All About the Sparkle!

Hello Beauties!

credit: martha stewart living

Choosing an engagement ring is more then just size. Carats are important, but there are other factors that determine the cost of an engagement ring.  Cut, Color and Clarity are just as important when looking for a valuable ring.  This great infographic from Smart Carat helps to demystify the 4 Cs!

What is your Favorite Diamond Shape??

Academy Awards Inspiration

Hello Beauties!!

Awards season has now come to end and the Academy Awards did not disappoint last night.  I normally switch the channel after watching the red carpet footage but I decided to stay tuned in for the actual show this year.  The movie themed Cirque du Soliel was over the top, amazing!  A production on a smaller scale for a glamorous black tie event would be a modern and luxurious take on entertainment.

There were some great looks that can transition from the red carpet to the bridal aisle.  Here are my picks!

Bridal Gown Inspiration

Rooney Mara in Givenchy looked chic in a mermaid style with a sheer neckline.  Mila Jovovich looked glamorous in a one shoulder Elie Saab.  Gwyneth Paltrow looked modern in a Tom Ford gown.  A cape would be a fresh option when modest attire is required during the ceremony.

Bridesmaid Inspiration

Jessica Chastain wore a strapless black and gold Alexander McQueen.  Her hair was also great wedding inspiration- soft, romantic and away from her face.  Melissa McCarthy was in a beautiful blush tone Marina Rinaldi gown.  The ethereal fabric and jeweled accents would be so luxurious on a maid of honor.

Mother of the Bride Inspiration
Octavia Spencer was wonderful as Millie in “The Help” and she looked like a star on the red carpet in Tadashi Shoji.  The sleeves and the beading were extremely figure flattering.  The cut of this dress would look amazing on the Mother of the Bride in a variety of colors to complement the rest of the bridal party.
Which red carpet looks inspired you this year?? 

"A Star is Born" – An Oscars Inspired Baby Shower

Hello Everyone!!

It is Oscars weekend here in Los Angeles and the Hollywood Theme Baby Shower that Jennifer from Hostess with the Mostess created is perfect!  She created this event for Operation Shower, a non-profit organization that throws awesome baby showers for military families to ease the burden of deployment.

The party features FREE printables.  There is a swag shop printable that would look perfect on the favor table, or the ready to pop table where a gourmet popcorn display is set up.  There are free napkin rings, straw flags, place cards and thank you labels.  The party is just amazing and I’m going to use some of the printables for an Academy Awards Viewing party I am throwing tomorrow night!

Let Them Eat Cake!

Hello Beauties!!

It’s Friday and what better way to celebrate then a little Cake!  I have been longing for a just a little taste of these beautiful cakes over on Pinterest… Because what good is a beautiful cake if it isn’t delicious too?

Sugar Flowers
 
Jewelry Inspired Details
 
Square – Monogram and Macaroon
Modern Sea Inspired

 I love red velvet or an angel food cake with fresh fruit filling.. What are your favorite flavors?  What design do you like best?? 

What’s in a Name?

Hello Beauties!

A marriage brings a lot of changes to a woman’s life.. merging of bank accounts, relocating, dividing the chores and Changing Your Name!  In today’s modern world the woman doesn’t have to take the husband’s last name anymore.  The newlyweds can decide to take on the women’s last name, hyphenate or even combine the two last names to create a brand new one — Mr. Buckley and Miss Jones becomes Mr. and Mrs. Bones!

Since the tradition dictates a woman takes on her husband’s last name, she will only need a certified copy of the marriage certificate to bring into the various agency.  A man may need to get court documents prepared in addition to the marriage certificate.

A few things to remember:

  • Be sure to order extra certified copies of the marriage certificate
  • Request a new Social Security Card reflecting the name change.  Call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 to obtain forms and instructions
  • Make an appointment to visit the DMV for a new driver’s license.  Ask in advance exactly which documents are needed to make the change
  • Obtain and complete a Passport Amendment/ Validation Application.  Send this form with the proper fees, your current passport and a certified copy of your marriage certificate
  • Order replacement checks, business cards and credit cards
  • Call your employer and/ or school to advise them of your name change.  Request they revise their records
  • Change your name on your car registration, your insurance companies, mortgage dealer, post office, utilities and registrar of voters
  • Finally make the announcement to your family and friends with new stationery that has your new last name printed on them

Are you taking your spouses last name? Are you making your current last name a new middle name? Or are you creating a new last name?

BHLDN

BHLDN (it’s pronounced beholden) is the amazing bridal store from Anthropology.  It started as an online retailer last Valentine’s Day and they opened their second store in Chicago on their one year anniversary, February 14, 2012.  The first store opened in Houston, TX earlier this year.

BHLDN shares the same modern, heirloom aesthetic that we love so much about Anthropology.  Luckily the online shop and store-fronts carry Wedding Gowns, Bridesmaid dresses, Accessories, Shoes and Decor.. Oh My!!

Visit their Fabulous Website for even more glamorous, art deco inspiration.

