Grade A {for Adorable!}

Oh. My. Blog. This is just about the cutest darn thing I have ever seen! I found this whilst catching up on my blog reading. Enjoy this little dandy from Paper Crave:

How flippin' adorable are these?! The story is, the genius over at Paper Crave created these to contribute to The Sweetest Occasion's Stationery Show extravaganza. The best part is they are a free printable! You'll also get a super fantastic report card themed recipe card...so cute! But rather than blather on about it, here's the full story with all the fab deets! I really suggest checking it out. I am a HUGE fan of Paper Crave...I think some of you might be too, it you give them a look-see!

Now, back to the favor boxes. How perfect would these be for a kid's party (I'm sort of obsessed with kids' parties right now. I wish I knew more kids) or for an adorable milk and cookie themed adult party. I love! My head is just spinning with uses for these cute little boxes (not to mention variations on the theme)

From the Trenches: Guest-iquette

One for the books, my darlings, one for the books....

Erin!
Help! So, the SO just got ANOTHER message from a friend asking why he wasn't invited to the wedding! I don't understand this...I would never think to ask why I wasn't invited to something I wasn't invited to. Is it common for people to be so rude? So many people have asked about it and no one seems to understand this was supposed to be a small, destination wedding for family and a few close friends. What can we say? Anything? Any advice?

Oh, honey. If I had a nickel... I'd like to start by apologizing on behalf of disastrously rude people everywhere. I'm so sorry you have to deal with this...planning your wedding is supposed to be fun. I think every couple deserves that.

Now to answer your questions. First, I wish I could say that people losing their fool heads whenever they hear the word "wedding" was uncommon. Alas, I cannot. Every couple I have ever known has had to deal with crazy-making, wildly inappropriate chow-chow from someone (for us it was The Hubbs' co-workers).

The guest list is a source of contention for many a betrothed couple. There are no perfect answers and you're bound to have a couple of uncomfortable conversations. Nevertheless, communication is key if you want people to understand. "We would have loved to invite you, but we cannot afford a large wedding.", or something similar is probably the most succinct approach. Your friends, the ones who actually love and respect the both of you, will graciously accept your terms. Those who don't...well, you may want to reevaluate their position in your lives.

Blissfully yours,
E

Macaron Madness!

I'm in love, I'm in love and I don't care who knows it! I love macarons (not to be confused with the American confection, "macaroons")!

Here's the deal. A little over a year and a half ago, I laid my eyes on some french macarons whilst planning the wedding. The obsession starts. A few months later, I see them in pink. The obsession begins to grow. Then I continue to see them in virtually every magazine and on virtually every blog in the cosmos. Usually, I just get tired of "wedding trends" like this and then I don't want to see them. But not this time, I love them so much I could just pee! But I won't.

And, lo and behold...what do I find on my Google Reader this afternoon? This! And this!

My wheels have been turning for months as I plan my next event. Must...have...macarons... Favors, sweets tables, out of town guest baskets, you name it. This versatile little treat is perfect for just about anything. And just to get your "I-want-super-cute-sweets" ball a'rollin, I'll leave you with this...

Ahhh, perfection. Enjoy!

Photo credit: Sweet Almond Wedding macarons from Paulette Macarons. (I Love.) via msn dot com

Don't Forget to Pack a Swimsuit (Retro Edition)

There are two times a year when destination weddings dominate my thoughts. The dead of Winter (blech) and the beginning of Spring (yay!). This year, I have been having all kinds of inspiration-y thoughts about destination weddings. I've been imagining luxurious lounge furniture next to a candle lit pool with floating lily pads and drinks with little umbrellas emblazoned with the wedding couples' brand new monogram. And a lovely custom gobo for the dance floor. Ah, me...the islands.

Mostly I've been dreaming about all the adorable swimwear....like this!

I'm dying over here, this is so cute! I found this today on etsy. Fables by Barrie. San Diego, California. Drink it in. Experience it. I feel like she popped out of an Esther Williams movie.

And this!

I just squealed with delight (embarrassing). I love this swimsuit from Etsy seller, Ava Bell. I think the deep plunge is so sassy! Again, channeling Esther Williams. Love. I when I think of her, I go here...

That's right. The Esther Williams floating about in a peignoir. As a swimsuit cover-up. Which would be adorable to bring back for a poolside reception. I see paper lanterns (I know, I'm obsessed), Mai Tais and Sinapore Slings...*sigh* Mercy! Oh, vintage glam, I never tire of you. Let's never break up.

So there you have it. A little look into my inspiration for what? A destination wedding in the 40's? I'd like to think of it as a way to bring that long gone glamour to the digital age. I love it. And it's my blog.

Photo Credits:
1. Fables by Barrie (etsy shop)
2. Ava Bell (etsy shop)
3. Esther Williams dot com

Simply Adorable!

Okay people, I love kids' parties. Well, I guess I should say I love chic, well planned out kids' parties. Like this one!

Love! A ballerina party! I would have seriously flipped my lid had I a ballerina party like this...what a lucky little gal. I mean seriously, how flippin' cute is this cake?

The rest of the pictures are just as adorable. Oh, the blog I found this on? Silver Spoons Scraps. Pretty cute, I'd say! Check out the blog, here.

Enjoy!

Great Blog and Wedding Fun!

Big news! Big BIG news!

One of Milwaukee's premier Life& Style blogs (and my personal fave) Haute Apple Pie, recently announced that the month of June will be a wedding extravaganza! When I read the tweet announcing their project (which is totally brill, by the way) I nearly choked on my Vitamin Water Zero (which was totally awkward).

The best part? The wonderful ladies of Haute Apple Pie will be...you know what? I'll just let them tell you in their one of a kind style.

Go here. All the deets are there in all their glory. But, make sure to read carefully as all good things must come to an end. So don't miss out!

Want more Haute Apple Pie (and who doesn't...)?
Read the blog.
Follow them on Twitter.

For Mom...

Let's face it. From day one she's been your biggest fan. She's even putting up with you as you navigate the giant corn maze that is wedding planning. So, among all the other great things you are going to do for her this year (you remembered, right?), enter her in this!

This contest is so awesome! I wonder if mothers of fur babies count? Anyway, chop chop. The entries have to be in by the end of the day today. Winners will be announced on the 6th. So don't dawdle, enter your Mom. In the interest of full disclosure, I feel compelled to tell you all that if my Mom lived here, I'd enter her. And she'd win. There. I said it. My Mom is awesome.

Now, get your toned little bottoms over to this post, read the directions and get entering!

Photo credit: broadwaypaper dot com

A Special Contest for Mom

One of my favorite spots in Milwaukee is participating a darling little giveaway sponsored by the fabulous Third Ward Merchants. ! I love Moms and I love giveaways, so this really piqued my interest! If my Mom lived here, I'd enter her....and she'd win. Ain't nobody's Mama betta' than my Momma! Check out the adorable announcement!

Tres chic, no?

So, check out the full post from Kate at Broadway Paper here! And enter your Mommas. It's the right thing to do.

photo credit: broadwaypaper dot com