Bag Borrow or Steal

Okay. I have a confessions to make. On May 30, 2008 while many of you were standing in long lines anxiously waiting to get inside the movie theater to see Sex and the City, I was scratching my head wondering what all the fuss was about. I usually choose to wait until a movie comes out on DVD to see it. Watching a movie with my feet kicked up on my ottoman, eating popcorn and M&Ms from the comfort of my own home is the best.

In honor of Sex and the City's release on DVD this week, I decided to write about Bag Borrow or Steal. Many of you know that Sarah Jessica Parker's character was impressed by her new assistant's sense of style and was curious how she could afford all of her designer accessories. That's when Jennifer Hudson's character explained how she rented them!

It is no secret that men have been renting their tuxedos and accessories for their wedding day attire for years. So what do you think about women renting for their wedding day accessories?

Take a look at these Tiffany & Co. 8.2 carat diamond earrings. Do you think that you could afford these for your wedding day? What if I told you that you could rent them for a week for $213? Could you afford them now? Just a little something to think about.

Photo by: Bagborroworsteal

Congratulations Jasmine and Terdell!

Jasmine and Terdell were wed mid September at the spacious Foundry at Puritan Mill. The couple were married in the center of the room surrounded by loved ones on all sides. White sheer drapes, hung beautifully from the ceiling, hid the tables on either side of the room as guest burst into applause when the couple was announced husband and wife.

Guest enjoyed champagne and listened to a band during the cocktail reception in the lobby and outside. The bride and groom took several photos in front of the large windows and red brick walls of the facility.

The drapes were tied back to reveal the beautiful room set up. The seated guests were wowed by the couple's first dance which included a trio of ballet dancers surrounding them with love.

Rock The Reception

I am sure that everyone has seen a You Tube clip of a bride and groom surprising their wedding guests with a choreographed first dance. The routines range from cute to hilarious. But the reception guests are always shocked. Many of them have to pick up their dropped jaw from the floor. While other jump up from their seats to get a better look at the musical production.
With the popularity of this wedding trend over the last two years, TLC created the show Rock The Reception. Tabitha and Napolean D'umo best known for So You Think You Can Dance are the stars of the show. The two well known choreographers and dance instructors have been married to each other for ten years and work well together. On the show, the couple team up to teach the bride, groom and their wedding party a crash course dance routine that they must muster up the nerve to perform in front of their wedding guests.
A few months ago, I received an email asking if I had any couples interested in being on a TV show about entertaining first dances. I asked my most courageous bride if she had thought about doing a first dance that was a little different and she quickly shook her head no.
So what do you think? Do you think a couple's first dance as husband and wife should be a special moment spent gazing into each other's eyes? While today's newlyweds may not do the traditional waltz, they do spend time deciding what love song to do their dance to. Would you be brave enough to pick out a fast song and rock your reception?



Video by: Rock the Reception and YouTube

Why hire a wedding coordinator?

Congratulations on your engagement! You may be thinking, why do I need to hire a wedding coordinator? The average cost of weddings in the United States is around $28,000. Do you really want to put that investment in the hands of a friend or relative who has volunteered to "help out" vs. a trained professional who coordinates weddings and events for a living? Wedding coordinators can save their clients an overall savings of between 10-25%. They can assist you in maintaining a realistic budget.
Did you know that many brides spend 250 hours planning their wedding? Sounds like another full time job added to your already busy schedule. So what is your time worth to you? Wedding coordinators can save you valuable time and effort by referring you to vendors that fit your needs.
On your wedding day, would you like to sit back, relax, and get pampered by professionals doing your hair and makeup? At the ceremony and reception would you like to truly enjoy your event with your new husband and guests? That is the idea situation. If you don't have a trained and experienced coordinator working for you, your day could be spent stressed out. You could be running around checking up on vendors, setting up, managing event activities, answering countless questions, while handling last minute details and emergencies. Wedding coordinators can keep your stress level to a minimum by handling the details and coordinating a flawless event for you!

Chocolate diamonds

It's been said that diamonds are a girl's best friend. As for me, I am rather partial to chocolate. Many of you may not want to admit it but I know I am not alone. I will proudly stand and confess, "Hi. My name is Nicole and I am a chocoholic!" So what could be better than chocolate diamonds? Except for Mr. Right of course.

While I am a confessed chocoholic, I do realize that sometimes a moment on the lips can lead to a lifetime on the hips. That being said, diamonds are forever. I could stare at this beautiful chocolate diamond engagement ring all day and not gain a single pound. Who wouldn't love a best friend like this?

Buttercream vs. Fondant

Today is the first day of school for many kids. School supplies have been purchased, book bags are filled, and off they go to get an education. I proudly took both of my excited kids to school today. Of course my teenager would only let me take her as far as the parking lot! But I digress.

So with education on my mind, I decided to teach you a little about buttercream vs. fondant to frost your cake. Buttercream is made with butter, sugar, and eggs while fondant is made of sugar syrup, and glucose. Once fondant has been cooked and cooled, it can be rolled and draped over each tier of your cake. It has a smooth elegant but firm look, which can be hard to cut. Buttercream is creamy and soft so easier to cut. However, because it is made with butter, heat and humidity can cause the cake to melt. Buttercream cakes need to be kept cool. Fondant handles heat better which may look better in your photos.

As far as the best value per slice, buttercream wins easily. The verdict is still out on taste. Many people prefer the taste of buttercream, but some like fondant as well. Those that don't, simply peel it off. It is all a matter of what is more important to you.

Photo by: Angie Silvy

Lemon Drops

The saying goes, if life gives you lemons, make lemonade. I say, if life gives you lemons, make......... lemon drops! Is one of your wedding colors yellow? Do you like lemons? Then why not add a little kick to your wedding reception or other celebration by having lemon drops as your signature drink?
Ingredients:
1 1/2 ounce vodka
1/2 ounce Triple Sec
1 teaspoon of superfine sugar
3/4 ounce lemon juice

Mix vodka, Triple Sec, and lemon juice in a shaker filled with ice and shake until cold. Pour into a martini glass rimmed with the superfine sugar. Makes 1 drink. Enjoy!

Photo by: Allrecipes.com