And the winner is...
BINGO! Jessica Jones over at How About Orange created Bingo cards specially for the 2011 Oscars. I think my favorite space is "Winner attempts to exit stage in wrong direction." Ha! How many times have you seen THAT happen at the Oscars! What a creative way to keep everyone on their toes during the entire show! Print these out along with your Twig & Thistle printables and you're set!
Free Oscars Party Printables
The Oscars are this Sunday and Twig & Thistle made precious printables for an award winning party (I love when they do this). I mean seriously, all you have to do is print and party. That's something worth celebrating in itself!
Head on over to Twig & Thistle's blog to download the free printables!
Head on over to Twig & Thistle's blog to download the free printables!
What to Wear to a Spring Wedding
The Finer Things came out with a list of suggestions for what to wear to a spring wedding and I must say it's a great list. I have included it below and added my own two cents as well. ;)
1) Do not wear white or cream. Leave this look for the bride, and the bride only. This an obvious rule but I have seen it broken again and again. Guests are not supposed to wear white because the bride should stand out amongst her guests. It's a form of respect for the bride and the last thing you want to do is draw negative attention to yourself. Many of the guests will not care. In fact, the bride may not even care, but what if she does? Unless the bride specifically asks you to wear white, do not wear it. It doesn't matter if your white/cream dress looks nothing like a wedding dress, you still shouldn't wear it.
Most people know the answer to this question but rather want to know if it is permissible to wear a white top or white pants with a colored skirt, pants or top. Err on the side of caution with this but generally I believe this is acceptable. Ask yourself these questions: Is there anything else in my closet I can wear that does not have white in it? If a group picture were taken of all the guests at the wedding, would I stand out along with the bride in this outfit? Our eyes tend to be drawn to white in pictures. Don't make the mistake of being the only guest other than the bride standing out in pictures. Your job is to blend in white the guests, not stand out with the bride.
2) If you know what color the bridesmaids will be wearing, try to find a dress that is a different color. If you aren't sure what they will be wearing, look to the invitation for clues. What color is the invitation? If you receive an invitation with a lavender ribbon, it's safe to assume that lavender is one of the wedding colors.
3) Choose a look that you will be comfortable sitting, walking and dancing in. If you're uncomfortable, you won't be able to fully enjoy the evening. This is such a smart suggestion. If you want to wear five inch heels to the ceremony, throw another pair of shoes in the car to wear to the reception. Also, always bring a shawl or sweater for an indoor wedding or if it is going to be cooler at an outdoor wedding.
4) This might be an obvious rule to follow, but choose a dress that isn't too revealing or flashy. This is my favorite rule because as obvious as it is, it is another that is broken way too often. Weddings are classy events and the "girls" are not invited, if you know what I mean. It's just another way that attention is drawn away from the bride and onto...well, you know.
The Finer Things recommended a few dresses to wear and I wanted to include a few I found...
1) Do not wear white or cream. Leave this look for the bride, and the bride only. This an obvious rule but I have seen it broken again and again. Guests are not supposed to wear white because the bride should stand out amongst her guests. It's a form of respect for the bride and the last thing you want to do is draw negative attention to yourself. Many of the guests will not care. In fact, the bride may not even care, but what if she does? Unless the bride specifically asks you to wear white, do not wear it. It doesn't matter if your white/cream dress looks nothing like a wedding dress, you still shouldn't wear it.
Most people know the answer to this question but rather want to know if it is permissible to wear a white top or white pants with a colored skirt, pants or top. Err on the side of caution with this but generally I believe this is acceptable. Ask yourself these questions: Is there anything else in my closet I can wear that does not have white in it? If a group picture were taken of all the guests at the wedding, would I stand out along with the bride in this outfit? Our eyes tend to be drawn to white in pictures. Don't make the mistake of being the only guest other than the bride standing out in pictures. Your job is to blend in white the guests, not stand out with the bride.
