Free Invitation anyone?!

Having a Yellow wedding? I came across this beautiful yellow invitation for free to download and print from The Wedding Chicks. Click here to get it now.

Green and Black Wedding

Darren and I at Yana and Michael's wedding

Tonight my hubby and I went to our friend Yana and Michael's wedding at the Bauhman center on Lake Alice (FL) and the Sweetwater branch Inn for the reception. Yana coordinated her colors in granny smith apple green and black.

I loved our favors! We got a granny smith apple with a heart wine stopper that said "Thank You" on it. Very cute!

When guests walked into the reception room each guest had to find their name a table # and bring it to their table. The table centerpieces were a glass vase with sparkled twigs and green beads on the bottom of the vase (illuminated in green).

Cheers to one of my best friends Heather Sarkis :) Yana's bridesmaid in green and black.

The wedding was simple and perfect for a weekend ender on a Sunday evening.

DIY: Stir Sticks

I just love Do It Yourself projects! I'm in the process of planning my best friends bridal shower in May and was looking online for some different ideas and came across Stir Sticks for your drinks. This is a fun and easy project that gives a instant pizazz to your drinks or cocktails :) They may be small, but they will definitely add a lot to the look of your event!

Via: Style me Pretty

{Instructions from Abby: So, all you need to do is print this template out on 80lb card stock (try Paper Source). Using a 3.5″ hole punch, cut out the circles. Then using either a small amount of glue or some double stick tape, adhere them to corn dog or popsicle sticks (corn dog sticks are a little bit longer). Voila!}

Something other than a Bridal Shower...

I know it’s rarely heard of, but a lot of brides do not like the idea of a bridal shower/bachelorette party. They don’t want the typical party, usual games, and borderline raunchy antics they are often charged to carry out and/or endure. Sometimes, they just want to chill with some good friends and family or have a fun night minus the wang dangling in the face. If you happen to be in charge of orchestrating a last-brouhaha for such a bride-to-be, then here are a few suggestions I've found to give her one final send off from singledom without relying on the traditional and expected.

The Bridal Open-House
This is a great idea for brides who are having a destination wedding or are really low-key and family oriented. For this set-up you only need a location, preferably somewhere open and conducive to mingling, a table for gifts, a table for food, minimal decorations, a small radio and lots of places to sit and chat. During the hours of this open house, guests can swing by, drop off gifts, express their well-wishes to the bride-to-be, mingle, and then go about their day. There are no games, no coordinated events or themes, certainly no pressure. All the bride has to do is eat, enjoy, and socialize.

Bridal Brunch
The bridal brunch is just as it sounds, a brunch with the bride. This brunch can be hosted or it can be done at a nice restaurant favored by the bride. There may be a few toasts here and there, but for the most part, it’s just relax, have a mimosa or two, and enjoy. This is best for small groups or bridesmaids and family only celebration.

Girl’s Day Out
The Girl’s Day Out involves bridesmaids and the bride. It can also include the mother of the bride, but the agenda of the day will determine whether or not it’s a ‘mom’ type excursion. This Day Out will comprise of a morning and afternoon spent doing all of the things the bride loves to do. Start the day by going to a museum or art gallery, visit the zoo, or some other cultural center. Take a breather by having lunch at her favorite restaurant, then swing by the salon for a manicure and pedicure. Afterward go see the latest chic flick, and/or wind up the day with dinner and dessert, and some cocktails at a local happy hour. The possibilities are endless, and given that all the events are tailored to the bride’s likes, she’s bound to have a great time.

Spa-Day
Spa-day is self-explanatory and perfect for the bride who just loves to be pampered. Starting the day with a nice breakfast before visiting the spa would get everyone in the right frame of mind. There are many places now that cater to these types of bridal showers and offer special packages, which include tasty dishes perfect for grasping with wet fingernails.

The Wedding Dress Excursion
This excellent idea came from 5thyear, a party theme generating company. This event is perfect for brides who want a mild bachelorette party experience without all of the attention. For this, the bride get’s to dress in nice, everyday attire while all the ladies attending must wear a used/undesirable wedding dress. They can either go out to a local bar or just hang out at home (it’s a lot more fun out in public), and the ladies get to show the bride-to-be just how much ‘fun’ she’ll be leaving behind after saying I-do. Check out the link to read an excellent account of this type of party at its best.

One Crafty Event
This final suggestion is for the bride who likes to get her hands in the mix. Is she crafty, a scientist in the kitchen, a commendable nature lover with a green thumb? Whatever her pleasure is, center a morning, afternoon, or day around it. If she likes crafts, organize a special party and demonstration at the local hobby store? If she likes gardening, why not have your rendition of a garden party at a local flower garden, complete with a mid-day picnic. Does she like to cook? Well make the day a regular culinary event by taking a course or two, or by hosting a kitchen and cooking party. Any event centered around her leisure-love is sure to be a big hit.

Good luck, and if you’ve come up with your own party ideas, feel free to share them with me!

Strawberry-Lime stuffed Cupcakes

These cupcakes would be perfect for any type of shower or event. Especially pink themed :) Enjoy!







