Crowning & Cunning: "I Do! Chicago Ties the Knot"

Here's a great excuse to visit the Windy City this summer: "I Do! Chicago Ties the Knot" at the Chicago History Museum is an exhibit of bridal gowns and accessories dating back to the 1850's!

In conjunction with I Do! Chicago Ties the Knot, three established Chicago designers will each create a wedding gown inspired by selected pieces from the exhibition made with fabric provided by Brentano, a Chicago-based interior design textile company. The winning garment will become part of the Museum’s permanent collection and will be on display in I Do! for the remainder of the exhibition.

"I Do! Chicago Ties the Knot" runs through January 2011 at the Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St. For information call 312-642-4600 or visit the Web site at www.chicagohistory.org 

Celebration: Heather & Mike June 19, 2010

Here's a sneak peak at some pictures from this past weekend
at Maumee Bay Resort...

The theme was "Havana Blue" after a restaurant in St. Thomas. More pictures on the design and decor to come.

But first, check out the beautiful sunset we had!

Crowning Cues: Safe Self Tanners

Looking for the perfect wedding day glow – but without looking like an

overtanned-orange-snooki-umpalumpa?

From gels, lotions and sprays, to wipes and pro-tans, check out the top 5 from Consumer Research

Here are a few tips for a fool-proof application:

Prep:

The perfect self tan starts here with proper preparation!

1. Exfoliate dry skin with gloves or a washcloth. (Don't forget to shave your legs while you're at it!)

2. Apply a water-based moisturizer so the skin will absorb the tanner evenly.

3. Grab the gloves! Protect your manicure by applying sunless tanner throughout your body. When finished, apply a dab of self tanner to just the tops of your hands and run them together.

Post-application:

-Wipe down elbows, knees and heels with a dry wash cloth. Gently buff in a circular motion.

- To blend scares from previous sun-damage or acne, take a q-tip and gently buff the area.

- Chill out and let it set in. If you are applying before bed, be sure to slip in silk pajama tops and pants to protect sheets. Most self tanners take 8-12 hours to set in.

- Buff heels and finger tips where self tanner may have been absorbed.

- Don't forget to change your make-up. You may need to up your foundation or spot treatment one step to match your new skin tone.

- Sun screen is still a must! Just because you have on self-tanner, doesn't mean you won't burn.

Oops!

If your self-tanning treatment went astray, no worries! Its an easy fix. Don’t stress – draw a nice, warm bubble bath and soak. Afterwards, be sure to exfoliate with a washcloth. If that doesn’t work, mix together some lemon juice and sea salt. Gently rub. Rubbing alcohol also works well.

Test Drive

Give this a try 3-4 weeks before your wedding to make sure you applied it correctly and are satisfied with the results. No matter how fabulous you are at applying, do NOT do this the night before your wedding. You will risk getting tanner on your dress, and if you do end up with a not-so-perfect application, exfoliating on wedding day will make for red, irritated skin! Big no-no!

Eventista: Outdoor Party Time

Check out my article in this week's Star!

Must-have item are these super fun, oversized cushions from Fatboy!

They are perfect for the entire family - even the four-legged fur-kiddies.

Put this pillow poolside, or under the trees. They are great for outdoor movies and stargazing, too!

Crowning Inspiration: Destination Toledo

Make Toledo a destination Wedding with these fun and exciting ideas!

Don’t just make your wedding an event to remember – make the entire weekend unforgettable! And with three-day weekend holidays like Memorial Day, you can be the hostess-with-the-mostess! From welcome parties, to group activities like golf tourneys, baseball games, and amusements, to socials, bridal teas, and farewell brunches, treat your guests to Toledo’s favorites.

Kick off the long weekend and welcome guests with a barbeque M*A*S*H style. Toss Tony Packo’s hot dogs on the grill, accompanied by their famous sauces and pickles. Chill down some Maumee Bay Brewing Company beers on ice.

Hit the water for some cool lake winds on the mighty Maumee. The Sandpiper Boat is your mode of transportation, holding up to 100 guests. Mix up your favorite drinks and take in the scenic views before reaching your dinner destination at The Docks.

Or go Portside, literally, and catch a Mud Hen’s game at Fifth Third. The Stadium features private banquet rooms and suites for all your entertaining needs.

A little competition never hurt! Host a bride vs. groom golf tournament. Tee it up lakeside at Maumee Bay State Park or race roller-coasters at Cedar Point. Complete your destination delights with a limo bus. Stock it with all your favorite refreshments and goodies to get you there and keep you going.

Take in the sights and smells at the lovely Toledo Botanical Gardens or the Schedel Arboretum. Host a ladies luncheon, complete with fresh lemonade and brightly colored parasols.

