LIFE CYCLES

Keep it simple. Keep it sweet. Cycle on. xo!

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!

I leave you for the week on a sweet note from the uber-talented and inspirational Amy Atlas.

Be grateful for your friends and family that surround you. Life would be no fun without them. Happy Thanksgiving, my friends. See you Monday. xo!

LET THEM EAT... CAKE?

I've been seeing a lot of nontraditional wedding cakes lately. But one that takes me back to my childhood has been showing up in a few places ... A Rice Krispies treat cake! Fun as a wedding cake, a groom's cake, a birthday cake or a special cake for the kids - very sweet (and sticky). xo!

SPRINKLES OF LOVE

I love cupcakes like the cookie monster loves cookies. So you may understand why I nearly fell out of my chair when I heard the news that Sprinkles, one of the all time BEST cupcakeries there is, has gone mobile. Yes, that's right. Mobile!

Now, you can order a Sprinkles Mobile for your party ... for late night cravings while dancing, or a memorable princess birthday party ... or a fabulous bridal shower. Yum!!

HEAD OF THE CLASS

Don't underestimate the significance of your hairstyle on your wedding day. Will you wear a veil - long, medium or short? Will you change into a hairpiece for the reception? Before you meet with your stylist for a trial, consider how you want to wear your hair, what you are going to put on your head, and what accessories you might want or need to complete the look. Talk it over ahead of time. Your stylist will have lots of ideas, but the trial is not the time to start brainstorming. xo!

Photos and accessories by Bride's Head Revisited

Beauty Boost

I've always loved Philosophy products. Great smells, lots of fun and good quality. But I totally LOVE the new line they've developed with The Knot called Tying the Knot by Philosophy! Everything a bride needs to get picture perfect for the Big Day. Inspired. xo!

VIP SEATING

Let the world know - with style - where you and your sweetie are sitting during your reception. Simple and fun ideas to personalize your chairs and up the VIP factor even more. xo!

Anyone have other ideas about what they plan to do with their seats?

TRAVEL FIRST CLASS ... IN COACH

It's been a long week of travel ... a lot of flying and driving and driving and flying. I am super happy to be back home this morning with my pooch curled up at my feet. Travel is exhausting, and it certainly takes its toll. That's why I love bringing a little luxury in my carry-on so that I can get from point A to point B without feeling too beat up. I also love the idea of sending some of these ahead to VIP guests from out of town that are flying in for your wedding - to your parents as a "thank you for everything," or to your bridesmaids or groomsmen so they're "refreshed and ready to party" when they arrive.

From BP, $15.99 (Buy one get one free!)

From BP, $16.99

And now, for the Most Important VIP, perhaps your mother, perhaps your Maid of Honor ...

Sofia Cashmere 3-piece Travel Set from Saks, $300

Now, please excuse me ... I need a nap! xo!

THE PLOT THICKENS

This is so cute!

Many guests at your wedding will already be familiar with your story ... How you met. Your first date. When you knew they were "The One." However, some guests may not know, and I love the idea of sharing your story in a personal way. This colorful couple chose a comic strip - how fun is that! Something like this could be incorporated into your ceremony programs, or accompany your menu, add to the table decor or placed at the guest book/gift table. Be creative and have fun ... you'll remember the little details. And so will your guests. xo!

MIDNIGHT CRAVING

I love the idea of sending guests home with a little something ... maybe it's whatever are your favors, or maybe it's just an unexpected surprise. With enough planning, a midnight snack could even be waiting for them in their hotel rooms when they return after a long evening of dancing with you at your wedding. xo!

WONDERLAND

Simply stunning. This photo crosses boundaries with summer flowers made of paper ... it looks like soft snow in a winter palace. Imagine as an aisle, or for a Grand Entrance. How many hours do you think it took to create this?

DON'T SHRUG IT OFF

Luca and I are off to the midwest today for an exciting vacation. First, we're stopping in Chicago for Luca's birthday (he's never been!). And then we're driving to Madison for his first Big Ten Football weekend as my Badgers take on Michigan (Luca thinks football is soccer ... Italians).

But packing last night reminded me that we're in for a shock as we leave beautiful, sunny Santa Barbara behind for the blustery cold, and (gasp!) lake affect wind chill. As a result, I started surfing etsy for bridal shrugs, wraps and boleros and was so excited to find so many gorgeous options for covering those shoulders during a winter wedding. Love it!!

ruffles bridal shrug, $80

Flora Wool Capelet, $120

Bianca Nuno Felted Silk Tie Shrug, $225

Teal Ruffled Silk Carina Bolero, $180

Antique Silver Dupioni Raw Silk Wrap, $79

French Le Creme Raw Silk Wrap with Hand-made Roses and Ruffles, $110

CAN YOU TELL ME HOW TO GET ... ??

... How to get to Sesame Street!

Today, Sesame Street celebrates 40 years and I'd like to offer my congratulations - and my thanks, for all the wonderful memories. I'd also like to share the most fabulous cake pops (yes, that's cake rolled in chocolate on a stick) that Bakerella created in Sesame Street's honor.
How cute!!! I love these to incorporate into a dessert table or decor for a kids birthday party. Cruise over to her site for the full how-to; here's a sneak peek ...
Does anyone else remember the family of bugs that lived in Bert and Ernie's window box garden???