2) If you know what color the bridesmaids will be wearing, try to find a dress that is a different color. If you aren't sure what they will be wearing, look to the invitation for clues. What color is the invitation? If you receive an invitation with a lavender ribbon, it's safe to assume that lavender is one of the wedding colors.
3) Choose a look that you will be comfortable sitting, walking and dancing in. If you're uncomfortable, you won't be able to fully enjoy the evening. This is such a smart suggestion. If you want to wear five inch heels to the ceremony, throw another pair of shoes in the car to wear to the reception. Also, always bring a shawl or sweater for an indoor wedding or if it is going to be cooler at an outdoor wedding.
4) This might be an obvious rule to follow, but choose a dress that isn't too revealing or flashy. This is my favorite rule because as obvious as it is, it is another that is broken way too often. Weddings are classy events and the "girls" are not invited, if you know what I mean. It's just another way that attention is drawn away from the bride and onto...well, you know.
The Finer Things recommended a few dresses to wear and I wanted to include a few I found...
The top three dresses are from ModCloth and the bottom two are from Anthropologie.
And as always, for a black tie or cocktail attire wedding you will need to pick a dress that is much dressier and perhaps floor length. BHLDN is a great place to start. Hope that helps!
Will and Leigh Mundinger
Here in Texas it's starting to feel more and more like spring so I thought it would be fitting to reveal this wedding I coordinated last year. If the flowers from this wedding don't put you in mood for spring, I don't know what will!
Will and Leigh exchanged vows on a gorgeous spring day amidst friends and family at Christ the King Catholic church. Immediately following the ceremony, the bride and groom enjoyed a private dinner before joining their guests for dinner and dancing at the Brook Hollow Golf Club. Later on in the night feather boas were passed out on the dance floor with a special white boa for the bride. Guests were having so much fun that the bride and groom asked the band to stay longer! Please enjoy these photos by the talented photographers of Andrea Polito Photography.
Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Mundinger!
A special thank you to the following vendors...
Ceremony: Christ The King Catholic Church
Reception: Brook Hollow Golf Club
Ceremony Music: Henry McDowell
Dress: Warren Barron Bridal
Florist: Fete des Fleurs
Transportation (Trolley): Coach America
Band: Random Axis
Photographer: Andrea Polito Photography
Bride's Cake: Panini Bakery
Groom's Cake: Dallas Affairs
Hair/Make-Up: L.B. Rosser
Will and Leigh exchanged vows on a gorgeous spring day amidst friends and family at Christ the King Catholic church. Immediately following the ceremony, the bride and groom enjoyed a private dinner before joining their guests for dinner and dancing at the Brook Hollow Golf Club. Later on in the night feather boas were passed out on the dance floor with a special white boa for the bride. Guests were having so much fun that the bride and groom asked the band to stay longer! Please enjoy these photos by the talented photographers of Andrea Polito Photography.
Leigh's rhinestone studded Jimmy Choos are by far my favorite of all time!
Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Mundinger!
A special thank you to the following vendors...
Ceremony: Christ The King Catholic Church
Reception: Brook Hollow Golf Club
Ceremony Music: Henry McDowell
Dress: Warren Barron Bridal
Florist: Fete des Fleurs
Transportation (Trolley): Coach America
Band: Random Axis
Photographer: Andrea Polito Photography
Bride's Cake: Panini Bakery
Groom's Cake: Dallas Affairs
Hair/Make-Up: L.B. Rosser
Always a Bridesmaid {Etsy Finds}
Hey, I don't have a problem being a bridesmaid. Especially if I've got a great bridesmaid gift coming my way! Here are a few ideas to make your girls feel special...
BRIDESMAIDS
When I think of groomsmen gifts I think cufflinks, flask and a tie. Those are all great gifts but if you're looking for something a little more unique, especially if the guys' are going on their fifth wedding this year, these gifts won't disappoint...
GROOMSMEN
DIY Fondue Favors
I just received an email from Style Me Pretty with a tutorial after my own heart. I have a slight crush on all things fondue, but turn fondue into a party favor and you've just lit my heart of fire. Victoria Hudgins of A Subtle Revelry is the genius behind this DIY and she sure has perfect timing because all the Valentine's chocolate hearts are on sale right now!
