'tis the season...

It's that time of year when the rush of holiday parties are upon us. Last year I hosted a cookie exchange with my girlfriends, and it was such hit, I decided to do it again this year. So, I enlisted the help of my very talented sister, M2....she's amazing! This is what she came up with. I just printed it on plain card stock, but have a few ideas up my sleeve for the actual party, so I'll be sure to post pics then.


Husband and I have hosted an annual brunch for the last few years as well. Last year we decided to move it to holiday time, in lieu of the traditional cocktail party. It turns into an all day event, a fun time to visit with all the children that are usually sleeping when we get together, and of course, we still have our mimosas! These CD invitations were inspired by all those cheesy 60's and 70's albums my parents used to have in their collections. You know, the kind you used to play on those big cabinet stereos that opened on top. I thought of sending out a cool remix of popular holiday hits, and incorporating it into an invitations. Again, M2 came up this amazing design.


I'm looking forward to a busy December! Please check out M2's website at A Girl Named Fred.

dreaming of a tan.....a beach....and a cocktail!

I know that it's only the middle of November, but I'm not liking winter already! It's started to turn cold here in our part of the world, and I'm not having it. First of all, it's so dry I feel like my face is going to crack every time I make an expression. Secondly, I have to wear socks...I don't like wearing socks. Thirdly, I need to wear gloves a scarf and a winter coat...too many things! The list could go on forever. If, on January 1st, we had no more snow (we don't have snow yet...but I'm sure it's only a few weeks away!), I would be so content. I like having snow for Christmas, it makes the holiday, but when I have to deal with it for another 4 months...it's not good! Needless to say, I'm dreaming of places like this....


Through another blog, Simply Seleta, (a fun blog to read, Seleta is always doing such fun things, and her beautiful family is straight out of a J.Crew catalogue!) I have learned of this little beach town called Rosemary Beach. I totally want to move here...like...now! The houses are beyond fabulous, you can walk everywhere, there is tons of green space, and most importantly, a white sand beach! Not too far away is Alys Beach, a similar community. Both of these places are in Florida, a place we often visit. Unfortunately, we go in February, and we are looking for heat, so I think these towns might be a bit far north for that time of year. Nonetheless, it looks like a perfect place to take a fall vacation, the temperature would be perfect!

totally into peacock feathers and such

Yes folks, that's right...I have now decided I am totally in love with peacock feathers!!! C and I went to Urban Outfitter's in Las Vegas and they had some really super cool hair pins with feathers. They were so pretty. I thought what better place to find them then on etsy and I have discovered Jaime Wayne who also does fab photgraphy. The pieces range from $15.00 to $20.00 which considering how beautiful they are is awesome.

Viva Las Vegas

M and I had a pretty awesome trip! All I can say is...Madonna was beyond! The show was amazing, Madge is crazy fit, and we definitely got our groove on! You have to see the show to experience all it's goodness. I still can't believe I saw MADONNA! There were some famous people there, but we didn't have binoculars, so we couldn't see them...but we did see all the fans snapping pictures!

I also highly recommend spending 6 hours at the Qua Spa at Caeser's Palace. We each had two treatments and spent the rest of the time in the mineral baths, arctic ice room and sipping some tea. It was a complete indulgence, and it was soooo worth it! We lived like queens for a day. Do you know they have a sauna for your robe, just to keep it warm while your enjoying the pools. In the arctic ice room it snows...yes people, it snows, real flakes!

the arctic ice room

the mineral baths, with heated stone loungers

And, of course, we did some shopping. Did you know that you can buy a winter coat in the middle of the desert? It was too weird seeing all the winter clothes when it was 75 degrees outside! We also tested lady luck at the roulette table, and won! That was so much fun!

All in all, a fabulous whirlwind trip to Sin City. Thank you M for sharing the experience with me!! So...where to next?

sugary goodness!

What happens when you mix a modern furniture marketing director and passionate baker? You get, Sugarcoat It Studio...an amazing cakes! Krista Markell draws inspiration for her cakes from everywhere, furniture, textiles, fashion and her clients.



I love the simple designs, bright colours and different textures that her cakes have. It is so refreshing to finally see something different in cake design, and a unique approach to wedding design. Please check out their portfolio, you'll be delighted!

about to explode!!

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One exciting weekend!! M and I are off to Vegas to see Madonna and I'm so freakin' excited, I'm going to explode!! We'll be sure to update you on our spa-cirque de soleil-madonna weekend when we return!

Environmentally chic!

Who knew, you can save the planet and look great doing it! We all know that weddings tend to be over the top affairs, that more often than not, increase our carbon footprint. Well, now you can feel a bit better about your environmental future by purchasing a dress from the White Chocolate Label by Scott Corridan. I love the their tag line "couture never looked so green." How amazing is this dress!!


The White Chocolate Label is committed to using sustainable and organic materials whenever possible. They partner with manufacturers who employ free trade principals, and look to reduce waste in their packaging and shipping methods. And only they can say it best:

... And lastly, always strive to be a leader and innovator, offering easy access and open lines of communication with our clients, to insure that our deserts blow clean winds, that our sycamores drink clean water, that our oceans pound at our shores with non-toxic affect, and that the snow that falls from a Sierra’s winter sky is as pure as the heavens they fall from.

:: thank you Ritzy Bee!

managing out of town guests...

I recently just had some house guests from British Columbia at my house and I spent a crazy amount of time trying to get my house prepped and making everything "just so." Anyhow, I was again on the Real Simple website and found that they had a whole section on making your house guests feel at home. They have suggestions on creating extra closet space, picking up mini toiletries and finding more room to sleep. It was really great and I will definetly use some of their suggestions next time around!!!