the timeless wedding cake: not so traditional after all

June 12th, 2013 | Posted by Hello Love in Sweets - (Comments Off)

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I’m always surprised when people see some of my non-traditional wedding cakes and ask, as if in secret, “Do people really choose those for weddings?” Perhaps the Texan in me shouldn’t be so surprised, as we in the South have a harder time than most parting ways with long-standing tradition, but the creative in me continues to be left aghast. Cakes after all, are just as creative an expression of style and sentiment as floral, attire, paper and location. While the towering white on white embellished bridal cake will always have an iconic place in wedding history, it’s the new, the different, the perfectly unique that continue to charm and excite. But you don’t have to take my word for it — you can read for yourself in the pages of Vogue. The trendsetting mag’s Aussie outpost recently covered the ever-changing wedding cake trend in their March issue. I’d love to share a little bit of their piece on the history of the wedding cake — I think you will surprised to find out that what we think of as classic and traditional isn’t quite so. Perhaps it will give you that push of perspective to design a cake with fearless abandon, or even some ideas for a new take on the cake tradition…who’s up for a cake fight?

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“The history of wedding cakes (like a lot of customs that began in the Roman Empire) is quite odd. The groom originally broke the (bread-like) cake over the bride’s head as a symbol of his dominance in the marriage.”

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“During medieval times cakes were thrown at brides as a sign of fertility.”

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“Later on in history the happy couple would kiss over a towering pile of baked goods – if the tower remained steady, wedded bliss would be guaranteed (this is where the idea for croquembouche came from).”

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“Jump forward to the late 18th century and tiered cakes (like the ones we are familiar with today) started to gain popularity. The epitome of wedding cake decadence came not when Marie Antoinette frolicked around Versailles but in 1840 when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert. The Royal Wedding Cake weighed 140 kilograms, was more than 2.5 metres wide and 35 centimetres deep, and contained a classical sculptural scene atop the sugary mound.”
From a simple loaf of bread to towering sugar decadence, the wedding cake has seen many forms. Don’t be scared to do your own thing and set a new trend.
emilysig

party 101: the invite

June 8th, 2013 | Posted by Hello Love in Parties - (Comments Off)

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No matter what kind of party you are having, guests must first be invited. It’s pretty common with all of the technology we have at our fingertips to send out a group text, Facebook invitation or e-mail to let people know the details of an event – I’ve even recently discovered that you can send wedding invitations via Paperless Post. For a spontaneous post-work cocktail outing or any last-minute get together, online is definitely a perfect solution. I am, however, a paper fiend, and if time is on your side for your planning, there are an array of simple and inexpensive options to stylishly (and tangibly) spread the word.
Likely to be the fastest solution and great for smaller, more impromptu get-togethers, there are many paper companies, both large and small making amazing fill-in invitations. Many of us may remember these well from childhood birthday celebrations, but I certainly never remember anything the caliber of what is now available. With letterpress ever-popular in the stationery world you can find this simple solution done up on thick paper stock, with calligraphy lettering and all undoubtedly hand-pressed.
Colorful, quick and inexpensive, offset printing is often a great choice for parties organized in advance, but smaller and less formal in nature, like showers, engagements, birthdays etc. Many well-known stationers offer offset printing as an option, and exclusive designs from popular companies can be found on online sources like Minted or Paperless Post. This fun shower invitation from Wedding Paper Divas is a great example of this. With rush options available, you can get printed invitations in a matter of days.
Sending…

For small events, or those where many people know details advance regardless of an actual invitation, 2 weeks is a decent time-frame for your guests to receive an invite, and 6 weeks is more than ample. If you are having an informal dinner party for friends, 2 weeks should suffice. A bridal shower with many out-of-town guests whom you expect to come, 6 or even 8 weeks would be a more comfortable allotment. Every party is different, so just think logically about your needs and the needs of your guests – oftentimes counting backwards from the event date on a calendar is incredibly helpful.
A few tips:
-  Sending an invitation too far in advance may cause some to forget about your event, though hopefully a paper invitation will go up right away on a fridge or bulletin board.
-  For the RSVP include the person’s name and make sure to list the contact method which is most convenient for them.
-  If there are multiple hosts, list their names in alphabetical order – it will cut down on any drama!
-  Always list a dress code where there may be any question – no one likes to be over or under-dressed.
-  No children? No gifts? Cash bar?  Make a polite notation so no one is inconvenienced.
There is something just extra special about receiving a real piece of mail, and with a myriad of fun and fast options, there’s no reason to not invite the old-fashioned way!
1) These Are Things – Special Delivery Card. $6 each
2) Lindsay Letters – Soiree,You Say?  Boxed Invites.  $30 for 12
3) Pei Designs –  Ribbon Party Invitation Set. $25 for 8
4) Wedding Paper Divas – Krafty Bride, Sunny Yellow. $54 for 30 invitations.
It can be easy and affordable to send our paper invitations, so why not get the party started right?!
xoxo,

