Merry Christmas

Photo via Twig & Thristle

Green Holiday Gift Guide

The perfect green gift for everyone in your life!
For Her
Recycled Leather Jacket Purse from Found


Made from recycled leather jackets and skirts, these gorgeous handmade bags are one of a kind, sustainably made pieces. Nicki of Found creates these bags using only upcycled products – everything down to the zippers and buckles were taken off a previously owned item. Found $52-$102


For Him
VersaAudio Bamboo iphone Hard Case

If the iPhone addict in your life has yet to get a protective case for his beloved toy, opening your present to see this smooth and supple case will send shivers up his spine! Made from sustainable bamboo with all the natural graining intact, it will add just the right amount of personality to his favorite gadget. VersAudio $39.99

For Tots
Mama K's Aromatic Play Clay

Quite possibly the toy of any season: 100% natural Mama K’s Aromatic Play Clay will provide hours of entertainment and fun for tots and parents. Mama K’s re-invents the concept of playdough by infusing it with scents derived from organic essential oils (sweet orange, lavender, lemongrass, etc.) to provide a heightened sensory experience. Made of certified gluten free flours, kosher salt, extra virgin olive oil, natural colors and organic essential oils, Mama K’s turns artistic play into an aromatherapeautic, stress-relieving session!
Mama K's $27

For Our Furry Friends
Orbee-Tuff Bulb Toy
Provide your pooch with some holiday cheer with this Christmas light-shaped toy from Planet Dog. Nontoxic and recyclable, the chewer features a minty flavor to keep dogs’ breath fresh, while a refillable treat slot provides a hidden surprise. For wee pups, try Planet Dog’s Orbee-Tuff Lil’ Bulb Toy. From Amazon $6.99

Mexican Spiked Egg Nog... Rompope

Hot Mexican eggnog (rompope, pronounced rom-po'-pay)) is a delightful party hit! You flavor traditional Christmas eggnog with orange and cinnamon, spike it with brandy, and serve it hot. A crockpot will keep the rich concoction warm for the duration. Whip up this festive adult beverage in a flash for a memorable holiday fiesta.

Makes 6-8 servings.

Things You'll Need:

• crockpot
• 1 quart eggnog
• 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated, fresh orange peel
• 1 1/2 cups brandy (cognac)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• additional ground cinnamon
• optional: cinnamon stick garnish

1. Step 1

   At least an hour ahead of time, plug in the crockpot, and turn it to high. Pour in the quart of eggnog. Stir.

2. Step 2

   Finely grate the peel of a fresh orange. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of it to the eggnog. Stir.

3. Step 3

   Measure out 1 1/2 cups of brandy (cognac). Pour it into the eggnog. Stir. Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Stir.

4. Step 4

   Put the lid on the crockpot. Turn the heat to low. Stir occasionally. Once the Mexican eggnog is hot, turn the crockpot to "keep warm."

5. Step 5

   If you'd like, you can whip up a little froth in the drink by quickly swishing a wire whisk in the liquid before serving. Scoop it with a ladle into cups or glasses. Sprinkle with cinnamon, and add a cinnamon stick as garnish, if desired.
   

Nutcracker...

For many the Nutcracker is a family tradition. Join Clara as she journeys to magical realms where mischievous mice battle toy soldiers, snowflakes dance, and Clara's beloved dolls come to life.

Click for performance schedule

Fashion Fridays: Hanukkah...Eight Crazy Nights

Hanukkah...Eight Crazy Nights by simplyna featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

Items in this set: Rebecca Taylor Metallic Dress, $350 Christian louboutin Shoes, 504 GBP Leaf Clutch Gorjana Olive Earrings, $130

I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas

Make a smaller foot print this seasons. Pick up Anna Getty's book, I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas. It's this seasons go to guide for an eco-friendly Holiday Season!


Anna advises how to best choose a tree (real or fake?), mitigate the negative effects of necessary travel, recycle post-holiday, and more. She shares favorite holiday recipes for organic appetizers and homemade craft ideas such as pinecone wreaths and recycled sweater pillows. With inspiring photographs, extensive resources, and advice from the "Lazy Environmentalist" Josh Dorfman, Seventh Generation's Jeffrey Hollender, and other leading eco-experts, families might just find that these tips help them stay green all year long—the perfect New Year's resolution!

