How many minutes for the ideal toast?
07/29/10 Filed in: Tips
How many minutes for the ideal toast?
The answer is 2 minutes! The toast should be short, sweet and tasteful.
Here are some tips...
1. Write your speech ahead of time. You do not want to wait till the night before. Also if you want to not read from a sheet of paper, make sure that you at least have it written down incase your mind goes blank.
2. Don’t write your entire speech out word for word, make notes. Even to some the thought of giving a speech could just be about one of the worst things in life, you do not want to look like a robot up there.
3. Practice your speech in front of someone else. If you don’t want to do that, try a mirror. I remember when my husband had to give a speech for his best friends wedding, he was practicing every second for a month. By the time he actually gave the speech, I knew it word for word.
4. Make sure you let everyone know your relationship to the couple. Also make the speech personal. Guests can connect more with you and the bride and groom.
5. Do not roast the bride or the groom!! It is tasteless, and tacky. You will only make yourself look bad.
6. Make sure you raise your glass to the bride and groom. End on a positive note.
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Books & Bookmarks Galore!
07/27/10 Filed in: Wedding Decor
Books & Bookmarks Galore!
So this past weekend I attended an outdoor wedding at the Botanic Gardens, and boy was it beautiful. The bride and groom loved reading so they incorporated their love into the reception.
It was just the cutest idea. Instead of table numbers they used there favorite books, and the escort cards were bookmarks. On the back of the bookmarks were a passage for the book. Also, the centerpieces were stacked books. I just thought it was so creative, and a great conversation piece. Especially if you are a guest and do not know anyone at your table! Check out the pics...
So this past weekend I attended an outdoor wedding at the Botanic Gardens, and boy was it beautiful. The bride and groom loved reading so they incorporated their love into the reception.
It was just the cutest idea. Instead of table numbers they used there favorite books, and the escort cards were bookmarks. On the back of the bookmarks were a passage for the book. Also, the centerpieces were stacked books. I just thought it was so creative, and a great conversation piece. Especially if you are a guest and do not know anyone at your table! Check out the pics...
A Skinny Way to Drink Margaritas!
07/22/10 Filed in: We Love To Eat & Drink
Last night I went to a girlfriends house for dinner. She was so sweet to cook a low carb dinner knowing that I have not been eating carbs for about 6 weeks now... YIKES! Anyway, she found a recipe from Bethyenny Frankel which is called Skinny Girl Margaritas. Aparently this recipe has been around for awile,I had no idea and let me tell you how awesome they were, and I don’t even that margaritas or tequila for that matter!
FYI, don’t drink to many, I am paying for it this morning!
Here is how to do it...
Things You'll Need:
Step 1
If you want a SGM on the rocks, it's quite simple. Add ice to a rocks glass, add 2 oz. (a two count) of white tequila, the juice of four lime wedges and a splash of triple sec, Grand Marnier or Cointreau. It's that easy!
Step 2
If you're ordering a SGM at a bar, you can have it on the rocks, but I like to replace the triple sec, Grand Marnier or Cointreau with a splash of frozen margarita mix. You get the same great flavor and a little bit of a different texture. It's great!
Step 3
If you want a frozen margarita, combine all of the ingredients in a blender; just make sure that there is 2 oz. of tequila per serving and you're ready to go! Serve in a chilled glass; and if you'd like to garnish the glass, rim it with a lime and dip in salt.
Step 4
This is how my friend made them last night. 5oz. of White tequila per serving, Ice, Fresh Lime juice, Splash of Grand Marnier, and sugar free lemonade in a blender. Another way is to use soda water instead of the lemonade.
Read more: How to Make a SkinnyGirl Margarita | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2275222_skinnygirl-margarita.html#ixzz0uQ3kEBZy
FYI, don’t drink to many, I am paying for it this morning!
Here is how to do it...
Things You'll Need:
- Ice
- Blender (if you want it frozen)
- Fresh lime juice (about 1 tbsp.) and wedges for garnish
- 2 oz. white tequila (100 percent agave is very important--Patron Silver is my favorite)
- A tiny splash of triple sec, Grand Marnier or Cointreau (about 1 tsp.)
- Margarita glasses
- My friend also added sugar free lemonade YUM!
Step 1
If you want a SGM on the rocks, it's quite simple. Add ice to a rocks glass, add 2 oz. (a two count) of white tequila, the juice of four lime wedges and a splash of triple sec, Grand Marnier or Cointreau. It's that easy!
Step 2
If you're ordering a SGM at a bar, you can have it on the rocks, but I like to replace the triple sec, Grand Marnier or Cointreau with a splash of frozen margarita mix. You get the same great flavor and a little bit of a different texture. It's great!
Step 3
If you want a frozen margarita, combine all of the ingredients in a blender; just make sure that there is 2 oz. of tequila per serving and you're ready to go! Serve in a chilled glass; and if you'd like to garnish the glass, rim it with a lime and dip in salt.