Materials needed:
I think I just might have to use this as a favor idea...so creative! Thank you Victoria and thank you Jackie Wonders for taking such fabulous pictures!
Materials needed:
- glass tea light bowl (found at any craft store)
- tea light
- piece of chocolate (perfect time to stock up on all of the chocolate hearts this month)
- downloadable favor tag. Click here
- ribbon
- match
Instructions courtesy of Victoria...
When giving to your guests combine the tea light inside of the glass bowl with the instruction card underneath. Tie off the ribbon at the top with a match and the tag sticking out sweetly from both ends. The instructions will tell them what to do! Set out the favors with bowls of dipping food to consume at your wedding or send the guests home with the favors and allow them to decide what they would like swirled in the chocolate!
I think I just might have to use this as a favor idea...so creative! Thank you Victoria and thank you Jackie Wonders for taking such fabulous pictures!
BHLDN Launches Today!
Happy Valentine's Day!
Woman's Day compiled a list of Valentine's Facts, most of which I had never heard and are pretty interesting! Turns out Valentine's Day might have been a lot more scandalous than we thought...
1. Valentine’s Day started with the Romans. There are two theories about the origin of Valentine’s Day. The first is that the day derives from Lupercalia, a raucous Roman festival on February 15 where men stripped naked and spanked young maidens in hopes of upping their fertility. The second theory is that while the Roman Emperor Claudius II was trying to bolster his army, he forbade young men to marry (apparently single men make better soldiers). In the spirit of love, St. Valentine defied the ban and performed secret marriages. For his disobedience, Valentine was executed on February 14.
2. It’s not the most popular holiday for greeting cards. According to the Greeting Card Association, 190 million Valentine's Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine's Day the second most popular greeting card–giving occasion, after Christmas.
3. Single ladies have a good shot at finding a date. There are 119 single men—never married, widowed or divorced—in their 20s for every 100 single women of the same age.
4. True love is apparently not that hard to find. Over two million marriages take place in the United States every year. That means there are more than 6,000 a day!
5. Husbands and boyfriends like to give bouquets. Men account for 73 percent of Valentine's Day flower sales.
6. Roses are the flowers of love. The favorite flower of Venus, the Roman goddess of love? The red rose, of course. The bud stands for strong romantic feelings, so it’s no surprise they make up the most popular Valentine’s Day bouquets.
7. “Wearing your heart on your sleeve” is more than just a phrase. In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names to see who their Valentine would be. They would wear the name pinned to their sleeve for one week so that everyone would know their supposed true feelings.
8. Money can buy love. The average U.S. consumer spent around $102 on Valentine's Day gifts, meals and entertainment in 2009, according to an annual U.S. National Retail Federation survey. Roughly 92 percent of married Americans with children will spend most of that money (about $67) on their spouse; the rest goes to Valentine's Day gifts for kids, friends, coworkers and even pets.
9. Americans have a serious sweet tooth. According to the National Confectioners Association, about eight billion candy hearts were made in 2009.
10. The chocolate box has been around for more than 140 years. The first Valentine's Day box of chocolates was introduced by Richard Cadbury in 1868.
May you have a blessed and happy Valentine's day!
1. Valentine’s Day started with the Romans. There are two theories about the origin of Valentine’s Day. The first is that the day derives from Lupercalia, a raucous Roman festival on February 15 where men stripped naked and spanked young maidens in hopes of upping their fertility. The second theory is that while the Roman Emperor Claudius II was trying to bolster his army, he forbade young men to marry (apparently single men make better soldiers). In the spirit of love, St. Valentine defied the ban and performed secret marriages. For his disobedience, Valentine was executed on February 14.
2. It’s not the most popular holiday for greeting cards. According to the Greeting Card Association, 190 million Valentine's Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine's Day the second most popular greeting card–giving occasion, after Christmas.
