If I Could Have...

I would have chosen these three cakes...just as they are....for our big wedding day! I love everything about them..the shapes...colors...

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Here are a couple of beautiful cakes from the extremely talented Vanilla Bake Shop in Santa Monica, CA.

Spanx for Men!

Some may laugh...smile...look confused..but I am really excited about this!! When I came across this info on Twitter from the well known Ryan Seacrest...I had to check it out.. Spanx has come out with line of t-shirts for men. Yes, I follow Ryan...and listen to him every morning on the radio...he makes my mornings better :)

They state it "flattens stomach, improves posture and supports lower back."

photo from Spanx website

Is your man feeling a little self conscious about his tummy and doesn't wear certain shirts due to this problem? Well, why not try one of these Spanx shirts? Now, don't get me wrong..I don't think my Husband would be one to run out to the stores and purchase one of these himself...I think he would be more open minded to trying one that was purchased for him..laying on the bed :) This may be something to check out for your wedding day!

So, hope on over to the Men's Spanx page and check it out!

A "His" Birthday Cake!

We celebrated my Husbands birthday this weekend and I was determined to create him one amazing yet masculine birthday cake. I think I succeeded! Take a peak...

I headed over to Vanilla Bake Shop in Santa Monica, CA. When I heard they created Bachelor Jason and Molly's wedding cake...I had to stop in see what they were all about. I was impressed and decided to place an order. I took 2 of his favorite t-shirts with me, which were the inspiration of the cake. I specified colors and fonts to use...left the rest up to them.

Here he is wearing one of the inspiration shirts with his cake!! I think they did one ahhh-mazing job and totally recommend Vanilla Bake Shop! Oh and the cake was red velvet with cream cheese...requested by the Husband...yes it was delicious :) oh and it was heavy too!

It was a fun process and if you live in the area...stop by and pick up one of their yummy cupcakes..you won't be disappointed.

Jazzed Up Place Cards

I came across these lovely place cards! They sit so nicely on the glassware. I found them on Etsy, from seller JonNI Paper and Decorative Arts. Take a peak!

My soon to be SIL is eyeing up the dragonflys! I so hope she decides to get these!!

photos from JonNI Paper and Decorative Arts

Then you could send them over to Jessica at Penned & Pretty for some calligraphy! She did a perfect job our our cards and hope to use her again in the future!

Chamilia is a Calling!

I have previously posted on Pandora Bracelets..but I think I found something I like a bit better! It's called Chamila..It is another type of charm bracelet but if you ask me...the beads are much more gorgeous! Below are just a few to show...

The closest store to me (I live in LA) is in Long Beach. So the Husband drove me down to see what this other type of bracelet is all about! First, they have a bangle type bracelet! Which I totally LOVE! How it works is..the ends twist off and you slide the beads on..You can put 2 to several beads on the bracelet to give it different looks...

I found this picture below to show how it looks with four beads on each side. The silver ball on the end is easy to adjust to give more or less room for the beads.

I also learned that Chamilia sets the stones into the beads unlike Pandora who uses glue..then over time the Pandora gems loose their shine! Another good thing is Pandora and Chamilia beads are interchangeable! So, if you already have a ton of Pandora beads..they will fit on your new Chamilia bracelet! The bangle bracelet costs approximately $60.

These bracelets would make adorable bridesmaid gifts! A bit pricey but absolutely adorable!
To find a dealer near you click here.

Cupcake of the Week!

Sunday Mimosa!




This beauty is from Cupcakes Couture of Manhattan Beach. A champagne cupcake filled with a blood orange curd topped with a mascarpone citrus frosting garnished with blood orange caviar.

Ahhh-Mazing!

Simply divine..this was our dessert tonight!

EGGS!

This is what happens when Husband leaves during the week for work...



Kingston was soo cute licking the eggs..trying to get them open (i put treats inside)....oh and we found the adorable Easter tie last weekend at PetSmart..soo cute!

So, I had to make a card using one of these adorable shots!
I used Shutterfly this time!

Yes, call me crazy...but it is super crazy adorable!!! I think we need to start thinking about kids!
Happy Spring to everyone!!!!

Comfy Malibu

Check out these adorable comfy Malibu Brighton flip flops! They are super adorable and I'm loving the combination of colors! Wouldn't they make the perfect bridesmaid gift?

I got my paws on a pair of beautiful blue...

Oh and they come in a cute little bag that matches the flops! How perfect!

So, if you are looking for something new and fresh for this Spring head on over to a Brighton shop right away. I hear they are selling out fast!