Step 4
This is how my friend made them last night. 5oz. of White tequila per serving, Ice, Fresh Lime juice, Splash of Grand Marnier, and sugar free lemonade in a blender. Another way is to use soda water instead of the lemonade.
Read more: How to Make a SkinnyGirl Margarita | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2275222_skinnygirl-margarita.html#ixzz0uQ3kEBZy
How Many Dress Shops Should I Vist.
07/21/10 Filed in: Tips
Wedding Dress Shopping can be the most fun, or the most difficult part of wedding process! So how many to visit is the question? THREE TO FOUR. First you need to start with your budget. Try to find a shop that has all kinds of price ranges. Ask them only to bring out dresses in your budget. You do not want to try on a dress that you cannot afford. Dimitra’s Bridal is a shop that we have found to have the most variety. Another shop that is great for your Budget is White Chicago. They sell new, used, and consignment dresses(If you don't mind wearing a gown that's already been worn by another bride, you can save a great deal of money). Once you've found the dress you want to wear on your special day, consider shopping around for different prices before you make your final purchase. One shop may have the dress you want on sale for considerably less than another. You may be able to find your dress online(make sure you see it in person or make sure you can return it). You can start shopping as far in advance as you want but just remember that some dress shops take 8 months to order your perfect dress. Don’t wait too long and most important, HAVE FUN!!
When to send out Save the Dates
07/20/10 Filed in: Tips
Although Save the Dates are not necessary in all situations it is a great way to announce your wedding. It is especially important for people out of town. Send your Save the Dates to your guests at least 5 months in advance. These Save the Dates will go out to your “A” list guests, and this will give you time to figure out how many guests you want to invite, whether or not to invite co-workers, extended family, etc.
If you are doing a destinations wedding, it is a good idea to send out Save the Dates about 6 months in advance. This will encourage travelers to take advantage of travel deals, book flights, and make any other necessary plans sooner than later.
FYI do not send a Save the Date to anyone that is not going to be invited to your wedding!
Check out our save the dates on etsy.com/nikkivain
If you are doing a destinations wedding, it is a good idea to send out Save the Dates about 6 months in advance. This will encourage travelers to take advantage of travel deals, book flights, and make any other necessary plans sooner than later.
FYI do not send a Save the Date to anyone that is not going to be invited to your wedding!
Check out our save the dates on etsy.com/nikkivain
The Chicago Moon
07/19/10 Filed in: Invitations
Check out our latest design! This Example is of a Rehearsal Dinner invitation but could be used for a menu, birthday party, save the date, special event, etc!! We just put it up on our etsy.com shop. Comes with or without a glittered moon and stars. More city’s to come!
HOT HOT HOT Bridemaid Dresses
07/15/10 Filed in: Dresses
Check out Bari Jay’s Fall 2010 Collection! These dresses are amazing. Most of these dresses come in multiple colors, so they will definitely go with any color scheme you have in mind. Its kind of fun to let your bridesmaid pick different dresses out of a collection but all in the same color. FYI Ladies, Bari Jay is very affordable...we have lots of tips on how you can get these dresses up to 50% off!
Romantic Wedding Hairstyles
07/13/10 Filed in: Wedding Beauty Tips
| While looking for the perfect hairstyle for my best friend on her wedding day, I came across these beautiful celebrity wedding hairstyles. They are so romantic with the natural waves. I really love the braids on Jessica Alba. It is such a hot trend, I am seeing braids everywhere. I think it is a must with an updo for a bride, (even though I did not) it is so sexy to show off your neck with a beautiful pair of earrings! |
Here is my attempt, I think it worked pretty well!
A little under eye refreshment!
07/12/10 Filed in: Wedding Beauty Tips
We have found the best eye treatment. Wether you use it the night before your wedding or the morning of, this will completely brighten up those stressed eyes. I put it to the test and could not believe it, I looked so refreshed! It’s called bliss triple oxygen instant energizing eye mask.
This Bliss product has 3 forms of glow-inducing oxygenation, antioxidant vitamin C and puff-pummeling cucumber extract.
I was so excited about this one, that I went and bought the bliss triple oxygen™ instant energizing mask. This one delivers oxygen to the skin with innovative Fluid02 technology, brightens, lightens, and tightens the skin with the most active powerful form of Vitamin C available, and protects cells from free radical damage with powerful antioxidants.
It’s awesome as well. When you put it on it foams all over your face and tickles. It really make you feel like something good is happening to your face.
Both of these products are available at Sephora.com
My next test is to do the oxygen facial at the bliss spa. I will let you know how it goes....
This Bliss product has 3 forms of glow-inducing oxygenation, antioxidant vitamin C and puff-pummeling cucumber extract.
I was so excited about this one, that I went and bought the bliss triple oxygen™ instant energizing mask. This one delivers oxygen to the skin with innovative Fluid02 technology, brightens, lightens, and tightens the skin with the most active powerful form of Vitamin C available, and protects cells from free radical damage with powerful antioxidants.