Ingredients


1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
2 large eggs, room temperature
2/3 cup sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk


Icing


1 1/3 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1 1/2 tablespoons finely grated lime zest
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice


Directions


1 drop green food coloring
6 large ripe strawberries, hulled
Green sanding sugar
Fresh mint leaves or candied leaves


Equipment: 6-cup jumbo muffin tin
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line the muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl.
In another medium bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer until light and foamy, about 2 minutes. While beating, gradually pour in the butter and then the vanilla.
While mixing slowly, add half the dry ingredients, then add all the milk, and follow with the rest of the dry ingredients. Take care not to over mix the batter. Divide the batter evenly in the prepared tin.


Bake until a tester inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Cool cupcakes on a rack in the tin for 10 minutes, then remove. Cool on the rack completely.
For icing: Mix the confectioners’ sugar and lime zest in a medium bowl. Add the lime juice and mix with an electric mixer to make a firm but pourable icing. (If needed, add up to 1 teaspoon more juice, but take care if the icing is too loose it doesn’t set properly.) Add food color to make a pale pastel green icing.


To assemble: Remove cupcake from its liner. Cut and remove a strawberry (coned) shaped portion of cupcake from the top of each cupcake, leaving about 1/2 to 1-inch of cake in the bottom. Stuff each cake with a strawberry and cover with a little bit of cake. Spoon and spread icing over the top of the cupcakes. Sprinkle with green sanding sugar. Top with small mint leaves or candied leaves.

Orea Cookie Cupcakes

Who could ask for a better cupcake when America's favorite cookie is involved! YUM!

Cupcakes

2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

12 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

4 eggs

1 1/2 cups buttermilk, at room temperature


Whipped Cream Frosting

1 3/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

3 tablespoons powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

6 tablespoons Oreo cookie crumbs


Garnish

24 Oreo cookie halves


Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add the brown sugar and continue beating until fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in the vanilla. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until all the dry ingredients have been incorporated, being careful not to overmix.


Divide the batter between the prepared cups. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 18-20 minutes. Transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack and let cool to room temperature.


To make the frosting: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until the whipped cream holds stiff peaks. Gently fold in the cookie crumbs with a rubber spatula.
Transfer the whipped cream to a pastry bag and pipe frosting decoratively on top of the cupcakes. Garnish with Oreo cookie halves.


Makes 24 cupcakes.

Pink & Black Bridal Calling Shower

Have you ever heard of a "Calling Shower"? A calling shower is intended when you have invited a large amount of guests, the guests come in, give their gift to the person who the shower is for, they open your gift and then the guest may stay, mingle and eat or leave with no hurt feelings.
It is actually one of the easier ways to have a shower because there does not need to be any games planned and you can come and go or stay for the whole time until the shower is over.




Our calling shower was themed in Pink and Black, the brides favorite colors. All 6 tables were decorated with black linen (bought by the yard from Walmart $2.00 yard) (hand sewn, so they can be washed & reused) pink silk table runner, glass vase with floating real pink gerber daisies, sprinkled crystal ice and diamonds around the table and to finish it off small silver picture frames with the bride and groom in black and white.

The Favors: were bright pink bath roses wrapped in black tulle and finished with a hot pink bow.

The Menu/Buffet

Fresh Mozzarella in Tomato cups

36 large cherry tomato's
6 oz fresh mozzarella cheese cut into 1/2 in cubes
1/2 cup Italian dressing
36 small basil leaves

Cut off tops of tomato's and with a melon baller scoop out inside. In a bowl, toss cheese and dressing. Place 1 cheese cube in each tomato: top each with a basil leaf.

Chocolate fountain with fresh strawberries and marshmellows

& the Shower Cake

Ham & Asparagus Rolls

48 fresh asparagus spears (about 4 lbs)
3/4 cup mayonaise
4 tablespoons Dijon mustard
4 teaspoon chopped thyme
1 lb fresh ham

Fill baking dish with water and ice cubes, set aside
Cut off ends of asparagus to height wanted. Boil asparagus uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Place in ice water. Let sit for 3 to 5 min. Remove and pat dry.
Small bowl mix together mayo, mustard and thyme.
Spread mixture onto ham slice, roll tightly around asparagus spear. Store tightly in refrigerator.

Sandwiches

4 bags of wheat bread
cookie cutters of your shape choice - we used high heeled shoes and purses
tuna salad
pimento salad

chicken salad
egg salad

Cut your bread with the cookie cutters and spread your mixed salads on them, put together and its ready!

Roast Beef Bruschetta

1 package garlic toasts (fresh market)
1 container chive & onion cream cheese
1 lb thinly sliced roast beef (from deli)
1 container cherry tomatoes
bunch of green onions

Spread cream on garlic toasts, place thinly sliced roast beef on top then thinly sliced tomatoes and green onions.

Squash & Orzo Salad

2 zucchini's
2 squash's
1 bunch green onions
olive oil
2 boxes of orzo (noodle section)
fresh parsley
fresh dill
salt & pepper or seasoning
goat cheese or feta

Cut zucchini and squash into bite size pieces and saute in olive oil until tender. Boil and cook orzo (as package indicates) Drain pasta and toss together chopped parsley and dill with orzo and vegetables. Add salt and pepper and crumbled cheese.