SO CHIC PEW CARDS

Where should I sit at the ceremony? Is there a "bride" and "groom" side? Am I "first row family" or "second row family"?

Especially in a large wedding ceremony, guests are often unsure of the proper seating etiquette, but they want to do the right thing. That is why I love these adorable pew cards!

I came across these on Mint and I think it's a brilliant and chic way to guide your guests to the proper seat. You can customize them to what's appropriate for your event with colors, designs and different labels. (If you like the look of Ellie's, she includes a how-to on her blog.)

I think this would be a beautiful touch to mail to your guests with their invitation. And when they arrive at the ceremony, they can simply show the usher their card. How cute!

p.s. I think this would be sweet to do on vintage handkerchiefs ... that way it helps them find their seats, dries their tears when they cry during your vows, and is a wonderful keepsake of your day. xo!

WINTER WEDDING DREAMS

The air is crisp and the sun is bright. Winter is a spectacular time of year for a wedding in Santa Barbara. Twinkle lights and candles, soft wraps, hot cocoa with over-sized marshmallows, blazing fireplaces and snuggling with your honey. I can't think of a more romantic season. Are you planning a winter wedding this year?

Need a little inspiration?Need a little bit more?

That's right. Starting today, I am offering 30-percent off all Day-of and Full Service Packages for Weddings taking place this winter (i.e. December 1, 2009 thru March 21, 2010). Visit my Web site for more information.

FOODIES ARE LOVING ... BEER?

I've been to a lot of wine and cheese parties in my day. I love wine and I love cheese, so this is fabulous by me. But sometimes these shindigs can be a little stuffy, or a little ... "been there, tasted that." Let's just say, I haven't been to one of these in awhile where I was surprised by anything that was paired together. That's why I love the newest trend taking over restaurants and private parties - Beer and cheese tastings. Beer, really? Yes!

The October issue of Food & Wine featured Andrew Myers of Washington, DC's CityZen and cites a few of his favorite pairings:
1. Hefeweizen and Goat Cheese - light German wheat beer complements soft, tangy cheeses
2. Brown Ale with Spanish Mahon - nuttiness and hoppiness works well with mild cow's milk cheeses
3. Imperial Stout with Blue Cheese - stouts that are chocolaty and hearty are perfect for stinky cheeses

Myers biggest tip for a beer and cheese tasting: It's the fizziness that makes beer good with cheese.

I love this for holiday cocktail parties or a fun station during cocktails at a wedding. I love this period. Bottoms up! xo

SHOE SENSE

As a former New Yorker, one of my all time favorite lines from Sex & The City - and the one I found to be most true - was when Carrie said, "Most New York women don't have a closet full of Jimmy and Manolo. But, most New York women have at least one pair."

My pair are from my wedding. They were an indulgence that made me feel special and beautiful and pampered. I loved my shoes as much as I loved my dress. But they were not at all practical for dancing or cavorting through grass and stone for hours on end. Shoes like that are made for sitting and looking pretty.

For this reason, I advise a lot of my brides to consider multiple pairs of shoes for their wedding day. One pair is for the ceremony and photos ... and the other is for dancing and frolicking (and quite possibly another photo).

If you choose to follow this advice and plan on wearing more than one pair, make sure you bring both pairs with you to your dress fittings, and try not to vary more than 2-inches in heel height between shoes. If you try and go from a 4-inch heel to flats, the line of your dress is going to be off ... and you'll either be showing ankle during the ceremony or tripping on your dress during dancing. Not good!

Guiseppe Zanotti on Bluefly

Christian Louboutin on Bluefly

An exception to the rule is if your dress is cocktail or tea length. Then you can wear these 4.5-inch beauties before switching to flats!

Guiseppe Zanotti on Bluefly

Are you planning a shoe change at your wedding?

DRE FEATURED ON THE SWEETEST OCCASION

I am so thrilled to share with you the news that Donna Romani Events and Chris and Tami's Jungle-themed co-ed baby shower was featured this morning on The Sweetest Occasion! Cynthia does such a fabulous job with her blog and I've been a fan for quite awhile; so I am completely honored. Click on over to check it out! Thanks, Cyd!!

LOVING: RACHEL REINHARDT JEWELRY

I'm a big fan of jewelery and accessories. There's no easier, more affordable way to dress up any outfit - from jeans to slacks or a simple black cocktail dress. Jewelry also gives you endless ways to customize a look and make it your own. From hip and sassy to chic and sophisticated.

One of my favorites is Rachel Reinhardt out of New York City. I've been a follower of hers for years. And when it came time to pick something beautiful to honor my bridesmaids, my girls that stood up with me, I turned to Rachel. She offers something for every style, and its all beautiful pieces that are well-made. You've got to check her out!

Gemma Large Oval Stone Bracelet

Emma Large Pave Open Teardrop Earring and Mini- Bib Necklace with Cushion Cut Center Stone

Audrey Seven Strand Pearl Necklace and Ten Row Pearl Bracelet

What are you planning on giving your party as gifts?