do you? If you're thinking of doing an outdoor wedding with no indoor washrooms in sight, you might want to think twice and get the real deluxe portables. They have a full flushing system, vanity and light. If you're having a reception over a grassy surface, try to see if renting a floor would be something worth doing. It'll be a lot easier when the time comes to kick up your heels and dance the night away! That said, these things can be a little expensive, but it's better to think smart and explore your options.
Comfort: Ok this is another big one for outdoor weddings. If the attire is semi-formal-casual, you want to make sure your guests don't end up wearing a tux. Nothing worse than dancing in a sweaty dress shirt. My boy's dad always brings a spare wherever he goes. It's quite funny!!
If you plan on getting married in July or August, RENT A FAN OR A/C SYSTEM. Please!!! You will not have a good time if someone has a heat stroke during the party. Just make sure everyone is well refreshed. If you're planning Spring or Fall outdoor wedding, consider getting blankets as favors. They can use them during the reception if the weather changes.
Washrooms: We've pretty much covered everything in this area… The only extra thing I can think of is having tons of towels on the side with a laundry hamper (keep things fresh) and have a basket full of goodies (if people need them) hairspray, gel, Advil or Tylenol, feminine products, man scent.. The essentials!
By the way, a HUGE shout out to the folks at Snipet and Ink. You folks do an amazing job sucking us all in to beautiful detailing and wonderful inspiration!!!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Guest lists.. revisited
via The knot
After having a wedding convo with friends the other day, I began pondering the guest list scenarios again. I've tossed and turned about and I figured, the way to go is invite the people who you really want to attend your wedding. Not just reception or ceremony only type of thing. You want them to come, invite them to the whole thing.
Friends of friends got married a few weeks ago, and they were invited to the later 'after' reception. They basically got there at 9:30 pm wayyyy past the time dinner was supposed to have ended, and they were locked out of the reception hall until the main course finished. 11pm. We were invited to the same wedding, but opted out because of prior commitments. Glad we didn't go. Everyone left by the time the dinner ended.
Nothing says thank you like an empty hall and a reception invitation.. after the party ended..
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