Blow your guests away with live glass blowing demonstrations at the Toledo Museum of Art. Let local artists craft before your eyes and take in world renowned treasures. Continue your tour of art along The Loop galleries, such as 20 North Gallery and Space 237. These spaces offer the perfect setting for a wine party. Include some regional favorites and Ohio Amish cheese.

Bid farewell with a strolling brunch at home. Cater in your favorites or serve up local delights from bakeries like Petit Fours, Thrush’s or Michael’s Café. It’s a great way to look back on the weekend, and even share a few photos.

No matter where the weekend takes you, be sure to bring along your sun block. There’s no greater chore than for your wedding photographer to Photoshop your bright red shoulders and awkward tan lines!

Did you catch my blog post about Welcome Bags? They are the perfect touch for out-of-town guests!

Crowning Cocktails: Sex and the City 2 Martinis

 Whether you are throwing a premire party or packing a flask for the show, here are a few recipes to put you in the mood! The first is a classic that you can't go wrong with:

Cosmopolitan Martini

4 parts Citron Vodka

2 parts Cointreau or Triple Sec

2 parts Cranberry Juice

1 part Lime Fresh Juice

 

The Carrie Drink

2 ounces Skyy vodka

1 ounce X-Rated Fusion Liqueur

2 ounces cranberry juice

3/4 ounce sparkling apple cider

Shake Skyy, X-Rated and cranberry with ice and strain into chilled martini glass. Top with cider and garnish with a thin apple slice.

The Samantha Drink

2 1/2 ounces Skyy vodka

1 1/2 ounces Cabo Wabo Anejo tequila

1 ounce simple syrup

1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice

Shake with ice and strain into chilled martini glass. Rim glass with mixture of salt and small amount of white pepper. No garnish.

The Miranda Drink

2 ounces Skyy vodka

3/4 ounce Campari

2 ounces pomegranate juice

1 ounce Triple Sec

Squeeze of lemon

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

The Charlotte Drink

2 ounces Skyy vodka

2 ounces pink lemonade

1 ounces Triple Sec

1/2 ounce Midori Melon liqueur

Shake with ice and strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with an edible flower.

Crowning Inspiration: Gratitude is always in Style!

You are sure to bring a smile to their face with these 6 simple steps for a flawless thank you note:

1. Always start with “dear” and the names as you would address them in person:
Example: Dear Aunt Sally and Uncle Joe, or Dear Dr. and Mrs. Evenston,
2. Thank you for the (description of gift or name of gift).
Example: Thank you for the setting of our Wedgewood wedding china.
3. The include 1-3 sentences about the item, followed by what you did with it or why you liked it. This makes the note feel more sincere.
Example: It's beautifully displayed in our china cabinet. I am looking forward to using it when we host our first Thanksgiving dinner this year!
4. Thank the giver for coming to the weeding, if they did. Try not to say “Thank you” again or start off saying “Thank you”.
Example: It meant a lot to have you there in celebration of our special day. Thank you for coming.
5. Mention something about the giver such as family members or something happening in their lives.
Example: Best wishes to the kids. or Looking forward to seeing you at the Lake Cottage!
6. Salutations: "Love" is fine for family members and close friends. For others, some choices are "Yours Truly", "Regards", or "Warm Regards". And sign both your names.


A few extra tips:
- Always handwrite your thank you notes.
- Even with a picture card (as shown above) be sure to include another note card or write a message on the back.
- Generally, brides and grooms should write a thank you note within 6 months of their wedding.
- Thank you notes for WEDDING GIFTS should not be written by the couple before the wedding. If sent before the wedding, the note should be only from the bride.
- Thank you notes for SHOWER GIFTS should be written before the wedding and from the bride (unless a couples shower was given, then they can be written by either).
- Keep a list as you go along to make sure all shower and wedding reception guests received a proper thank you.

Crowning and Cunning: Baggy Winecoat

Check out this must-have accessory for all your summer parties!

 – the Baggy Winecoat by Menu. Just remove your bag of wine from its box, place it in this soft bag-in-box wine dispenser, close the flexible top, and enjoy an easy way to pour and serve wine in style! If you are thinking that "boxed wines" is pas très chic, think again! See below for some tasty "boxed" wines.

If white wine is your drink of choice, this wine dispenser also doubles as a wine cooler with space to pack some ice and keep your vino chilled, ready to serve and sip. Ideal for outdoor barbecues and alfresco soirees, this soft dispenser is easy to carry, thanks to its built-in handle and smart design by Jakob Wagner. And a rubber bottom helps keep the Winecoat upright and steady, even if you’re not! Here’s a toast to the bag in box Baggy Winecoat wine dispenser – an entertaining essential by Menu.

Along with the screw top comes a more eco-friendly way to contain wine.

(Credit Maggie Hoffman)

But don't take my word for it - check out these great boxed wines under $9!!!

Wow, a deal like that and we can celebrate all summer long!