3. Single ladies have a good shot at finding a date. There are 119 single men—never married, widowed or divorced—in their 20s for every 100 single women of the same age.
4. True love is apparently not that hard to find. Over two million marriages take place in the United States every year. That means there are more than 6,000 a day!
5. Husbands and boyfriends like to give bouquets. Men account for 73 percent of Valentine's Day flower sales.
6. Roses are the flowers of love. The favorite flower of Venus, the Roman goddess of love? The red rose, of course. The bud stands for strong romantic feelings, so it’s no surprise they make up the most popular Valentine’s Day bouquets.
7. “Wearing your heart on your sleeve” is more than just a phrase. In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names to see who their Valentine would be. They would wear the name pinned to their sleeve for one week so that everyone would know their supposed true feelings.
8. Money can buy love. The average U.S. consumer spent around $102 on Valentine's Day gifts, meals and entertainment in 2009, according to an annual U.S. National Retail Federation survey. Roughly 92 percent of married Americans with children will spend most of that money (about $67) on their spouse; the rest goes to Valentine's Day gifts for kids, friends, coworkers and even pets.
9. Americans have a serious sweet tooth. According to the National Confectioners Association, about eight billion candy hearts were made in 2009.
10. The chocolate box has been around for more than 140 years. The first Valentine's Day box of chocolates was introduced by Richard Cadbury in 1868.
May you have a blessed and happy Valentine's day!
Tiny Hearts Cupcake Toppers DIY
This idea is so simple which makes it a fantastic idea in my book! In fact, Katrien, the creator of this DIY, didn't even write instructions when she posted the tutorial on her blog. It's that easy.
I suggest using cardstock and double sided tape but as far as the colors and shapes go, that is completely up to you!
The Way to a Man's Heart
Here's an easy way to spread a little Valentine's cheer for your hubby or kids....heart shaped pepperoni pizza! One Charming Party came up with this simple idea to use tiny heart cookie cutters to cut hearts out of pepperoni. That was easy! Whether for a class party or a romantic night at home, delivery or make your own, it doesn't take much to spread the love! It's the little things really.
Tip: If you want to order in but don't want your pizza cold by the time you cut all those pepperoni, order a cheese pizza and just buy pepperoni at the store and pre-cut them to put on the pizza when it arrives.
Technologically Advanced Valentine's
These are two of the most creative and hip Valentine's ideas I have ever seen and they would be such a fun project for your kids!
2 (14-inch) pieces of string
2 mini peanut butter cups
1 (1-ounce) box of conversation hearts
2 (4-inch) circles of aluminum foil
4- by 7-inch strip of pink paper
Glue stick
Sheet of white printer paper or printable scroll wheel and playlist
Instructions
1. Tape each end of a piece of string to a peanut butter cup. Tie on the other piece of string as shown, then tape the loose end to the candy box.
2. Wrap each peanut butter cup in a circle of aluminum foil.
3. Wrap the pink paper strip around the candy box and secure it with a glue stick.
4. Cut paper shapes and write text for the scroll wheel and playlist (or download and print ours), and use a glue stick to attach them to the box. Write a valentine message on the back of the box
This next one is just about out of date due to the takeover of iPhones and BlackBerrys but I'm sure your kids will get it...right?
Materials
This iPod Valentine is a combination of a box of Conversation Hearts and two Reese's Peanut Butter cups. You can find the printables for the scroll wheel and playlist here.
Materials
Tape 2 (14-inch) pieces of string
2 mini peanut butter cups
1 (1-ounce) box of conversation hearts
2 (4-inch) circles of aluminum foil
4- by 7-inch strip of pink paper
Glue stick
Sheet of white printer paper or printable scroll wheel and playlist
Instructions
1. Tape each end of a piece of string to a peanut butter cup. Tie on the other piece of string as shown, then tape the loose end to the candy box.
