diy linen invitations

I just about died when I saw these linen invitations on Off Beat Bride.  I'm going to use them for something...I just don't know what yet.

Find the full instructions with photos here.

Happy weekend!

wedding romper

Will someone please get married in this?  What would be the perfect setting?  I say retro beach wedding. 

{via Madewell}

coral beach centerpieces

While I was over at Sweet Something Designs admiring Michelle's new chairs I noticed a pretty coral piece on her table.  What an awesome non floral centerpiece, don't you think?

You can buy ceramic coral at your local Petco or Walmart, yep...your centerpieces are from the fish aisle ;) and spray paint them white.  Find a pretty urn or container and add moss.  I love the contrast!  They'd be beautiful on your mantle too.

numbered chair pillows

Last week I saw this beautiful photo at La-La Linh and I couldn't help but day dream about their table number potential.  How perfect are they to dress up the chairs at your reception while providing a little lumbar support? ;)

{via Coastal Living,  photographed by Jean-Philippe Piter}

If you have a sewing machine they'd be quick to whip up (if your wedding is a year away you could do one a day ;). Or you could purchase some cheap pillow inserts, like these robin's egg blue ones from Ikea and stencil away with fabric paint. 

If you are up for covering, I think burlap would be adorable!

engagement party at black bottle

This weekend we hosted an engagement party for one of my best friends at Black Bottle in Seattle.  It was a beautiful space with marble bistro tables and metal cafe chairs, we hardly did any decorating or work at all.  It was perfect.  If you're looking for a space to host a party, check it out.  Paul, the events manager, was a dream to work with.

Minimalist decor of pink peonies

The happy bride and groom

Letters to the bride and groom. 

Poster design by my graphic designer friend Kaitlyn.

My favorite thing at Black Bottle is their flatbreads!

I think this was a dance off...

A private bar with the beginnings of a French 75

The best attempt at a group girls photo

My best attempt at getting my Husband to smile.

Ladies if you're getting a prenup, make sure to add smiles in photos to your requirements!



spumoni terrine

Yesterday we celebrated my Grandma's 83rd birthday with a spaghetti dinner.  I was in charge of dessert so I made a spumoni terrine.  It's my favorite after dinner treat at The Old Spaghetti Factory.

I didn't have time to make ice cream so I picked up some black cherry ice cream, pistachio gelato and chocolate ice cream.  I also bought a jar of maraschino cherries and ate half the jar while making the terrine ;)

First I lined a loaf pan with plastic wrap.  While the cherry ice cream was softening, slice up half a jar of maraschino cherries.  In a bowl, mix the cherries and a little of the syrup for color with the ice cream.  Pour into the loaf pan and freeze for 1 hour.  Repeat with pistachio and chocolate ice cream layers.  You can add shelled pistachio pieces to the gelato if yours doesn't have any.

For the 'magic shell' topping, mix a half a bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips with a 1/4 cup of coconut oil over low heat.  Turn out the terrine on a platter, remove plastic wrap and slowly drizzle chocolate over the top and let harden.  Slice up and enjoy!

Especially popular with the 2 months to 3 year old crowds.

Happy Friday!

diy bhldn pegged leg place card holders

I've always been drawn to the moulding section in our local hardware store.  All the pretty scrolling woodwork and corbels is way more interesting to look at then nuts and bolts.  Although I've seen some fun things to do with those lately, like these bracelets, so perhaps I'll be visiting that aisle soon.  Anyway, I've spent some time looking at spindles and sofa buns so when I saw these place card holders on BHLDN I saw an easy DIY.  All you need is a variety of spindles and a jig saw (I'm sure my Husband will be correcting me on that one).

{BHLDN}

You can find spindles at the hardware store, or purchase a variety of shapes and sizes online.  Check out Architectural Depot or search your local craigslist for wood stairwell spindles and cut to size.

forever 21 vintage romance collection

**pssst...BHLDN is having a secret 48 hour sale, making things slightly more affordable.  Click HERE to see the fabulousness


Mimi introduced me to the Vintage Romance collection at Forever 21 and there are about a million and one things I want to buy.  Check out these romantic dresses.  Bridemaids? Rehearsal dinner?  Because you can actually afford them?  What do you think?

1.  Sweet peach chiffon applique

2.  Mesh and lace dress

3.  Crocheted lace dress

4.  Floral lace dress

frozen rainbow chiffon cake

The August issue of Martha Stewart Living is full of lots of goodies, but I have my eye on this Frozen Rainbow Chiffon Cake.  It's the more natural version of the popular rainbow cake and the best part is it's gluten free!  It would be a perfect celebratory cake for an engagement or birthday.  Actually my Sister's birthday is coming up real soon!

