Another day, another layout...

Hi everyone. It has been a while since the last post, and I want to apologize for that; however, with the passing of time, I have once again changed the look and feel of my blog and my website. More changes will be coming soon so it is important for you to check back often to find out the very latest information.

Since the last post, there have been two events. One graduation party and one wedding. There has been one move into a new home and one change to a new job. With so many new things going on, I have to share them here. I will soon be posting photos and comments on these recent events. Check back soon to hear all about it.

Thanks for visiting! Click on the link to my website to see all the new changes there!

Happy planning everyone!

Buy Wedding Supplies, Give To Charity...

This is very exciting! Have you ever heard of www.idofoundation.org? You must check it out for yourself! This website hosts various ways to make money for a charity through just purchasing wedding items such as your invitations and honeymoon travel.

Another unique thing about this website is that they can set you up for a charity registry. These are especially good for couples who already have a house set up or who really don't wish to accept tangible gifts.

Also, if you have ever considered using eco-friendly products, there are links on this website for that too! So in case you didn't catch it, I will repeat it again. The website is www.idofoundation.org and it is pretty great. Check it out and let me know what you think about it by posting comments.

Until next time...

EBL

Bridal Bootcamp: 2010 Review

The first ever Russellville Bridal Bootcamp was held this April at the Hampton Inn in Russellville. It took the planning of several vendors to make it happen, and I am excited about the opportunities to make it even better next year!!! I want to take this opportunity to thank the twenty or so attendees we had for coming out to learn some great tips from our vendors and leave with some pretty fantastic goodies!

This years' vendor list can be found on our flyer. Go show these vendors your support and ask them for more tips to help you better plan your wedding day. We enjoyed seeing those of you who came out and would love to meet those of you who didn't get a chance to make it.

We'll see you next year!

CHECK OUT THIS LINK TO MELISSA MCCROTTY'S BLOG TO SEE A FEW PICTURES FROM THE EVENT.

Happy planning!

It's fun, it's free... It's a COOTIE CATCHER...

Like many of you may do, I just happen to stumble upon some pretty great finds once in a while. One place that I find it incredibly easy to "fall" upon an ingenious idea is when I visit www.marthastewartweddings.com. Just to let you know, I think Martha is nothing short of an Einstein of all things love and lace...

If you have been fumbling with favor ideas or just want to spend as little as possible on a neat favor or gift, check out this link to make your own cootie catcher. In reality, all you need is some paper and scissors. That means, this could be FREE!

Here is a photo sneak peak, but I definitely recommend witnessing Martha online for yourself! Enjoy!

EBL

Monogram Memories...

If you know me at all, you know I always say "it's all in the details." It doesn't take a lot of money or a lot of time to create details to set your event apart from the rest.

For instance, take the TREASURED MONOGRAM. Monograms can be created in all shapes, sizes, colors, and are as unique as the couple they reflect. Not only is the monogram in itself unique, but there are countless ways to showcase your monogram.

One of the most popular and chic ways to display a monogram is to showcase it with lighting. In Arkansas, the price range for a lighting technician to create this lighting effect for you can range anywhere from $200 or more. It may seem like a lot, but you only need one to have the big WOW factor that makes your event memorable.

Another way to showcase a monogram is in the little details. What do I mean by this? Well, it is very simple to use your monogram on favors, place settings, in the arrangements, on/with the food, and MANY other ways. As I said, the possibilites are endless. You could use your monogram on a guest book or even on the bridal bouquet. Use small versions of your monogram to mix in with confetti or to sprinkle around candle light...

For events other than weddings, the same can be said for you. If you are having a birthday party, use your initials (monogram) as your "logo" for the event. Maybe you could have it put on your cake, but always remember to use a color for your monogram that is cohesive to the rest of the overall look.

So without further adeau here are some photos of some creative and beautiful ways to use a monogram. If you are looking for other monogram ideas, simply use an internet search engine and search "wedding monogram ideas" or peruse your latest issue of Martha Stewart Weddings or other wedding magazines. With monograms, the possibilities are endless. ENJOY!!!

Vendor Love

The 2010 Russellville Bridal Bootcamp was held at the Hampton Inn on April 10. Without these vendors, it would not have been possible. Brides in attendance were excited about the event and thankful for the opportunity. To share my own love for our vendors, here are some local vendors in Russellville that made it all happen.

Melissa McCrotty Photography

Cathy's Flowers

Spittin Image Wedding Videography

Katy from Shortcuts Salon

Jonya Davis with Beauti Control

ABOUT Magazine

Main Street Russellville

Rendezvous Bridal Wear

Copper Pig

Patti Cakes Bakery

Hampton Inn

Don't think you should try this at home...

I just had one of those wonderful flashbacks on an event I did in the fall and I wanted to share it with you! For Saira's 25th Birthday, she wanted an over the top GIRLY, laid-back affair with her closest friends. Fortunately, she chose me to make this idea come to life, and so the 25th Princess Birthday was created. Since almost everything was some feminine shade of pink, I was not surprised when she requested pink popcorn.

I wondered how I would do it, but I soon came up with a "good" idea one night when I was at home. I use an air popper when I eat popcorn so I used that. I sprayed it as usual with an olive oil spray; however, I colored the olive oil with a couple drops of red food coloring first. It worked like a charm! It looked really cute in the blue cups of "Princess Popcorn," but I don't think I'll be trying this again for good reason. My hands were stained an odd red color for about a week and I always had that "greasy hand" feeling.

So, you have been warned. There are ways to color popcorn the color you want, but try to find another way besides coloring olive oil spray; otherwise, you will have very bright and very soft hands from both the coloring and the spray. You have been warned!

*EBL