Bohol Philippines

Ever thought of doing a "Trash the Dress" session in another country? I met this adorable couple about five years ago! C and I were coworkers and there was never a dull moment!! I was just starting out on my career and C was always a big help! Since then we have moved on to other opportunities but always stayed in touch. When I saw some of her pictures on facebook..I had to ask if I could share some of them with all of you! She said Yes!

They got married in California but took a side trip back home to the Philippines...and I think they took full advantage of their time! Some of the most unique locations!

I love how she got herself a small bouquet of flowers! I did the exact same thing for our shoot :)

I always loved her long hair...

I think the photo below is one of my favorites! How romantic!

photography by Smart Shot Studio

I totally recommend doing a TTD or as my favorite photographer calls it a, "Forever After" session! Click on over HERE to see some of our amazing pictures. Oh and I took my dress to the cleaners..15 dollars later it was spotless...I couldn't believe it!

Thanks C for allowing me to share some of your beautiful photographs!

Rackets & Balls

Oh I have something exciting to share! One of my friends has started on a new adventure in her life! She has been focusing on learning everything there is to know about decorative cookies...and I think she is learning very fast! I sent her a message a couple weeks ago with the request of blue tennis rackets and balls...

I think for someone who has just started learning this tedious craft is definitely on the right path. This gift was requested for my Mother's birthday who LOVES tennis...and let me tell you how much she loved this gift! In fact she took this lovely package to a tennis match to show to all her friends..Long story short they loved them and have already requested another order! Not only did they look good, they were delicious! Click HERE to head on over the learn more about the process of making the cookies. Her blog is called, The Cookie Sheet!

Thank You Ashley for all your hard work and love you obviously put into this gift for my Mother! You are truly talented and I am so excited for you!

My Love for Amy!

When I was hunting for the perfect wedding dress, I came along some amazing designers..such as Amy Michelson. When I slipped into her gowns I immediately felt amazing! I fit in her gowns perfectly!

I specifically fell hard for her "White Chocolate" gown. I can't even find the right words to describe how I felt looking into the mirror... My Mother was speechless...First of all I loved how the back crisscrossed. Secondly, not sure how Amy does it but my bottom looked amazing in that dress! I felt so feminine!

White Chocolate

Below is showing the same dress except, they added flowers to the one strap... so unique! Again look how she does the material to enhance your bottom!!!

Gold Rush

I didn't have the opportunity to try this gown on..but it is so romantic! Again, I'm loving the crisscross back design.

Grace

But in the end...I just couldn't pay over 3,000 for one of these beauties..I just didn't have it in my budget. But that doesn't mean I don't think about my White Chocolate every now and then...My venue also played a huge part in the decision as well... My final choice fit the venue perfectly and I felt gorgeous wearing it!

Did you find a gown that you had to put back on the rack....but secretly think about all the time?

Pondering..

The Husband and I have been contemplating for the past couple weeks if we should adopt a dog. As many of you already know we have a little boy named Kingston. We love him dearly and spoil him all the time! We would love for him to have a companion..and also to rescue a dog in need.

I have many concerns though... Will Kingston be upset? Will the dogs get a long? Will the new dog like us? The thoughts just rush through my head! So, we are going forward with caution!
Have any of your adopted a dog from an agency? The application process sounds scary and tough! Any tips? Suggestions? There are soo many questions!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! The shelters are so full these days and I just can't justify buying a dog at a store anymore.

Free VistaPrint!

A couple weeks ago Vista Print was offering tons of free stuff! So I definitely took advantage of this offer..I decided this was the time to try out some new products... I first ordered two packages of the caricature cards...it was fun to create each family member! Not sure about Kingston's caricature...The choices were very limited. I will not be ordering these again...My Kingston must be represented correctly! :)

Next, I ordered some desk calendars..you are able to choose different pictures for each month! So, I used our wedding pictures :) of course! I really like these! Good quality..they would make perfect presents for family members or for your Husband's desk at work!

Finally, I ordered several different styles of return mailing labels. These were my favorite considering how many you get in one order (140)! So, lets just say I am good for a long time!

The purple label is my favorite!

It is actually difficult to read the text in the yellow/black label. But still very pretty!

Oh how perfect are these for our St. Patricks Day cards?! These turned out great!

There are hundreds of labels to choose from! It was hard to decide which ones to pick! Amy Jean over at Relentless Bride also took advantage of some free stuff! Click on over and check out her "loot." She ordered tons of stuff for her wedding! What perfect timing!! She is also getting married this weekend!! Congratulations!!!!!!

Too Cute!

I received this adorable dish the other day in the mail! I love packages!! It is absolutely perfect for my rings..It has found a home on my nightstand! I ordered this cute dish from seller WiseImpressions from Etsy.

This dish is priced very reasonable and I just might go and purchase a couple more for my recently engaged friends! So, hurry on over to Etsy and get one for yourself!!