DYI: Wool Bangles

Wool-Wrapped Bangles: Even if you can't knit, you can make this craft. It's a unique and stylish bracelet decorated with wool yarn. It's simple to make and is a great gift idea! A perfect way to recycle your 80's bangle!
Tools and Materials
Scissors Clothespin Plain plastic bangle bracelets Yarn or ribbon Fabric glue Wool-Wrapped Bangles How-To
1. Create a ball of yarn slightly larger than a golf ball.
2. Densely wrap the yarn around a plastic bangle bracelet, making sure to neatly keep the yarn aligned, and pulling tightly as you go. Tip: Work over a table or in lap in case the ball slips out of your hands.
3. Finish by overlapping a few wraps at the point where you started. Glue the strand of yarn in place along the inside of the bracelet with a fabric glue.
4. Hold the glued end of yarn in place with a clothespin and allow to dry. Once the glue has fully dried, snip off the extra yarn.
5. Bangles can be covered in thin decorative ribbon using the same process.

Resources

The variegated yarn can be purchased at schaeferyarn.com; the ribbon can be purchased at stranodesigns.com; the plain plastic bangles can be purchased at cocowholesale.com (product Nos. BA0006-25, BA0006-26, and Ba0006-21), but you can also recycle bangles of all shapes and sizes from thrift stores or eBay. From the Martha Stewart Show

Modern Flourishes at Obamas’ State Dinner

By RACHEL L. SWARNS

WASHINGTON — It is an old tradition, a White House dinner governed by ritual and protocol that happens to be this city’s hottest social event. But at their first state dinner on Tuesday night, President Obama and his wife, Michelle, made sure to infuse the glittering gala with distinctive touches.

They hired a new florist, Laura Dowling, who bedecked the tented outdoor dining room with locally grown, sustainably harvested magnolia branches and ivy. They selected a guest chef, Marcus Samuelsson of Aquavit in New York, an American citizen who was born in Ethiopia, reared in Sweden and cooks up melting pots of flavors and cuisines.

They invited local students to witness the arrival of the guests of honor, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India and his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and presented a mélange of musical entertainment, including the National Symphony Orchestra; Jennifer Hudson, the singer and actress; Kurt Elling, the jazz musician from Chicago; and A. R. Rahman, the Indian composer who wrote the score to the movie “Slumdog Millionaire.”

And at the tables, the meatless menu included a mix of Indian and American favorites, including some African-American standards. Collard greens and curried prawns, chickpeas and okra, nan and cornbread were served to the 320 guests — including some well-known Republicans and prominent Indian-Americans — who started off with arugula from the White House garden and finished up with pumpkin pie tart. (After a tasting at the White House on Sunday, the Obamas gave the dishes their stamp of approval, Mr. Samuelsson said.)

And don’t forget the dinner plates. For an administration that publicly prizes bipartisanship, what could be finer than an eclectic mix of Clinton and Bush china?

The Obamas promptly distinguished themselves from their immediate predecessors by holding their dinner under a grand tent on the South Lawn to allow for a more expansive guest list. And they emphasized some of their favorite themes, including bipartisanship, diversity and a focus on healthy meals.

Mrs. Obama made a splash by showcasing deep, rich colors — apple green for the tablecloths and varying shades of plum, purple and fuchsia in the hydrangea, roses and sweet peas in the centerpieces.

There was White House honey and sage from the garden and a menu that gave vegetables and beans — including eggplants and lentils — top billing. (For a White House keen on promoting fresh fruits and vegetables, what could be more serendipitous than a guest of honor who happens to be a vegetarian?) And the Obamas shook things up by serving, among other dishes, Indian food to an Indian delegation, typically a no-no.

“You wouldn’t try to outdo the Indians; that would not be typical,” said Anita McBride, who served as Laura Bush’s chief of staff and took pains to praise Mrs. Obama as moving in a new direction. “It’s the perfect combination of American food with a nod to the visiting country.”

As for the dozens of schoolchildren invited to participate in the day’s events, many savored the chance to see the White House up close. One group of young women spent time with Mrs. Obama in the State Dining Room and learned about the history of American state dinners and sampled some pumpkin pie.

“These events probably seem like they’re miles and miles away, like they’re just untouchable,” said Mrs. Obama to the young women, some wearing sneakers and short sleeves.

She said she hoped this would inspire them to think harder about their place in the world around them.

“Who knows, maybe one of you all sitting at this table, one of our little mentees, will be living and studying somewhere in India — maybe New Delhi or Mumbai or Bangalore,” the first lady said. “Just imagine that. Start thinking about your future in that way. This visit at this table is the beginning of that for all of you.”

Kirstie Kelly Sample Sale

Kirstie Kelly is having a sample sale at her LA flagship! For the budget-savvy shoppers with shall we say, amazing taste...

When: November 28^th and 29^th

10 AM to 6PM

Where: Kirstie Kelly Salon

131 South Barrington Place, Ste 100

What: Bridal Gowns starting at $400

Bridesmaids, cocktail and flowergirl starting at $100

Jewelry starting at $30

50-80% off !!!

