Goody Bags: Small Toys for Boys!

My mother-in-law volunteers as a Beaver Leader for young children and was looking for a little something to give them as an end-of-year gift. It is becoming more difficult today, with so many allergies and dietary restrictions, so instead I opted for small goody bags with little "toys for boys!" Each bag has two squishy bugs, a dinosaur, a bouncy ball, a dinosaur pencil and bubbles with a wand. These little bags are so simple and affordable and I just know the boys will love receiving them. She can personalize the small tags with their names and a little note from herself as well.

If you are looking for any other type of small token gifts (for teachers, colleagues or friends) let me know. I have an array of favour size options for you in bags or boxes!

Steal, lie and cheat...Please!

Well I finally got to watch the romantic comedy "Leap Year" tonight, and although I am a biased Amy Adams lover, this movie was full of hilarious and teary moments. I would not personally suggest accepting a marriage proposal after a week together; however I absolutely loved the scenes in which Declan and Anna attend an outdoor Irish wedding. The new bride gives the most beautiful and simple speech to her new groom. She says: “May you never steal, lie or cheat. But if you have to steal, then steal away my sorrows. If you have to lie, then lie with me all the nights of our life and if you have to cheat, then cheat death because I don't want to live a day without you.”

Let me know how many weddings you hear it at this summer! Anyways, rent it with some girlfriends and enjoy!

Next step: try to get my husband to speak softly to me with an Irish accent....yummy!
Likelihood of success: low

Baby Shower Invite Gallery 2

O.K....so I know that these look a lot like the ones I posted last month! The hostess saw the Baby Shower Invitations on my blog and just fell in love (and I don't blame her!) They are just so elegant and pretty too - I'm really into "pretty" right now. The reverse of the antique printed baroque paper is a slate grey. I think that the matching baby blue envelopes really "seal the deal" as well! (Wow - you know it's time for bed when I start using cheesy puns in my writing)...On that note, until next time!

Italian Style

Check out what's popular in Italy right now. I thought I would share these pictures my parents took while in Italy a few weeks ago from a wedding reception. The soft pinks and greens are so pretty and feminine with the white material draped on the chairs. The basket would be cute centrepiece for a bridal shower or baby shower too!

Your style: Are you a Carrie or a Charlotte?

Check out this cute article on Wedding Bells magazine on-line. It gives a breakdown of the basic style of each Sex and the City character and what they would wear for their Big Day. Figure out which fabulous fashionista most resembles yourself and then look for inspiring style ideas!

Enjoy! www.weddingbells.ca

Invitation Gallery 4 & 5

Told you I have been busy! Here are some more samples created for two couples with different styles. The first happens to be an old friend I haven't seen since high school - what a fun way to reconnect! She is getting married in the Fall and hosting a large wedding celebration with guests coming from as far as Italy. Her style is quite classic and elegant. I love the use of the purple ribbon as an accent. I will be sure to post their choice after we figure it all out!

The second couple are to be married next month by the water in Bristol, Quebec. The bride-to-be even told me that she will be hopping on a jet-ski for some fun pictures (eek...the dress!) They new exactly what they wanted for their invitations - two birds on a branch...so we mixed and matched colours to see how it would turn out. I will post the final invitation choice and inserts tomorrow.

Enjoy!

Finally...I'm back!

It has been a busy past few weeks here for me, but I am happy to report I have been taking lots of pictures and doing a great deal of reading and research...so I will do my best to keep the updates more frequent.

In today's copy of The Ottawa Citizen, the entire "Life" section (J) has been dubbed "The Wedding Issue," offering advice and tips for Brides and Wedding Planning in general. Here are some highlights:

*There's a new dress shop in town (in Carleton Place that is) called Ashton Station Bridal (ashtonstationbridal.ca) which sell high-end couture Rivini gowns by Toronto designer Rita Vinieris. I love, love, love the "Brindi" dress (it's picture no.4 on page 2 of their site or see above). It is so flirty, feminine and romantic...it makes me want to get married again (to the same man)!

*It's your move ladies. The "MANGAGEMENT RING" (see picture) is growing ever more popular as ladies around the globe are getting down on one knee and proposing to the man of their dreams. Just make sure you have considered his taste and style when selecting the ring. The possibilities are endless, but you want to make sure he will wear it forever too!

*Extra! Extra! Read all about it: brides and wedding-lovers world-wide are blogging! ... is this really news?!!!

*Be sure to always practice good skin care and wear an SPF of at least 15 at all times on your face. One product I adore is M.A.C. make-up's Studio Moisture Tint, which is a light foundation with built in SPF. It goes on like a liquid but dries like a powder and makes you look flawless.

*Want to be married like a celeb? You will need: a couture groom, a Grace Kelly inspired bride, a rehearsal dinner after-party, individualized bridesmaids, estate-style nuptials, a family-style dinner and finally, a great post-wedding favour.

*Finally, six trends for the modern couple:
1. Wedding favours are back in (hooray for rwdesign.ca!),
2. Destination weddings closer to home (no more tropical beaches),
3. Purple as an accent colour,
4. Butter cream over fondant,
5. Being green (no water bottles, composting food and flowers...)
AND 6. More technology (videographers, HD music videos...).

For the full articles, go online to: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/life/index.html