It’s awesome as well. When you put it on it foams all over your face and tickles. It really make you feel like something good is happening to your face.
Both of these products are available at Sephora.com
My next test is to do the oxygen facial at the bliss spa. I will let you know how it goes....
Leather & Pearls, Perfect for Bridesmaids
07/11/10 Filed in: Bridesmaids Gifts
These wrap bracelets are so cute for the trendy bridesmaid. They are shown here with brown leather but can be done in any other color leather. We have priced them at $50!
Here are some other choices for leather color that could match any bridesmaid dress...
Here are some other choices for leather color that could match any bridesmaid dress...
Just added new items! Rachel Leigh Jewelry
07/09/10 Filed in: Gifts
We just added some more beautiful items for sale from our N i k k i V a i n Shop. They are completely new. CANDACE ANG, ACCESSORIES & BEYHOND, RACHEL LEIGH, and many more. Click on the pics, they will take you directly to the listings!! Keep checking back, they will go quickly FYI, they are wholesale pricing...
Programs and Fans go hand and hand
07/08/10 Filed in: Wedding Decor
Our very own Lori recently was wed and the program we did were just the cutest thing!! We were expecting a hot day and decided to start with a fan. From there it turn out to be the hit of the wedding. Not only did it keep people cool, it was very educational to the guests that my not of known who the people were standing up with them as they were about to enter the sacred bond of marriage.
Here is how to do it!!
What you need
card stock paper min. 110lbs
popsicle sticks
black paint (spray paint would be great)
glue stick
diamond ring stamp (paper source has them)
white stamping ink
rhinestones
Super glue
1. Ask all your attendants for a picture of themselves (preferably there favorite otherwise they will be very upset with you when they find out what it is for)
2. Size them so they are all about the same and turn them into black and white. If you have less attendants then this example you can make the pictures larger.
3. In your favorite design program (we use Adobe Illustrator) make a square template of 7”x7” and arrange your pictures and names the way that you want them. Assuming you know what your wedding ceremony itinerary, make another template of 7”x7” and drop the words in there with the font you like. We used Edwardian script and Aril. P.S. before you print make crop marks.
4. Now we are getting into the construction. Print both designs out and start cutting.
5. Take your popsicle sticks and paint them black. Let them completely dry!
6. Take your popsicle sticks and glue it on the back side of the paper. (about 2” of the popsicle stick should be on the paper) Now take your glue stick and put it all over the paper and place the other side on it lining it up so there is no overlap. Let this dry completely.
7. Dip your stamp carefully on the ink pad (practice on paper first) and press on the popsicle stick. Let dry completely.
8. Put a little super glue on the rhinestone and press it on the diamond ring. Let dry completely!
That is it, they will be a huge hit!!
Just an FYI, Madeline Veil & Co. can do these for you if you do not have the time. Call or email to acquire cost. info@madelineveil.com
Here is how to do it!!
What you need
card stock paper min. 110lbs
popsicle sticks
black paint (spray paint would be great)
glue stick
diamond ring stamp (paper source has them)
white stamping ink
rhinestones
Super glue
1. Ask all your attendants for a picture of themselves (preferably there favorite otherwise they will be very upset with you when they find out what it is for)
2. Size them so they are all about the same and turn them into black and white. If you have less attendants then this example you can make the pictures larger.
3. In your favorite design program (we use Adobe Illustrator) make a square template of 7”x7” and arrange your pictures and names the way that you want them. Assuming you know what your wedding ceremony itinerary, make another template of 7”x7” and drop the words in there with the font you like. We used Edwardian script and Aril. P.S. before you print make crop marks.
4. Now we are getting into the construction. Print both designs out and start cutting.
5. Take your popsicle sticks and paint them black. Let them completely dry!
6. Take your popsicle sticks and glue it on the back side of the paper. (about 2” of the popsicle stick should be on the paper) Now take your glue stick and put it all over the paper and place the other side on it lining it up so there is no overlap. Let this dry completely.
7. Dip your stamp carefully on the ink pad (practice on paper first) and press on the popsicle stick. Let dry completely.
8. Put a little super glue on the rhinestone and press it on the diamond ring. Let dry completely!
That is it, they will be a huge hit!!
Just an FYI, Madeline Veil & Co. can do these for you if you do not have the time. Call or email to acquire cost. info@madelineveil.com
For Sale!! Cheap
07/07/10 Filed in: Gifts
So it is that time of year again to sell our last years items on ebay! We have some beautiful items for sale from our N i k k i V a i n Shop. They are completely new. CANDACE ANG, ACCESSORIES & BEYHOND, RACHEL LEIGH, and many more. Click on the pics, they will take you directly to the listings!! Keep checking back, they will go quickly FYI, they are wholesale pricing...
