Showing posts with label fall. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fall. Show all posts

Friday, 2 December 2011

Dress to Impress

“I like my money right where I can see it: hanging in my closet.” – Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), Sex and the City

It would seem the fall season is a pretty popular time for poppin’ the question. I got engaged last October, as did 3 of my closest friends. Putting a ring on it in the autumn ensures ample planning time if you’re hoping for summertime nuptials, and even more if you’re looking to secure one of the few long weekends fall has to offer.

Along with becoming a fiancĂ©e often comes some fun pre-wedding festivities – there’s the potential shower, the bachelorette, and of course, the engagement party. While not necessarily conventional, the engagement party has become an increasing phenomenon in recent years. I’m a huge fan of this fete for a number of reasons; it can act as a sort of dry run for the happy couple (having all the attention on YOU and becoming comfortable with ‘working the room’ before the big day), it also allows you to become friendly with prospective vendors (florists, photographers, caterers, etc), and most importantly, it’s always a good time.

Styles for this sort of soiree vary; our engagement was celebrated with a beautiful brunch at a French brasserie while A and Mr. X had a backyard bash at family member’s home (with a mozzarella bar that still has people talking) that was absolutely epic (unexpected dips in the pool ensued).

Whether it’s toasting at a tea or an elegant evening to remember, the engagement party is yet another excuse to pick out an outfit. The selection of attire will clearly depend on the type of affair, but nevertheless, it’s a fantastic excuse to do what we love; SHOP.

Monday, 31 October 2011

Frighteningly Fabulous

"Studio 54 made Halloween in Hollywood look like a PTA meeting. " - Lorna Luft


I think themed events are absolutely awesome. Whether it’s a Parisian brunch or a costume gala, I'm always down for an inspired soiree.

That being said (and this is not to offend anyone), I am NOT a big fan of a Halloween themed wedding. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Halloween; an excuse to dress up as ANYTHING and no matter what it be deemed acceptable, while shoving my face with chocolate and candy, is not a holiday to be missed. BUT, that’s best suited for a haunted bash and not holy matrimony.

So in honour of All Hallows Eve, I’d like to share with you some of my fave sweet 'n' spooky spreads;

Love at First Bite - Sweets Indeed



Halloween Glam Collection - Tom Kat Studio

Bat & Bones - Sandra Dowie Event Designs

Decorated Cookies - Sweetopia
Jolly Jack 'O' Lantern Cake Pops - Bakerella

Pumpkin Cheesecake - Pass the Sushi
Happy Halloween!

Sincerely,

S

Monday, 10 October 2011

Giving Thanks

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.”  - Oscar Wilde

Sending out a note to say thanks after a wedding, bridal shower, or any event hosted in your honor, is the most proper gesture. Your guests will feel good knowing their presence was (and presents were) appreciated. It’s best to send out your thank you cards ASAP post-event; for one, it’s nice to get this often time consuming task out of the way, and secondly, it’s important that guests are thanked in a timely manner. If you received a gift from someone in June, it’s hardly appropriate to send your regards when the leaves have begun to change.  

Thank You cards traditionally match the motif of the initial invitation, but these days couples are getting creative with the use of wedding photos, post card styles and artistic signage.

In honor of Thanksgiving, and of course all things Etsy, we’d like to share with you some of our favorite ways of giving thanks:

AE Designs

Lama Works

Little Lady Company

Mango Tree Paper

Little Lady Company

Little Lady Company

Nifty Pear

Nostalgic Imprints

Nostalgic Imprints

Our Hobby to Your Home

Scraps of Love by Jen

Storey Shop

Sweet Bella Cards

The Caterpillars Dream

You're That Girl Designs
 all photos taken from etsy.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

Until next time,

A & S

Saturday, 8 October 2011

Cheers to Fall!


"I'll try anything once, twice if I like it, three times to make sure." - Mae West 

A wonderful way to add personal flair to an occasion is by showcasing a signature cocktail. The blend being served should be based on the guest(s) of honour, type of event, and time of the season. And since drinking out of a martini glass has a certain "je ne sais quoi" about it, we'd like to share some of our fave autumn-inspired mixtures.  



Apple Tart-tini

  • 2 oz. citrus vodka
  • 1/2 oz. DeKuyper Sour Apple Pucker schnapps
  • 1/2 oz. Cointreau orange liqueur 
  • 3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
Combine all ingredients in a shaker and shake well with ice. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with an apple slice.



 Banana Bread-ini
  • 1 oz. Frangelico liqueur
  • 1/2 oz. banana liqueur
  • 1 oz. biscotti liqueur
  • Pinch of ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 banana sprinkled with cinnamon
Combine all ingredients except the banana in a shaker. Shake well. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with 1/2 banana sprinkled with cinnamon.



 Pumpkin Pie-tini
  • 1/2 oz. Sylk Cream Liqueur
  • 2 oz. vanilla vodka
  • 1/2 oz. pumpkin liqueur or pumpkin spice syrup
  • 1 tsp. whipped cream
  • A cinnamon stick

Pour the Sylk Liqueur and vodka into a shaker and shake well with ice. Add the pumpkin liqueur or syrup and shake again. Strain into a martini glass. Top with whipped cream and garnish with cinnamon stick.


Hope you enjoy these sweet sips.

Until next time,

A & S