let’s party: neon

June 29th, 2013 | Posted by Hello Love in Parties - (Comments Off)

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Last weekend I went home to celebrate my birthday (and an engagement, and Father’s Day!) with my family and friends. It wasn’t a big birthday for me and there were other events to honor, so I kept it to a low-key dinner and drinks with my friends and husband. It got me thinking though, if I was going to have a big birthday party this year, what would by party be? Being born in the summertime in the 1980′s it would only seem fitting to have a party with a healthy does of neon. It’s bright and fun, current yet nostalgic and has a serious visual impact. More abstract themes like a color palette can be just as fun and often easier than choosing something more concrete and specific. It allows you to have a bit more freedom, while still creating cohesion. Neon has been making its way back into the mainstream over the last couple of years and now there are plenty of places you can find the colors of the more electric spectrum.

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Earthy kraft paper makes a great contrast to the crisp neon colors on this invitation from Charm and Fig. Kraft and neon are both having huge moments in paper right now and this is a fun mix of these two trends.

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If neon food coloring works as well as I’ve been seeing, I think I’ve found my new baking best friend! These are actually in a Halloween post but the color is amazing and how great would these look in metallic gold wrappers? This cupcake actually has a hidden talent, dipped in a tonic water gelatin solution, the frosting actually glows in the dark!

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Fig.2 Design Studio has so many amazing wrapping paper patterns and they use neon quite liberally. Not just on their gift wrap but on some pretty amazing letterpress cards as well. These papers are amazing for wrapping gifts but can also be put to great use for party decor. Try these as place mats, table runners, vase wraps or wrapped around those neon cupcakes after baking. Napkin rings, paper chains, homemade party hats, the list goes on and on!

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No party is complete without libations – the amazing color in this margarita comes from the juice of the prickly pear cactus. Some of the blended versions call for fresh pieces of the prickly pear fruit. The drink is very popular across the southwestern United States. You can find a recipe from Bobby Flay, king of contemporary southwestern cuisine, here. A few other liqueurs to work with for brightly colored drinks are Curacao, Chambord and Midori.2013-06-28_0006

These smoothies are served in neon pink cups. Neon dishes are easily found even at regular party stores and many sources online. For more neon inspiration, check out this neon glow-in-the-dark party here. The birthday girl and her friends must have had an amazing time!

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Finding the perfect gift for every occasion is so gratifying. These unique handmade plates by Nicole Porter Designs are an ideal choice to give at a neon party!

Hope you like these bright ideas!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sources: Martha StewartCharm and ConfettiRecipe SnobsMStetson DesignsStyle Sweets

got swagger?

June 27th, 2013 | Posted by Hello Love in Paper - (Comments Off)

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One of my absolute favorite wedding details has to be the sweetheart chair swags and signs that brides are doing. Sometimes it’s the small things that make a really big impression. Here’s a few of my top swag picks, starting with these darling ones by Yuling Designs, pictured above. They’re perfect for an outdoor rustic event!

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I am obsessed with kraft paper at weddings! These ones by Sweet Emilia Jane are inexpensive and totally fab!

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These hubby and wifey chair swags are perfect for a Vegas or Atlantic City wedding! And love these delicate watercolor triangle swags!

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Try these simple and glittered signs by BHLDN or these free printable Bride and Groom signs from Love vs. Design – sweet swag!

 

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Sources: Grey Likes WeddingsStyle Me PrettyEtsyMartha Stewart WeddingsBHLDNLove vs. Design

 

vintage bouquet

June 26th, 2013 | Posted by Hello Love in Flower - (Comments Off)

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Like the bridal bouquets of today, vintage bouquets can be both big and small! Take inspiration from some of these gorgeous retro brides for your nuptials!

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into the woods

June 25th, 2013 | Posted by Hello Love in Sweets - (1 Comments)

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There are a great many fall and winter weddings in the works these days, so why not take a break from the summer heat to fantasize about a romantic, woodsy wedding, set atop a piney bluff, deep in the forest, or really any little spot surrounded by trees and cool crisp air. These are some of my favorite ideas to work with because there’s just so much inspiration to be found in nature. Cakes and fresh flowers, branches and leaves are a perfect pairing and one of the most beautiful and sophisticated choices for elegant wintery weddings. The whimsical fauna of the forest provides an adorably playful place to pull inspiration for weddings that are after some enchanted charm. So many ideas to fit so many styles…

Garland Greens: Wrapping garlands of rich leafy greens around crisp white cakes and rustic desserts is a stunning way to style your table. Request these custom items from your florist.

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Crowned with Herbs: A clean white canvas is the perfect way to let an earthy mix of fresh picked herbs or branches shine. These cakes execute that concept perfectly.

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Elemental Styling: Some of the most striking cakes are those that are styled with found objects and as found objects. These little twists are clever moments that seamlessly intertwine the entire event’s style.

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Forest Creatures: Fungi, squirrels, insects…these cakes leave no stone unturned…and in so doing, the cakes created are beautiful and unforgettably quirky, speaking to the wedding’s fun vibe!

