Look Who Nailed It: Pretty Please

Along with most of the ladies I know, my nails are an obsession. My once weekly manicure (don’t judge me) is what I consider an elective necessity. One of my dream jobs has always been to be a ‘Nail Polish Namer’ (come on, how awesome would that be?). Then I came across Pretty Please, a fabulous, NYC based company that allows you to creatively customize your own bottle of nail lacquer!

With 12 amazing hues to choose from, ranging from perfect pastels to bright berry tones, Pretty Please offers you the chance to pick your fave shade and aptly name it! The ideal favor for showers, bachelorettes and bridal party gifts, impress your besties by tailoring the moniker to the event.

What's in a name???

Follow Pretty Please on Facebook and Pinterest for the ultimate inspiration and trendsetting tips.

It’s time to get pretty personal.

Sincerely,

S

All You Need is LOVE

"Friends don't let friends drink wine alone." - Unknown

Last weekend I was happy to be a part of my friend Emily's bachelorette extravaganza. Her MOH, who brilliantly planned the entire weekend, asked me to help out with the paper goods for the festivities and naturally, I jumped on the chance to get crafty. The bride-to-be's future last name is Love (I know, right??), making for the perfect starting point for our theme. I decided to play on the 'I heart NY' logo but instead spell LOVE (see below).

With the 'LOVE' theme in mind, I created custom water bottles, stickers and signs to accessorize the brunch table and home.

The fun began at the maid of honor's home, where we feasted on a delicious breakfast, including a cereal bar, croissants, scones, muffins, fruit salad and more. Shortly after we were picked up by a bus and brought to Niagara-on-the-Lake for an afternoon of wine tasting. On board the bus, we were greeted with "Love" bags which had water bottles and snacks to keep everyone hydrated and full throughout the day. We visited 4 vineyards, had a delectable lunch and tried some fabulous wines and cheeses.

Upon our return to Toronto, we had dinner (and a little karaoke!) at Cadillac Lounge and continued on to Stones Place for an epic dance party.

After very little sleep and with great effort (for some of us), we gathered the next morning at Le Select for a lovely brunch. As a surprise, Emily's mom and family friends joined us, and we all enjoyed a beautifully scrumptious brunch and a toast to the bride-to-be. Along with the help of Em's bridesmaids, I prepared a crossword puzzle all about the bride and groom. The program I used was Armored Penguin and they turned out great. They were displayed at each place setting for guests when they arrived, and we all had a good laugh as we completed them!

It was a fabulous weekend and a wonderful way to get everyone excited for September 28th!
42 days and counting...it will be here before we know it!

Yours Truly,

A

When Life Hands You Lemons

The laid back vibe of the sunny season brings to mind patio parties, backyard bbqs and of course, sangria. These cool and casual elements set the stage for stellar bridal showers, engagement bashes and celebrations alike.

Décor for such events should be simple and vibrant, truly evoking the spirit of summer. What better way to accent your table than with colourful citrus fruits!

all images courtesy of Pinterest

How refreshing.

Until next time,

A & S

Sundae Funday

We can remember those hot, sunny days when the sound of a bell chiming its way down the street meant only one thing; the ice cream truck was here, and we needed a dollar or two, ASAP. 

Summertime soirées are in full swing, and a refreshing sundae bar is the perfect detail for the season. A wonderful alternative to a sweet table or candy buffet, have your guests create their own sundaes from a crafty display of flavours and toppings galore.

courtesy of Eat Drink Chic

as seen on Green Wedding Shoes

courtesy of Amy Atlas

as seen on Bottle Your Brand

as seen on Lushlee

as seen on A Blissful Nest

as seen on Julia's Room for Dessert

as seen on Ruffled

Feel like a kid again!

Until next time,

A & S

Mad Hatter's Tea Party

"Of all the silly nonsense, this is the stupidest tea party I've ever been to in all my life." Alice, Alice in Wonderland


Tea parties are popular afternoon bridal shower themes and we just adore any party involving vintage tea cups and bite size treats.  Consider making your next tea party an ode to Alice in Wonderland and let your whimsical creativity take control.  A Mad Hatter's theme can involve many fun and interesting twists to the standard tea party.  Try asking your guests to wear bright and playful hats, present the bride with her requested tea set as a gift, use playing cards as your table cards and labels, make the bride the 'Queen of Hearts' for the day and moreover let the topsy-turvy, zany ideas run wild.