Beautiful Bouquets

Hello Beauties,

Flowers are the single most important element at any wedding (in my humble opinion) and the bridal bouquet sets the tone for all of the other arrangements.  The possibilities are endless when it comes to personalizing the bouquet of the bride and bridesmaids.  The entire bridal party can have white flowers or just the bride.  Maybe the dresses are muted and a pop of color is needed in the bouquets.  I love it when a bride has a special piece of jewelery, like a rosary or broach from a relative close to them pinned to the ribbon wrapped around the stems.  Also, I love incorporating unique elements into a bridal bouquet, such as, succulents, herbs, crystals and fruit.

Below are some of my favorite bouquets from Pinterest.  Be sure to follow me Here!
Which style do you prefer?

Happy Valentine’s Day!

“Love is a Friendship Set to Music”
Music has played such a big role throughout my courtship with Johnny.  When we first started dating we would sit together by the fire and he would play me all types of music that I never heard before, or heard but never knew the artist.  I would get mix CDs full of weird love songs that made perfect sense to the both of us.  Even now, we listen to records every night.  Sometimes it’s soft jazz after dinner or dance party electronica or (his favorite) underground hip hop.  I love going to Amoeba with him, while he digs through the crates for hours on end.  We just talk about everything and nothing at the same time. 
These songs are dedicated to my Nectar Bunny
Rachel Kann ft. Besskep – “I Wanna Talk with You”
Smashing Pumpkins – “Tonight, Tonight”
Abstract Rude – “All Day”
The Doors – “Light my Fire”
Sam Cooke – “Saturday Night”
Janis Joplin – “Piece of my Heart”
Beethoven – “Ode to Joy”
Sophie Millman – “Rocket Love”
Righteous Brothers – “Unchained Melody”
What song would you dedicate to your sweetheart?

Inspiration- Grammy Awards 2012

Hello Beauties!
This year the Grammy’s were more somber than usual.  I noticed a lot of black on the red carpet.  I personally love the SPARKLE
This year my best dressed was Kelly Osbourne.  I don’t know why but I am loving her purple hair when it is so full and soft.  Her skin is glowing and the dress is beyond flattering.
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Taylor Swift looks gorgeous in her gold, beaded gown.  Gwyneth Paltrow is beyond sleek and so modern.  The cut is perfection and her gold belt is perfect.  Taylor’s bangs are right on trend and Gwyn’s ponytail is so sleek. I can see either look walking down the aisle.

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Two of my favorite voices were in very similar looks last night.  Carrie Underwood looked fresh and bright in a long sleeve white gown.  This dress would look amazing on a bold bride in an ultra modern setting.  Adele had the right amount of retro inspiration with her lush waves and red lips.  I thought the silhouette was so flattering on her body type.  A maid of honor or even a mother of the bride would look great in this style.

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Last but definitely not least is Rhianna.  Her dress was simple, elegant and sexy.  Her hair is what made it look luxurious and modern.
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What was your favorite look at the Grammy Awards this year?  Leave me a comment!

XOXO Brunch

Hello Beauties!
Valentine’s Day is especially special to me because it is the time of year I started dating Johnny. This year is our 5th Anniversary!  We always celebrate our anniversary on February 14 because it is such a romantic day anyways, so why not!   
We love brunch and I knew this XOXO Brunch would be perfect.  All of our favorites to luxuriously eat while lounging around all morning, what could be better?
Belgian waffles with a bit of vanilla extract mixed into the batter always tastes delicious.  I love greek yogurt with berries, so I set up a build your own parfait station with fresh berries, Kashi Granola and Fage Greek Yogurt.  Quiche is a brunch staple and I made a broccoli cheese version (recipe below).  I also made a custom mocktail- Pucker Up Punch.  It is a raspberry lemon punch.  You could always add some champagne or vodka for a little kick.
Broccoli Cheese Quiche
3 eggs
1 cups milk (estimate)
1/2 small onion
2 cups streamed broccoli
2 cloves minced garlic
1/2 cup white cheese (I used Pepper Jack)
1/2 cup mild cheddar
1 Frozen Pie Crust

Preheat oven to 375. Steam the broccoli until it is slightly softened.  Saute the onion and slightly steamed broccoli with the garlic until soft and fragrant.  Layer the bottom of the pie crust with half of the white cheese and half of the cheddar.  Next, put the broccoli mixture into the pie crust.  Beat the eggs and mix in milk.  Now pour egg/milk mixture over the broccoli, pressing to allow as much eggs as possible.  Now top with the remaining cheese.  Bake for about 25-45 minutes depending on your oven.  Insert a knife into the middle of the quiche, when it is dry it is done. I like mine a bit well done and crispy on top. 
Flowers are very important on Valentine’s day.  This Hydrangea and Roses arrangement is perfect! I used three hydrangea stems and two dozen roses.  The table is set with silver rimmed china on top of silver leaf chargers.  The banner was custom made with red and hot pink paper. 
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