Artichoke & Spinach dip

Chicken Salad cups
Bag of Tostito's scoop chips

Fruit Salad

fresh small cut strawberries
1 container raspberries
small cut pineapple
1 container blueberries
1 large container sour cream
3/4 cup light brown sugar

In large bowl mix together sour cream and brown sugar then toss together fruit, taste add sugar if needed and allow to sit covered for 3 hours in refrigerator.

Texas Caviar

The shower turned out everything more than what we intended and the bride to be received lots of gifts! Couldn't have been a better Calling Shower!

Congratulations Christine and Acea!

Chic Purple Lingerie Shower

Chic & Sweet Lingerie Shower

My best friend is getting married a week after the shower I gave her (last night) so I have been crunched for time on giving her the best shower/bachelorette party I can! (I found out she was getting married a couple weeks ago...).

My thoughts were to have a simple, chic and sexy intimate shower with close friends at my home. Katrin's favorite color is purple so I themed the shower around purple, black and white. Her soon to be hubby and her are not registered anywhere and are having an intimate wedding with just the 2 of them on the beach so they really didn't want gifts. I figured the perfect gift from her guests would be lingerie. So thats what the shower was!

I designed her invitations using black envelopes, black cardstock, purple/white zebra printed ribbon and white cardstock. I printed the invite on the white cardstock and did a tear effect around the outer edges. I glued the top portion onto the black cardstock and glued the ribbon on the card. As a finishing touch... after addressing the envelopes I sprayed a hint of perfume on each. Vola!

The shower was held at my house, invited were 12 close friends and family members which only 8 came but it still was a great time!

The appetizers served were meatballs, artichoke & spinach dip with crackers and a yummy array of Bento's sushi rolls. (The brides favorite, yum!)





For drinks I made Champagne and pink lemonade. The wine glasses were presented with a black sugar rim for presentation, but were soon removed once we found out after the bride took the first sip that her lips were purplish/black. lol. At least the colors stayed with the theme.



We played our first "child friendly" game (since Katrin's future step daughter was with us the first half) which was the famous cotton ball game. All you need is 2 large bowls, a large serving spoon, cotton balls and a blindfold. Taking turns each guest is blind folded and with one hand behind their back they need to spoon as many cotton balls into the empty bowl as fast as they can in 15 seconds. It was a nice ice breaker for the 1st game and everyone messed with the cotton bowls once they started to get full.



This is an idea I had from previously shopping at the grocery store weeks before but now that I was buying the food for the shower the Publix (I don't usually go to) didn't have it... bummed (and I was not going to check each Publix for this item) Even though I'm not able to show you my idea... picture this and hopefully it works for you! Have you ever seen the pink Hostess (brand) Snowballs? I thought they would make cute little bras for the lingerie shower...all you need to do is add 2 black/white pipe cleaners (from a craft store) as the bra straps and a black millinery rose with a rhinestone in between for accent, then put them on a pretty platter or on each place setting (could also be your name tags). I thought it was a super cute idea if Publix only had the darn things! Maybe next time.... if you make the idea post me your pictures!



I had a sit down dinner. Chicly presented with a black tableclothe, purple tulle and silver candle accents throughout the center of the table.






The centerpiece was a small glass vase (you can't see) within the big vase and black/white thongs. I accented the vase with a purple ribbon.




Crystal ice and diamonds were scattered around the table for my chic look. Each place setting were silverware wrapped in either black or purple napkins (on the left) and plastic clear dinner plates that were decorated with black/white scrapbook paper glued from underneath.

Candles were everyone in the house for the sexy intimate look

I planned a light menu of balsamic mixed salad with orange & red peppers, eggs, cucumbers and homemade balsamic vinegar dressing.

Another Brides favorite meal :)

Avacado boats filled with chicken salad and paprika sprinkled for presentation

I got fresh loaf bread that I cut into little Stillehetto's (cookie cutter) and browned them in the oven (you can also make them into garlic points).

After dinner and the little one went home with her daddy we played the 2 games which weren't child friendly. I came up with this game... don't laugh but I filled a condom with gum balls which we had a guessing game of how many gum balls were in it.






Then... with the gumball filled condom I made everyone stand in a circle and pass the the "penis" between their legs. It was a lot of fun and actually quite hard to do. There were lots of giggles :)
If you have more people at your shower then I would suggest having 2 and make it a race.



This game was simple and also interesting! I bought mini playdohs in various colors (6 pack from the dollar store) Each guest received a container and had 5 minutes to make their best penis. As you can see below we had lots of different kinds of penis's, lol.

Next the bride to be opened her presents. As you can see she got lots of goodies... a book called "Inter Courses" its a aphrodisiac cookbook, pink vibrator and lots of lingerie!

After each lingerie piece that she received as a gift, I hung a clothes line in my living room and hung each item on the line for everyone to see :)

This finalized Katrin's Lingerie shower which was a success! Hope you enjoyed it and got lots of good ideas :)