Below are some stunning and inspirational 'Alice' themed ideas for your next event:

Stunning tablescape for 'Alice' themed bridal shower - Project Wedding

Alice in Wonderland themed cakes and cupcakes - The White Library

A colorful and innovative design featured on The Wedding Chicks

Supplies for you to throw a Mad Hatter's Tea Party:

Alice's Tea Party bridal shower invites - from Etsy

Drink Me/Eat Me tags for your spread - from Etsy

Alice in Wonderland Free Printables for the DIYer in you - downloadable images found at Southbound Bride

Stack vintage tea cups for your centerpieces - Martha Stewart Weddings

Vintage tea cup dessert stand - Etsy

Create a lunch menu with your theme in mind - Disney Wedding Blog

Your guests (and bride-to-be) will be 'mad' for these shower ideas.


Until Next Time,


A & S

Grilled to Perfection

With the warm weather upon us, and the long weekend ahead, what better way to kick off the summer season than with a wholesome, home-cookin' sort of soiree. A BBQ party is a casual classic and perfect for toasting occasions like showers, engagements and more.

Here are a few ideas on how to make a backyard BBQ into a chic affair;

Baked Beans and Cone Fries (Frilly Milly Events)

Corn on a Stick (Best Health Secret)

Mini Sliders (Pizzazzerie)

Watermelon on a Stick (Celebrations)

Spiked Lemonade Cocktails (Did Someone Say Party?)

Creative Cutlery (Over Cocktails)

Outdoor Decor (Frilly Milly Events)

Anything but 'rare' ;)

Until next time,

A & S

Mad (Lib) About You

"A wedding is a sacrament... a joyous celebration of love and commitment. In Utopia. In the real world... it's an excuse to drink excessively and say things you shouldn't say." - Nick Mercer (The Wedding Date)

Who didn't love Mad Libs as a kid (and maybe as an adult too)?  Mad Libs, or fill-in-the-blanks, are a great way to get people interacting, laughing and using their creative side at your wedding or any pre-wedding event.  These can be used for alternative guest books, shower games, reply cards and/or reception games. They will also be a great keepsake to have from all of your guests.  You could have themed Mad Libs like 'how the bride and groom met', 'advice for the newlyweds', 'their upcoming honeymoon adventure' and 'in 50 years from now...'.  Be creative and customize different fill-in-the-blanks for guests to complete all about the Mr. and Mrs. and you will surely enjoy reading the results.

Here are some fun examples found online (but these could easily be a fun DIY project):

Mad Libs found on Etsy

Mad Lib for a Bridal Shower found at Etsy

Photo taken from Pinterest

Photo taken from Pinterest

Photo taken from The Knot

Truly, MADLY, deeply.

A

For Safe Keeping

"I never worry about diets.  The only carrots that interest me are the number of carats in a diamond."  Mae West

While some ladies tend to fall into slumber still wearing their jewelry, others prefer to 'take it all off' before bedtime (I'm talking jewels here, people). Some stash their gems in a keepsake box while others simply set them atop their night stand. This is why a ring dish, or ring holder, makes an excellent gift for any newly engaged gal. 

Perfect for placing on a bedside table, upon a vanity or beside to the kitchen sink, a ring dish is an adorably practical present for a shower, tea, or any affair for the bride-to-be.

Check out some of my fave designs; 

Love Stamped Ring Dish in Cranberry - Promise Pottery (Etsy)

Side Kick Show-Off Ring Dish - Anthropologie

Personalized Ring Holder - Love and Whiskers (Etsy)

Muse Tub Ring Holder - Umbra

Royal Stafford Vintage Saucer Gold and Blue Ring Holder - Paige Smith Designs (Etsy)

Duchesse Crystal Ring Holder - Vera Wang (Wedgwood)

Bird Ring Holder in Mint Green - Darrielles Clay Art (Etsy)

Grace Avenue Ring Holder - Kate Spade

Crown Ring Holder - Neiman Marcus

These tiny trinkets are as fabulous as they are functional.

Sincerely,

S