How to Handle Beauty Emergencies

Click HERE to see quick fixes for common beauty crises, from overplucked eyebrows to breakouts and blemishes. Thanks to REAL SIMPLE for the tips!

Sweet Tables Sure to Please the Senses

Today I thought I would bring sweet tables from the south...more specifically Brazil. There they do sweet tables for every occasion and these are from weddings.  They truly are works of art! All Things Beautiful can do these for you, even provide some Brazilian delicacies for your next event!

(Try to look beyond the watermark!)

Hope you enjoyed! {Obrigada Mara for the links, beijos!}

Trendy {Yummy} Sweets!

Trendy Sweets Cupcake Confections are made from scratch using seasonal locally grown all natural ingredients. They pride themselves on creating rich and decadent cupcakes to tantalize taste buds while capturing each memorable occasion....or just stop by for a little indulgence!  They do parties and tastings and even offer curbside service. What a cute & tasty thing for a sweet table or favor!

Visit them online or at their store in Haddon Heights, NJ

Cookie Monster

Coconut Creme...OMG!

Dark Chocolate

Raspberry Lemon Zinger (Special Flavor)

I see cupcakes in my near future!

Location:

506 Station Ave.

Haddon Heights, NJ, 08035

Phone:856-323-8225

Hours:

Tues - Fri: 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Sat: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

9 Things Your Bridesmaids Want You to Know

They have been there for you and as you are planning your wedding you will likely need their help more than ever. Here's how to stay in tune with your best girlfriends and keep them happy...and you sane. The last thing any bride wants is drama with or among her best girls! ...These 9 things are from the knot and I have added ATB Tips to some for further explanantion and opinion of course ;-) ...

1. They Want You to Tell Them Your Expectations
What do you expect from your bridesmaids? Will simple moral support suffice, or do you expect them to be there with you throughout all the decision-making and to-dos, like addressing wedding invitations and tying tiny ribbons around your wedding favors? Either way, let your bridesmaids know what you expect of them so that you don't end up frustrated with a friend who doesn't understand (or didn't know) what you wanted them to do in the first place. ATB TIP: Just be courteous in HOW you are asking. I have heard horror stories of how these conversations have gone down, leaving bridesmaids with their jaws on the floor!

2. They Want You to Tell Everyone
The only thing worse than a coworker who thinks she's invited to your wedding is a friend who assumes she's going to be a bridesmaid. Let it be known whom you've chosen so neither you nor your bridesmaids feel awkward about it around nonbridal party members. If you're afraid of hurting someone's feelings, remember that, as cliche as it sounds, any true friend will understand whatever decision you ultimately make.
ATB TIP: Anyone who doesn't "make the cut" for the bridal party can have a special part in readings, helping with passing out programs, or another aspect of the ceremony. Maybe you have a friend you can sing or is good at the more crafty items you need help with. Friends like helping friends and it can create wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.

3. They Want You to Have Your Dream Wedding

Try not to make hasty assumptions. Don't write off some friends simply because you think they don't have enough money to afford that Priscilla of Boston bridesmaid dress you have your eye on. While it is important to recognize your bridesmaids' financial situations, they want you to be happy on your wedding day (just like you would of them), so don't be shy about opening up the conversation and letting them know what would make you happiest. ATB TIP: I think the key here is open conversation, and if they are your BFF's it should not be that difficult. Remember what happens when you A S S U M E. Being senitive to people and their situations can't dictate all your decisions, but be courteous adn focusing on what's important here is what is right. Would you rather have a high-fashion dress over a best friend who will never wear that dress again 

4. They Want You to Respect Their Responsibilities

As you're allocating responsibilities, be mindful of their personal lives -- your friend who's trying to make partner at her law firm or who's dealing with a new baby may not have time to assist you with every little task. At the same time, you don't want to cause discord within the wedding party if some maids feel the others aren't pulling their weight. Try to keep a good balance, and remember, there are others who can help out: You've got your parents, other family members, and your fiance. Plenty of people are willing to pitch in, so take advantage of it as you need to. ATB TIP: I have to add that they also want you to respect their financial situations. This is true when BMs are amongst themselves and deciding on showers and bach parties, etc.

5. They Want You to Dress Them Well
If you know one of them would be uncomfortable in the dresses you envision, come up with a compromise. Not sure one dress will work for all your girls? Come up with guidelines (say, a color and length you like) and then let them choose the exact style. Trust us, even with different necklines or sashes, they'll still look fantastic. Remember, you want each and every one of your maids to feel beautiful (and comfortable!), so your efforts in the dress department are well worth it. ATB TIP: YES! THis is 100% true!!!!!!!!!!!!

6. They Want You to Put Yourself in Their Shoes
Yes, part of the bridal party's job is to be your go-to gals when you need something done. But no, that doesn't mean you should be cracking the whip nonstop. Whenever you're asking one of your maids to do something -- whether it's attending your gown fitting or tying 100 miniature bows around 100 favor boxes -- stop and think: Would I do this for her? It's a good reality check to keep your requests reasonable

7. They Want You to Keep Them in the Black

They have to shell out for quite a bit over the course of the wedding: dresses, hair, shower and wedding gifts, the bachelorette party, and travel expenses. These add up and can put a pinch on even the most financially flush of maids. Take this into consideration and offer help when you can. For example, you can let them know that they shouldn't feel pressured to give you an extravagant shower gift, or if you're having more than one shower, tell them that you don't expect multiple shower gifts. You can also help them track down inexpensive flights or hotel rooms.

