Wednesday, March 23, 2011

meet me at the altar

Weddings have come a long way since the days our parents and grandparents were united in holy matrimony.  The traditional church wedding is now just one of many ceremony options for the bride & groom.  The key to finding a place to marry is to make sure that it represents the couple. Indeed, a couple can marry anywhere as long as they stay true to themselves, and add a little love and creativity to the place. :o)

Here are a few of our favorite altars!










N&E

Monday, March 21, 2011

twice baked potatoes recipe

Twice Baked Potatoes are one of my favorite comfort foods.  Mmm!  They're just so good.  Here's my recipe.



4 or 5 potatoes
1 cup sour cream
1/2 block of cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 tablespoons butter
1 pack of dry ranch dressing
crumbled up bacon
A pinch of salt and pepper
8 green onions chopped

First, put your potatoes in the oven for an hour at 350 degrees, or just pop them in the microwave for a few minutes until they're soft.  While you wait for the potatoes, get a large mixing bowl and mix all the other ingredients together.  Cook some bacon and crumble it up.  I usually heat the cream cheese up a little to make it easier to mix with the other ingredients.  When your potatoes are done cooking, cut them in half and scoop out the insides.  Keep the potatoes skins!  Combine the potatoes with your creamy mixture and mix the potatoes in thoroughly.  Now, put the mixture back into the skins and place in the oven for about 15 to 20 minutes and you're done!  My family scarfs these down so quickly that I usually double the recipe.  Enjoy!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

bridal shower etiquette

While we're on the topic of showers, it is important for every gal to know her etiquette!  Martha Stewart has a nice little slide show to explain what is expected of a maid of honor (or any hostess) and what you should do to be the best hostess.  If you have a big role in someone's wedding, be sure to do plenty of research on your responsibilities.  You'll get much better results and you'll have a happy bride and guests!  Check out websites like A - Z Manners and Etiquette for more detailed guidelines.




Party styling and photography by bloom designs via HostessBlog.

tea time!

Nothing is more fun and girly than a tea party themed get together.  This theme can work for bridal showers, birthday parties, or any gathering of ladies.  Our advice for any party or shower is to take some kind of theme and run with it.  Focus your theme on anything from a color scheme, to a holiday, polka dots, a movie... anything that inspires you.  For example, you could make your tea party super dainty and traditional, or you could make it more of an Alice in Wonderland theme.  There are no limits.  We love the idea of a tea party with vintage tea tins from thrift stores and tea houses.

Tea Tins



Using mason jars for your centerpieces is another easy way to add a vintage touch to your get together.  You can find them at thrift stores, or buy them brand new at your grocery store.  Etsy.com is a fabulous place to find mason jars, vintage straws, and gobs of other unique handmade and vintage items.


Mason jars have many uses.  Here they are used as little drinking glasses.


And of course, if you're doing the tea theme, you must go crazy with cute tea sets and tea bags!

 
  If you're looking to go a little less traditional, Hostess With the Mostess features an adorable Alice in Wonderland tea party.

Love it!

N&E

Monday, March 7, 2011

lollipop birthday party

Look at this darling lollipop themed birthday bash from Hostess With the Mostess.  So cute!!!  Go to their blog for all the pictures and charming details.








DIY flowers

Here's a lovely idea from Style Me Pretty - DIY flower bracelets!  It would be super cute for your special wedding guests (like grandparents and mother of the bride and groom).  See SMP's website for the full tutorial.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

homemade honey wheat bead recipe

This is delicious if you have a bread machine and SO EASY.  Throw a few ingredients in and let the machine do the rest.  It takes about 3 hours, so plan accordingly.  


1 ¼ cup warm or cool water
2 tablespoons of oil
½ cup of honey (or agave)
1 ½ tsp. salt
1 cup oatmeal
3 cups flour
(you can do 1 ½ cup white/ 1 ½ cup wheat flour)
2 ¼ tsp yeast

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

DIY Wall Art

You don't have to go spend tons of moolah on expensive art.  Just make your own!  Here's another slide show from The Nest with some DIY art ideas.  It's fun and more personalised. 



your perfect doggie match

If you and your significant other want to get a puppy together, here's a fun little slide show from The Nest to help you decide on the perfect breed for the two of you!