How: Call for Appointment or just stop by

310-471-5711 or email erin@kirstiekelly.com

DYI...Letterpress

How great is this new affordable letterpress machine from Paper Source? It includes everything you need to create cards and crafts!
where to purchase: Paper Source $149.99

Faux-Bois Fun!

Amy Atlas create a fall-inspired dessert bar with faux-bois and acorns, just in time for Thanksgiving.

For desserts, they made almond fondant cakes placed on tree trunk cake stands. They also created pistachio cinnamon meringue and tuiles filled with spiced-apple custard.

To get the recipe for pistachio cinnamon meringue check out her blog!

Fashion Fridays: Autumn Romance

Autumn Wedding by gokarm featuring Giambattista Valli dresses

Items in this set:
Giambattista Valli dress, 3,765 GBP
Brownsfashion.com shoes, 465 GBP
Allthingstrendy.com bag, $180
Todd Reed ring, $1,890
Modcloth.com necklace, $15

$200.00 Shopping Spree – Winter Giveaway

Favors By Serendipity is offering a $200.00 Shopping Spree towards anything on their site – including Cake Jewelry, Bridesmaids Gifts, Bridal Shower Favors, Wedding and Party Favors, Candy Buffet Packaging and more…..just for giving your opinion.

With Winter approaching, they want to know if you will be using winter theme favors or what your favorite favor is and would love to win. Visit Favors By Serendipity and then post a comment at yourweddingwhisperer.com and be entered into the drawing.

Giveaway ends November 20 at midnight PST.

Ceci New York

I spent a lovely few days in Manhattan! Perfect weather, great food, spectacular shopping!
I was lucky enough to visit Ceci New York. Each letterpress piece was exquisite, unique, and defined elegant. Thank you to Brooke, who took such great care of my bride!

Fashion Friday: Halloween Beauty

Happy Halloween!!!

Black Dress $7,472
Net-A-Porter.com

Betsey Johnson - Skull W. Bow Cameo Necklace $125
Betsey Johnson

Tom Binns Crystal oval skull earrings $354
harveynichols.com

Alexander McQueen Black Ornate Skull Clutch $2,735
alexandermcqueen.com

Givenchy Urania feather and leather sandals $1,150
Net-A-Porter.com

Whimsical Crowns

I'm always on the lookout for beautiful, rustic elements for myself and brides. These sweet crowns from Which Goose will give you a one-of-a-kind look. Be sure to check out Which Goose's other accessories!

Fashion Fridays: Tim Burtons Dark Delights

Tim Burton has an incredibly twisted and creative imagination, which I love. There is something beautiful in his deliriously dark Harpers Bazaar photo shoot!

Organic Nail Salon

If you're in need of a mani/pedi head over to Chi Nail Bar. Chi uses only 100% natural ingredients and organic products. Every treatment is individually blended utilizing organic and natural products that harness the botanical and life-giving energy of plants and the sea. They also do private parties so grab some girlfriends and head over to this lush green nail salon.

Images Via www.carolinetran.net

Located 9390 little santa monica boulevard beverly hills california 90210 310.858.8803

Spooky Spirits

Rouse your guests "spirits" by serving up a little black magic -- in the form of cocktails made with vodka that's as dark as night!


Image and Receipt from Martha Stewart.com

Ghost in the Graveyard
Serves 1
2 ounces black vodka
2 ounces creme de cacao or coffee-flavored liqueur
1 scoop vanilla ice cream
Pinch of finely grated nutmeg, for garnish

In a glass, combine vodka and creme de cacao, and set aside. Place a scoop of ice cream in a highball glass, and slowly pour vodka mixture over ice cream. Garnish with nutmeg; serve immediately.

Screwed-Up Screwdriver
Serves 1
1/4 cup ice
1/2 cup freshly squeezed tangerine juice
1 1/2 ounces black vodka
1 black licorice twist, for serving

Place ice in a tall glass. Pour juice into glass. Pour vodka over the back of a cocktail spoon into glass so it sits on top of juice and creates a layer of black. Slice 1/4 inch off each end of licorice, and use as a straw. Serve immediately.

Berry Scary Martini
Serves 1
1 cup ice
1 ounce black vodka
2 ounces cherry juice
Fresh raspberries and blueberries, for garnish

Combine ice, vodka, and cherry juice in a cocktail shaker; shake vigorously. Pour into a martini glass. Thread raspberries and blueberries onto a cocktail skewer, and place in drink. Serve immediately.

Pink for the Cure

What is a bud but a promise yet to be fulfilled?