{recipe and photo via Martha Stewart Living Magazine}

Frozen Rainbow Chiffon Cake

1 1/2 cups blackberries (6 ounces)

1 1/4 cups blueberries (6 ounces)

1/2 cup plus 2 tbs fresh lemon juice (4-5 lemons)

10 large egg whites, room temperature

Salt

2 3/4 cups plus 1 tbs sugar

3/4 cup plus 3 tbs water

2 ripe papayas, peeled and seeded

3 kiwifruits, peeled

1 cup strawberries, hulled (6 ounces)

1 1/4 cups raspberries (6 ounces)

1 can (15 ounces) apricots in juice, drained

Seven-Minute Frosting

1.  Coat two 8-inch springform pans with cooking spray.  Line sides with parchment, leaving a 2-inch collar extending over top.

2.  Puree blackberries, blueberries and 2 tablespoons lemon juice in blender until smooth.  Strain through a fine sieve; discard solids.

3.  Whisk 2 egg whites and a pinch of salt with a mixer on medium speed until foamy.  Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar with 3 tablespoons water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.  Cook until syrup reaches 250 degrees on a candy thermometer.  Immediatelay add sugar syrup in a slow, steady stream down the side of the bowl.  Raise speed to high, and whisk until thick, shiny, and cooled, about 7 minutes.  Whisk in a berry puree.  Pour mixture into 1 pan, and freeze until firm, about 2 hours. 

4.  Meanwhile, puree papayas and 2 tablespoons lemon juice in a blender until smooth.  Strain.

5.  Repeat step 3 with 2 egg whites, a pinch of salt, 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, and 3 tablespoons water, whisking in papaya puree.  Pour mixture into remaining pan, and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.

6.  Puree kiwifruits and 2 tablespoons lemon juice in a blender until smooth. Strain.

7.  Repeat step 3 with 2 egg whites, a pinch of salt, 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, and 3 tablespoons water, whisking in kiwifruit puree.  Pour mixture onto frozen berry layer , and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.

8.  Meanwhile, puree strawberries, raspberries, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice in a blender until smooth.  Strain.

9.  Repeat step 3 with 2 egg whites, a pinch of salt, 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, and 3 tablespoons water, whisking in strawberry-raspberry puree.  Pour mixture onto frozen papaya layer, and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.

10.  Puree apricots and 2 tablespoons lemon juice in a blender until smooth.  Strain.

11.  Repeat step 3 with 2 egg whites, a pinch of salt, 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoons water, whisking in apricot puree.  Pour mixture onto frozen kiwi layer, and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.

12.  Release sides of pans; carefully transfer papaya and strawberry-raspberry layer cake onto apricot layer.  Freeze cake while you make the frosting.

13. Remove parchement paper.  Frost top and sides of cake.  Freeze until ready to serve.

Seven-Minute Frosting

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon light corn syrup

3 large egg whites, room temperature

1.  Bring 1/2 cup sugar, the water, and cory syrup to a boil in a saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves.  Continute to cook, without stirring, washing down sides of pan witha  wet pastry brush to prent cyrstals from forming, until mixture reaches 230 degrees on a candy thermometer.

2.  Meanwhile, whisk egg whites with a mixer on a medium speed until soft peaks form.  Gradually whisk in remaining 2 tablespoons sugar.  Immediately add sugar syrup in a slow, steady stream down the side of the bowl once it reaches 230 degrees.  Rise speed to high, and wisk until mixture is thick, shiny and cooled, about 7 minutes.  Use immediately.



Food-safety note:  the egg whites in theis cake are not fully cooked

Make ahead: fruit purees can be refridgerated for up to 2 days

Storage:  frosted cake can be frozen overnight

wedding hair or everyday hair

I think this is the perfect wedding day hair.  Not too scultped, not too messy.  Perfect for any day of the week really.

{apartment 34 via design me daily}

Here is a great tutorial from youtube!



reader request: diy wedding gifts

My friend Liezl is going to a wedding where the bride and groom have requested homemade gifts.  How cool is that?  I think this has been my favorite request yet!

1.  This tree quilt would be adorable with the couple's intials.  {I'll update this link later. Pinterest is not cooperating}
2.  If you could find some cute platters at Target or Goodwill you could paint a monogram, or just about anything.  {via Etsy}
3.  We all need a little reminder, even once we're married.  All you need is a frame, a printer and some dry erase markers. {via eighteen25}
4. Chalkboard coasters!  Buy some tiles from the hardware store and spray them with chalkboard paint. {via diybydesigns}
5.  Sweet stitched pillowcases.  You can get the stitch pattern HERE.
6.  Have a favorite recipe?  Write it on a utinsel crock and fill with kitchen goodies! {via Calico}
7.  This one isn't exactly homemade, unless you can do the box...or make your own wine.  But it is adorable.  A bottle of wine to celebrate your 1st, 5th and 10th anniversary.  You can buy the box and many others at Wine for a Wedding.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!  I'm looking forward to dinner with friends, a hike with my Husband and dogs and whatever else comes our way.  Hopefully sunshine ;)

diy wax luminaries

Forget glass votives, this is the perfect way to get a moody glow going at your reception.  All you need is parafin wax from the grocery store (in the canning aisle), balloons and an old pan to melt down your wax.  Fill your balloon with water to size, dip in melted wax to desired thickness, and pop the balloon.  See the full tutorial over at Dollar Store Crafts.