2. Wrap each peanut butter cup in a circle of aluminum foil.
3. Wrap the pink paper strip around the candy box and secure it with a glue stick.
4. Cut paper shapes and write text for the scroll wheel and playlist (or download and print ours), and use a glue stick to attach them to the box. Write a valentine message on the back of the box
This next one is just about out of date due to the takeover of iPhones and BlackBerrys but I'm sure your kids will get it...right?
 |
| Photo courtesy of Family Fun |
2 playing cards
Tape
Glitter cardstock
Black permanent marker
White, red and pink cardstock
Glue stick
Hot glue gun and sticks
Candy Buttons
Pixy Stix
Instructions
1. Tape two playing cards together end to end and trace on cardstock to make the outline of the phone. Cut out as many as needed. Then fold in half. If desired, trace around outer edge of phones with black permanent marker.
2. Cut sheets of Candy Buttons and glue to inside bottom half of phone.
3. Cut out small rectangles from the pink and red cardstock for the front of the phones. Cut out larger squares for the inside of the phones.
3. Using a computer, make labels with the names of the recipients of the Valentine's as well as labels to write the "text" on the inside of the phone. Print out the labels and paste accordingly.
4. Using tape or hot glue, paste the Pixy Stix to the back of the phones at the top left corner.
Super Bowl Party
I searched the Internet extensively for a Super Bowl party to feature before last weekend but came up short. I couldn't find much of anything. Then it dawned on me that most of us would probably rather spend more of our time and energy on a Valentine's party at this time of year than a football party and so I made the last minute decision to whip up a few ideas for an easy, generic Super Bowl party that can be carried over year after year.
I tried not to be partial to either team and chose to use a black, green, brown, white and silver color scheme. I found the glitter paper at Target, two sheets for $1 (which is a deal my friends). Normally glitter paper can cost up to $2 for just one sheet! Then I scavenged my house (and Walmart) for anything that matched the color scheme to throw on the table. My favorite part of the whole table though are the little helmets on top of the sodas. They would be super cute in your team's colors and if you want to get fancy you could even try to paint your team's logos on the side!
The cookies are from La Rosette Bakery. Not only did they look cute, they tasted wonderful. Everyone easily agreed they were the some of the best sugar cookies they'd ever tasted.
Thank you to Cassie for hosting at her house and for taking photos for me!
I tried not to be partial to either team and chose to use a black, green, brown, white and silver color scheme. I found the glitter paper at Target, two sheets for $1 (which is a deal my friends). Normally glitter paper can cost up to $2 for just one sheet! Then I scavenged my house (and Walmart) for anything that matched the color scheme to throw on the table. My favorite part of the whole table though are the little helmets on top of the sodas. They would be super cute in your team's colors and if you want to get fancy you could even try to paint your team's logos on the side!
The cookies are from La Rosette Bakery. Not only did they look cute, they tasted wonderful. Everyone easily agreed they were the some of the best sugar cookies they'd ever tasted.
Thank you to Cassie for hosting at her house and for taking photos for me!
BHLDN Sneak Peek!
The ladies over at Ruffled were invited to the URBN campus for a sneak peak (lucky!) of Anthropologie's newest bridal brand BHLDN, pronounced "beholden" which comes from the Dutch word that means "to keep". To have and to hold...get it?
Here are a few more details courtesy of Ruffled:
Here are a few more details courtesy of Ruffled:
- The dress sizes will range from 0-14.
- BHLDN's line ranges from $1000-$4000, but exclusive collections made by invited designers will be priced starting at $600.
- All dresses are allowed free shipping and free 30 day returns.
- Their website will offer an inspiration board builder, videos so brides can see how the dresses move on a real person and a zoom in feature for static product shots.
- The first BHLDN store will open in the Fall, in the South though the city has not been disclosed yet.
- At the store, brides will be able to come in and try dresses on without needing an appointment and they will have a tailor ready to make alterations for you.
- In addition to bridal, they will sell decor items such as ready-made DIY goodies. There will be a section of the store where you can make your table mockups and play event designer to get a real feel for what you want.
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