And what is a vase? Like a promise, it all depends on what you put into it!
Order the Rose Bud Box by Floral Art throughout the month of October and 15% of your purchase will be donation to The Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer research.

Fashion Fridays: Natural Elegance

Creme Brulee, gold and copper with a touch of sage creates an elegant and natural color palette for a Fall wedding. Couldn't you see yourself getting married at the Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse, in those amazing Christian Louboutin sequined ballerina slippers?

Gaudi Comb | Mimco $35
Mimco

Button Earrings $25
Yes Style.com

Hansel & Gretel Maxi Dress by Irwin & Jordan $391
My Wardrobe

Baby Alpaca Vest $775
Virve

Christian Louboutin Sequined ballerina shoe $628
Brown Fashion

Just for Fun...mmmmm Donuts

Image Via Green Wedding Shoes, photo by Divine Order Photography

I love the donuts idea, what an unique take on a cake, and budget friendly! Perfect for a day wedding or any other party!

They can double as your favors! Killing two birds with one stone! That's an awful connotations, but you get the point.

Jewerly Fundraiser for Cancer

Sherine Iskander, is helping organize a jewelry sale to help raise funds for her mother Nadia Iskander who has multiple kinds of cancer. The money will provide financial support during Nadia's recovery period, and a portion will go to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The sale is planned for September 28-October 3.



Image Via: Brides.com

If you want to take part in the jewelry sale fundraiser, you can stop by Elegance Jewelry from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting Tuesday through Saturday. That's at 9102 Adams Avenue in Huntington Beach, and the phone number is (714) 968-1288.

Movies Under the Stars

Lights…Camera….Action!

Via Image

If your looking for a fun party idea plan an outdoor movie night! Kick back and watch a movie with a few of your closest friends and family. Birthday, and graduations parties are perfect for movie night parties. Even the chic Parker in Palm Springs has created a rehearsal dinner package.

The Food… Flatbread Pizza Station, Assorted Gourmet Popcorn, Soft Jumbo Pretzels, and Movie Candies!

The Drinks… Slushies, and a Beer and Wine Bar!

Fashion Fridays: Autumn Bride

Using this season's colors of nomad and creme brulee, Carcudda creates a stunning inspiration board for a Fall or Winter wedding.

Vera Wang Gown
Vera Wang

Jacket
My Theresa

Marc by Marc Jacobs Bow Jewels Bow Ring
Couture Zappos

Mother of Pearl Necklace $1,485
Vivre

Betsy Johnson Pearl Multi Charm Bracelet
Zappos

Sterling Flower Whimsy Ring $60 Jan Jewells

Isharya Gypsy Earrings $175

Net A Porter

Bronze Aries Platform Shoes by Terry de Havilland $559
My Wardrobe

DIY Tufted Moss Ring Pillow

What You’ll Need: A 5″ x 5″ X 2″ piece of Styrofoam 2 feet ribbon (2″ wide) 3 yards of ribbon (1/4″ wide) A 6″ x 6″ scrap of fabric A handful of sphagnum moss Straight pins Round-headed corsage pins. A pair of scissors.

Instructions

1. Center your fabric face up on the Styrofoam square Fold the fabric
edges over sides of the Styrofoam and secure with straight pins. Wrap
the corners neatly and pin. (see figure 1)

2. Turn your Styrofoam over so the fabric side is down. Take your
sphagnum moss and stretch it out across the top of the Styrofoam. Be sure
that the moss completely covers the surface. (see figure 2)

3. Cut a length of the skinnier ribbon and run it diagonally across the
mossed surface. Attach both ends of the ribbons on the sides of the
Styrofoam using straight pins. Repeat this process to create a diagonal
grid of ribbon on the top of the pillow.

4. Take your corsage pins and stick them into the points where the
ribbons intersect on the pillow top. (see figure 4)

5. Turn the pillow on it’s side and pin the end of the wider ribbon in
the center of the side, using your straight pins. (see figure 5)

6. Wrap the ribbon around all four sides, concealing the fabric edges and
skinny ribbon tails. Pull it tightly as you go and keep the ribbon edges
lined up with the edges of the pillow. (see figure 5)

7. When you pass your starting point, fold under the ribbon tail and pin
it down using your corsage pins. (see figure 6)

8. Trim off any loose moss bits.

9. Cut a 12″ length of the skinnier ribbon and tie it to the corsage pin
in the center of the pillow. Attach your rings by tying a bow. (see
figure 7)

What it costs:
Styrofoam square $.90
Ribbon $3.00
Corsage Pins $2
Small bag of moss $1.80
Total = $7.70

Project created by Laurie Cinotto, Via Once Wed