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xoxo -

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Sources:  Cluney PhotoTec PetajaApryl AnnCake Walk (created the sweets on the dessert table), Bows and Arrows (garland on the dessert table), Martha Stewart WeddingsClare West PhotographyRyan Ray Photography Enjoy Cupcakes (created the rosemary and berry cake), Heather Roth PhotographyRebecca Hollis PhotographyCaptured by JenKiss the GroomM. Robin Cakes

spray brush cleaner

June 24th, 2013 | Posted by Hello Love in Beauty - (Comments Off)

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Now that we’ve gone over the whole soak-rinse-dry-overnight method for your makeup brushes, let’s go over daily maintenance. Although it may sound irritatingly fastidious, I highly recommend that you clean your brushes after each application. Your brushes have the potential to become a breeding ground for bacteria, resulting in breakouts and poor health. Not to mention, dirty brushes distribute pigment unevenly. You wouldn’t dream of painting your walls with a dirty paintbrush so why use oil and makeup clogged bristles on your pristine skin?

What to do: Use a spray brush cleaner that dries within minutes. Best of all, you can save your precious pennies and make it yourself!

You’ll need:

1 cup distilled water

1/4 cup rubbing alcohol

1/2 tablespoon Castile soap (again, I recommend Dr. Bronner’s Gently/Baby Liquid Soap)

1/2 tablespoon hair shampoo

1 tablespoon spray, leave in conditioner

Mix the above ingredients and pout the solution into a small spray bottle. To use, spray directly onto the bristles and wipe down with a tissue until all pigment is gone from the brush, like so:

 

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Once you’ve made your solution, the spray is quick and easy to use!

In short, be good to your brushes and they’ll be good to you!

 

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let’s party: cake and wine

June 22nd, 2013 | Posted by Hello Love in Parties - (Comments Off)

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While many themes for children’s parties can be abundant and obvious, I personally think it takes a bit more creative thinking to come up with nice, workable directions for grown-up get togethers when they call for something more specific than having friends over for dinner. When I heard about the notion of a wine and cake party, I was instantly smitten!  Hosting a wine and cake party is a great option for those us with busy schedules – since it is really a tasting, assigning specific items out is simple. Here are some pointers:
  • Have light appetizers awaiting guests- cheese, fruit and charcuterie is a delicious and foolproof option
  • For a small gathering, each guest can be served their own plate with cake selections and small glasses with wine flights
  • For a larger gathering, a buffet set up will work, though guests will likely have to try one pairing at a time
  • Do label the selections, have menus at each place setting or have a large menu on display
  • Treat the cake as a main course
  • Tailor your selections by season-
Spring and summer, serve vanilla and fruit based cakes.
Fall, turn to recipes with heavier flavors such as spices, molasses and pumpkin.
Winter, feature the flavors of the season, chocolate, gingerbread, peppermint and possibly even a fruit cake!
  • For wine selections the most basic rule of thumb is to pair like-flavors together.  Light, fruity wines pair with light, fruity cakes. Heavy, rich wines pair with heavy, rich desserts.
  • Above all this means keep your wine selections sweet! Stay away from anything too dry.
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE + PROSECCO
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LEMON CAKE +  REISLING
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PEACHES AND CREAM ICE CREAM CAKE + MOSCATO
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SOME ESSENTIALS….
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Crate & Barrel has a great selection of reasonably priced stemware in varying shapes and sizes.
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A beautiful and classic cake server from Laguiole and gorgeous porcelain cake stands in a soft color palette by Raynaud.
Cheers!

laser tag

June 20th, 2013 | Posted by Hello Love in Paper - (Comments Off)

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Maybe its just me, but when I think of lasers, I think of the good old days of laser tag and sci fi novels where aliens shoot lasers at us from space. Well, lasers are everywhere now and when it comes to invitations, its a great way to really showcase your vision and standout!

Here are some of my favorite laser cut invitations, starting with the gorgeous, vintage shape invites with calligraphy pictured above. I do. From the geniuses at Wedding Chicks.
http://www.weddingchicks.com/2011/07/11/scandinavian-chic-bride/

Magical Garden invitations by B Wedding Invitations.

http://www.bweddinginvitations.com/WeddingInvitations/WeddingInvitationsDetail.aspx?id=GP0558&type=0&pcd=BH1648&color=2

Super rad and rustic pop up, laser cut invitations by Wood and Grain.

http://woodandgrain.com/post/8722900564/invitations

or

Put a ring on all your single friends with these creative Save the Dates by Melbourne Laser Cutter.

http://thebridaldetective.com/rsvplasercutinvitationsbymelbournelasercutter/

Gorgeous wedding stationary from Ceci New York. Swoon.

http://www.cecinewyork.com/wedding/couture.php?c=styles&s=botanical

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Papel Picado style invitations by Sweet Magnolia Paper for a Fiesta themed 3rd Birthday Party!

www.sweetmagnoliapaper.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sources: see above