{candletech via dollar store crafts and pinterest}



win a honeymoon from airbnb!

Have you guys heard of airbnb?  We just used it to book an apartment for Paris and it is super easy.  You can rent a room in someones home, or a whole house or apartment for a very reasonable price.  While I was checking on our reservation I noticed they're giving away a honeymoon and there are only 3 days left to enter!  Quick, go enter!  Click HERE for more info. 

wedding dress shopping is dangerous...

This weekend I went wedding dress shopping with my best friend.  While she was trying on "the one" I saw this.

I get it, taffeta can be very threatening! ;)



You know what else is dangerous?  Weddinggawker.  Go check it out if you haven't!

paper wreath centerpieces

Paper flowers are still one of my favorite trends, although I have yet to go to a wedding with them.  Probably because they are a time consuming detail.  I think these paper flower wreaths made of book pages are beautiful and would look pretty wrapped around glass hurricanes and candles.

If you are ambitious, you can make paper fabric runners like Etsy seller eclu.  I'm not sure how this particular one is held together, but for a runner you could use tissue or parchment paper.  Wouldn't it be beautiful?  I guarantee it would have your guests talking.

You could get the books from the thrift store and purchase paper flower punches here.  Or you can just visit eclu's shop and buy the gorgeous paper peony fabric above.  There are also the cutest little bridesmaids clutches in the shop!

Have you been to a wedding with paper flower details?

kate moss' wedding

When I posted about this beautiful veil earlier this week, Carrie left a comment about Kate Moss' wedding.  I hadn't seen photos yet so I went looking. Kate's John Galliano dress was perfection, the whole bridal party was really. 

See more photos and details at The Bijou Bride blog

snack wedding cake

Ding dong, do you think this is tacky?  A wedding cake made of Twinkies rolled in fondant.  I think it is hilarious and perfect for the snack cake connoisseur.  Check out the Twinkie bride and groom.  I would also support a late night snack of Ding Dongs and milk.  How about you?

{via Tacky Living}

french inspired cap and veil

*Winner of the Uprinting.com business card giveaway is Jenna Lee of a' la mode!*

Are you wearing a veil?  I didn't wear one.  If I had I wish I would have been stylish enough to pull off this beautiful French inspired lace cap and veil.  Isn't it gorgeous?  I'm in love with every piece by Twigs and Honey.  If you're in the market for a veil or headband you should check her shop.  Absolutely beautiful!

{via Etsy shop Twigs and Honey}

gone fishing birthday party

Today is my nephew's 3rd birthday!  Saturday my Sister had an adorable fishing birthday party for him. 

Fishing net decor, and bucket hat favors at the front door

The fishy details:

My Dad, never too old to dress up for a party

Large mouth bass and trout in a net, my Mom's watermelon shark

The guests:

Mia and Hunter enjoying snacks

Baby Logan

Kelly and baby Ava in lovely lavender

Games:

"Pin the fish on the hook"

That would be my artistic rendering of a fish hook...yes I know it looks like an anchor ;)

Sometimes you have to break for bubbles...

Fishing game:

My Sister bought the socks at the dollar store and we sewed on eyes and stuffed them with candy...and stuff.

My Grandmaman caught one!

The kids caught on real quick, but didn't seem to care what was in the fish. 

Catching them was just as fun!

The birthday boy's first taste of "Nerds"

Jackson's dirt and bait cake

Happy 3rd Birthday Jackson, we love you!

I hope you had a happy and safe 4th of July, looking forward to stopping by and seeing how you celebrated!

american flag guest book

*only 2 more days to enter the giveaway! click here*

When I was younger I always thought that if I had a beach house I would hang an American flag on the white washed walls.  It seemed very Cape Cod/Ralph Lauren and I still love the look.  If I had a wedding during the 4th of July weekend I would have all my friends and family sign a flag as my guestbook.  It would be a great keepsake for my future beach house.  Oh hindsight ;)

{via House Beautiful}

Framing it and putting it above the mantel would be beautiful too!

{via That Mommy Blog}

Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend!  How will you celebrate?