probiotic party

June 7th, 2013 | Posted by Hello Love in Fitness - (Comments Off)

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Young coconut kefir. Never heard of it? Not to worry, I hadn’t either and I was definitely skeptical. But the coconut concoction is actually an amazing addition to your healthy diet. Not only does it hydrate your body, it has tons of probiotics as well as vitamins and minerals that help get your digestion in tip top shape.  It aids in the prodcutions of B-6, B-12 (among other things) and can help reduce allergy symptoms. It has been recognized as an aid in weight loss and weight maitanence and it just makes you feel good! What’s not to like?

First things first, it’s not the dairy based kefir that you are probably thinking of. They do make a dairy coconut kefir but that’s not what I’m talking about. This drink is much more refreshing and safe for people with any kind of aversion to dairy.

For you LA or NY based folks, you can buy premade young coconut kefir at Whole Foods and a few other select spots. I highly recommend Tonix brand – it tastes great, comes in an eco friendly glass bottle and is made in small batches.

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And for you Dallasites and beyond here is how to make the young coconut kefir at home! It’s a little less convenient than popping into Whole Foods but it’s actually much more affordable!

Here’s how to make it yourself:

Step 1: Start with three to four moist, fresh, young coconuts like this one shown below.

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Step 2: Start cutting thin slices off the bottom of the coconuts until you see a circle.

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Step 3: The hole inside the circle should be a soft spot. Poke a hole into the soft spot. Now you are through the shell and can begin draining the liquid from inside the coconut. Widen the hole if necessary and place the coconut over a glass to capture the liquid. Repeat these steps with all of your coconuts.

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Step 4: Put the coconut water into a pan and heat it to 92 degrees F.

Step 5: Pour the heated coconut water into a glass container and add a kefir. Donna Gates makes the best one around and you can get it here.

Step 6: Put a lid on the container and shake well. Store the container at room temperature (around 70-75 degrees F) and wait for 36 hours.

Step 7: You have fermented, young coconut kefir!!! The liquid should have a slightly cloudly appreance and now you should store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three weeks! Enjoy!

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Give it a shot and I promise you’ll be hooked. Because, truth be told, it’s good for you but it’s also delicious…so, win-win!

 

Bottoms up!

adamsig

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sources: All BizHappily Full, Nutri Buff, Body Ecology Colorful PalateBit of Blue Sky

 

everything’s coming up watercolor

June 6th, 2013 | Posted by Hello Love in Paper - (Comments Off)

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I have fond memories of craft days at school where we were all given a set of Crayola water color palettes and some thick white textured paper and told to make some variety of trite family portrait where everyone’s head is too big and girls and boys can only be determined by the addition of a skirt.

In fact, my mom still has mine from kindergarten framed and hanging in the bathroom. Maybe is the nostalgia of those homemade art projects long past, or the simply the softness of the colors as the delicately swirl together, one thing is certain, however; watercolor is definitely the new must have design element in paper.

This trend is great for weddings and events because of its versatility; it can be modern, romantic, or just down right fun! It’s perfect for destination/beach weddings as well as rustic/homespun themed events, and even baby showers! Here are some examples of my personal favorite new designs, including the absolutely stunning succulent and flower wedding suite above!

 

Super fun Southwest-Americana design by Pitbulls and Posies!

These would be perfect for a late summer or fall wedding!

Obsessed with these mod faceted invites from Spencer Studio. Perfect for a fun, modern wedding!

These pretties are from Oh My Deer and would be lovely for an outdoor/garden wedding!

Love is in the air? Adorable! And they scream destination wedding to me. And for the DIY’ers out there, this save the date tutorial from Oh So Beautiful Paper gives you the run down on how to make your own!