8. They Want You to Make Their To-Do List Manageable
Try to come up with a game plan beforehand of who you need to do what on the wedding day. Then make a second mental list of who else can and has offered to help -- aunts, cousins, ushers, and so on. When little things do come up (which they will), you'll be able to rely on that latter team to help you take care of details as needed rather than overextending your bridesmaids. ATB TIP: Hire a day-of coordinator ;-)

9. They Want You to Stay Their Friend

Obvious, right? Sometimes when you're caught up in wedding-related drama, it can be hard to remember that there's a world outside your wedding. When you meet up with one of your girls, make a point to talk about things that are not related to the wedding. Whether it's the project she's working on at work or the blind date she went on last weekend, she'll appreciate the opportunity to tell you all about it, the same way she always has. Similarly, when you're really upset -- whether about the wedding or anything else -- you'll know she'll be there for you, right now and long after the wedding is over.

HAPPY PLANNING!

 

Do You Know How to Pee in Your Wedding Gown?

So it takes a sense of humor, skill and patience to be able to pee in poofy white dress...so, here is the wrong and the right way to get it done! Happy Planning!

WRONG WAY

RIGHT WAY

Thanks to Isn't She Pretty for the pics!

Fast, Fun and EASY Photo Editing!

From the "why didn’t they think of this sooner?" file: Picnik, a photo-editing site, lets you crop and retouch right from your browser. It's compatible with sites like Facebook, so you can grab your friend's ultra-unflattering shot of you sweating on the dance floor, fix it up, and have her upload -- no one will be the wiser.
Thanks to brides.com for the find. Click here to visit Picnik, happy planning!

A "Green" Favor Sure to Please Your Senses!

Looking for a favor people will use? These naked bar soaps with private labeling were perfect for Kali and Carson in Elberta, MI and their simple and intimate wedding.

Check out Oregon Soap Company for these longlasting, certified organic bar soaps are available in over 20 scents.

Happy Planning!

Wedding Receptions: 9 Unexpected Reception Disasters

Give yourself a heads-up by being proactive in your planning!
Follow this link to the knot and learn more. Happy Planning!

{This is how I bribed a flower girl to get down the aisle...her favorite candy!}

Party Detail Idea: Wing It!

Let a flock of colorful paper butterflies loose, and you'll instantly give party decorations a lift. Trace the template onto a folded piece of paper, cut out the shape, and unfold the wings. (For different sizes, photocopy the template, reducing or enlarging the image.) Attach some to paper lanterns with tape or glue dots (sold by the roll at crafts stores), then fold the wings upward for true-to-life flutter form. For topflight cocktails, make 2 slits in the center of a butterfly cutout, and then slide a straw through.

Thanks to Martha Stewart and her staff for the great tip - what an excellent use of scrap wrapping paper, scrapbook paper, etc. for more info on this idea and summer parties click here.

Custom Invites from Tanya

Your wedding invitation sets the stage for your big day. It’s the first impression you’ll make – the first thing your guests will see. An invitation suite should be custom designed to perfectly fit you and your wedding style. Like your dress, colors, and location, the printed material should reflect your personality.

{Tanya Williams Weddings} specializes in custom wedding invitation suites. They will work within your budget and your taste to produce a one-of-a-kind piece that suits your every need and sets the tone for the wedding of a modern-day, design-savvy couple.

Don’t let your invitation be simply a piece of paper informing guests of dates and locations, let it be an enticing invitation to the ones you love, a piece that introduces and compliments your wedding style. Click here to get to know Tanya and her work better, she also has a blog for you to check out! Happy Planning!

Casual Cakes

A display of small, unfussy cakes is a more casual alternative to a traditional tiered wedding cake. This display, by Sweet & Saucy Shop in Southern California, features simple frosted cakes with fresh peonies atop white cake stands. Be sure to identify the different cake flavors -- you can create a simple banner using alphabet hole punches (as pictured) or rubber stamps. For more click here, Happy Planning!

Invitations for the Eco Chic Bride

Paperless Post is a website where users design and send cards digitally without sacrificing the traditions of classic, custom stationery. The cards have the look and texture of what you would find in a high-end stationery store, but the ease, eco-consciousness, and cost effectiveness of digital communication. The person planning the party also has an easy way to track invitations and RSVPs online. Paperless Post is free to join, and there are 25 free stamps included with sign-up. These are great for your rehersal dinner, bridesmaid luncheon or any other gathering! For more click HERE. Happy Planning!

Unusual Bridal Party

Our animals hold a very special place in our hearts so I thought I'd share some 'real wedding' animal love!

This is Rudy. She lives in CA and was the flower girl for her owners, Jane & Edward. (She is too cute!)

 

These are Rudy's owners. The bride, Jane, has a love of horses so the couple took their bridal portraits at an equestrian center.

If you are an animal lover add a touch of personality to your tables with a tiny chalk horse. These horses can have names scribbled on in chalk to make a unique name setting. They are available here on Etsy.

The owl was a first for me ;-)

The loyal ring bearer for a charming barn wedding.

When considering incorporating your best friend into your wedding, think about the following:

1. The animals temperment, especially around strangers

2. Who will be responsible for your pet before, during and after the wedding

3. Be sure they have the essential water, food and a place to relieve themselves

4. The weather

This final image has nothing to do with weddings, but thought you might be amused...