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Sources: Julie Song InkPitbulls and PosiesSmitten on PaperSpencer StudioOh My DeerWedding Paper DivasOh So Beautiful Paper

farewell spring

June 5th, 2013 | Posted by Hello Love in Flower - (1 Comments)

spring flowers

“In the spring time, the only pretty ring time,

When birds do sing, her ding a ding, ding;

Sweet lovers love the spring.”

-William Shakespeare

Spring Blooms

lilac halo

ryan ray photography

Spring arrangement

lilac clematic peony

bows and arrows flowers

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Sources:

Photography: Ryan Ray Photography

Floral Design: Bows and Arrows

Dress: Saja

Film Processing: Indie Film Lab

donut do!

June 4th, 2013 | Posted by Hello Love in Sweets - (Comments Off)

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Doughnuts have made a big culinary comeback in the past few years – popping up on the menus of celebrated chefs across the country – so it’s only natural that we would see that trend reflected in weddings that are after something fun, hip and unique. And if you think doughnuts are only an option for the quirky statement brides, take a look at some of these ideas and think again! You may have heard it said that, “doughnuts are the new cupcake” because like cupcakes, doughnuts offer a simple (and oh so tasty) canvas for bakers to infuse with color and flavor. While a whimsical tower of pink glaze and sprinkles might appeal to the funky bride, a romantic foodie type might opt for an assortment of earl grey and lavender dotted with fresh flowers. The party possibilities are as endless as your creativity! From doughnut cakes to doughnut-themed favors, here are some ideas that cover every sweet ounce of your doughnut affair:

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The Doughnut Dessert Bar:

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You don’t have to limit your desserts to just doughnuts. Mix it up with doughnut-inspired sweets like doughnut macarons and cupcakes!

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Doughnut Cakes for events of all styles:

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Treat guests to doughnuts and milk or doughnuts and coffee at the end of the night for a sweet sendoff!

Or, forget the dessert table and hire a Donut Truck like Carpe Donut out of VA!

Donot (see what I did there?!) forget the favors! Send guests home with a little treat to welcome in the new day-baskets of donut holes are a chic and sweet idea:

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Yum!

emilysig

 

 

 

 

Sources: Scotch and SconesOne Love PhotoPeppermint Plum PhotographyBHLDNRealistic WeddingRaspberri CupcakesAlways with ButterRevelCakeWalkCamille StylesCarpe DonutGale Gand

nude lip 101

June 3rd, 2013 | Posted by Hello Love in Beauty - (Comments Off)

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One of my very favorite makeup looks is the ever sultry smokey eye topped off with a soft, understated, yet totally sexy nude lip. The concept may seem easy enough, but I’ve seen it botched countless times. More often than not, the fault lies in the lips. Achieving the perfect nude lip takes a little more know how than lunging for the lightest lipstick in the drawer. Doing so may lead to lips that become so blended with your face that they seem to disappear.

Act One: Hidden Lips

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On the other end of the spectrum, nude lips can appear so chalky and/or stark that they seem to glow.

Act Two: Chalky Lips

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The trick to nude lips is contouring! Slapping on one creamy color may look alright but as we’ve just seen, it can easily flatten your lips and who wants that? To make your lips look voluptuous and full while maintaining that effortless nude lip look, first neutralize your lips by applying a tinted moisturizer or foundation. Next, line (and blend!) with a taupe liner. The next step, choosing your lipstick, is a tricky one. Balancing your skin tone and avoiding the too pale or tired look is of the utmost importance here. Choose a shade that has a bit of warmth to it. Perhaps something a la Dior Rouge Lip Color in Agelique Beige:

For those of us that are more pale, beige-y lipsticks can appear yellow. In this case, go with a nude that’s in the pale pink family. A great one is Tom Ford’s Lip Color in Blush Nude:

Lastly, take a sheer shimmery gloss and dab it in the pout and bow of your lip. Something similar to Stila’s Silk Shimmer Gloss will do the trick.

Here’s what we’re aiming for:

See how Kim’s lips look three dimensional but still subtle? That’s what we want! Just remember, for the smokey eye and nude lip duo, you don’t want your lips to steal the show but you also don’t want them to be overlooked.

Until next time!

xo

tamsignature

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sources: DiorTom FordStila