tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4004628407150762992009-11-05T09:36:06.575-08:00Katie McFarlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515866805904423166katie@thesavvyevent.comBlogger251125TheSavvyEventhttp://feedburner.google.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400462840715076299.post-29455266211433467872009-11-02T06:17:00.000-08:002009-11-02T06:19:23.085-08:00I came across this <a href="http://benignobjects.blogspot.com/2009/10/gettin-hitched-door-hanger-and-brief.html">free download</a> and thought you might enjoy. They are from <a href="http://benignobjects.com/">Benign Objects</a>(a small design company in Minnesota) and would look adorable hanging from your wedding day suite!<div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SurnxfOuoPI/AAAAAAAADHI/ez-hC1eL-fI/s640/free+download.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398381940739842290" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Download <a href="http://benignobjects.blogspot.com/2009/10/gettin-hitched-door-hanger-and-brief.html">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/400462840715076299-2945526621143346787?l=thesavvyevent.blogspot.com'/></div>Katie McFarlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515866805904423166katie@thesavvyevent.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400462840715076299.post-16515378227545206432009-10-30T05:59:00.000-07:002009-10-30T06:13:36.444-07:00Pat and I are going to a Halloween party tomorrow night and we are struggling with what to wear! Truth is, in the whole time we have been together, we have never celebrated Halloween or dressed up for it. We usually opt to <a com="" games="" html="">host a murder party</a> every fall and that makes up for it (more on that later) and is way more our style (at home, good food, small group of friends, funny characters).<div><br /></div><div>So you can see where I'm coming from when the task of finding costumes has been left to me! I don't want to spend much on stuff I'm never going to wear again and I would really prefer it if our costumes were somewhat warm.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are some of the ideas I've come up with so far. If you have any better suggestions, please share!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Kanye West and Taylor Swift at the VMAs-</b></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SurkEbaZksI/AAAAAAAADG4/QrBMBZ-BLug/s400/2009-VMA-Kanye-West-Taylor-Swift.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398377868086055618" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Pat could wear some big sunglasses, lots of bracelets, big baggy pants, and hold a microphone. Maybe we could even write on his shirt "Beyonce should have been number one video...". I could wear a silver sparkly dress, some big dangly earrings, bright red lipstick and hold a little trophy. But, is that identifiable enough?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>1950's Dorky Couple-</b></div><div>Pat could wear a slicked down side part, some slacks,<b> </b>a tie, a cardigan and some black rimmed glasses and I could wear a puffy skirt, a ruffled shirt, and an apron and maybe carry around a spatula or a duster.</div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 335px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SurlEPfGG7I/AAAAAAAADHA/TCOVGugTqSw/s400/1950s_housewife2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398378964396153778" /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Beach bums</b>-we could both wear flip flops, swimsuit cover ups or touristy type shirts, use makeup to draw on tan lines and sun burns, big sunglasses, beach bag, and carry around a drink with an umbrella in it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Or, we could dress up as something that is a play on words. Examples:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Sexual harassment suit</b>-Pat could wear a suit and then pin little sexual harassment type emails/notes on himself.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Blackmai</b>l-wear all black and then print out big sized postage stamps and put them on your outfit</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Shot in the dark</b>-wear all black and hang a shot glass around your neck</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Little white lies</b>-wear all white and then pin lies to yourself</div><div><br /></div><div>See you guys??? I need help! What are you being for Halloween?!? Do you have any ideas for me and Pat?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/400462840715076299-1651537822754520643?l=thesavvyevent.blogspot.com'/></div>Katie McFarlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515866805904423166katie@thesavvyevent.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400462840715076299.post-14780895567735250362009-10-22T05:26:00.000-07:002009-10-22T05:50:44.180-07:00I recently had some guests stay at my house for a long weekend while Pat and I were out of town. A few weeks later, I opened my door to find this package:<img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SuBTbp91NlI/AAAAAAAADEY/mc8YHd_yh3g/s400/wine+gift+set.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395404088176621138" /><div><a href="http://www.wine.com/">Source</a></div><div><br /></div><div>They sent us three bottles of french red wine in a cool gift box-totally unexpected and very cool! Don't let the title of this post throw you-the wine was delivered in a box, not poured from a box! The gift set was from <a href="http://www.wine.com/">Wine.com</a> and last night we uncorked the first bottle. Pretty tasty.</div><div><br /></div><div>This would be a great gift idea for your bridal party, parents, or anyone else who loves drinking wine! You could put together your own selections of wine or you can purchase one of <a href="http://www.wine.com/">Wine.com's</a> preselected gift sets. Even better, they have gifts under $40 (plus shipping).</div><div><br /></div><div>Another cool thing is the wines come with little tags to hang around the neck of the bottle to indicate when you opened it, what it can be paired with, and any other little notes about the wine so you can remember if you liked it or not. What are some of the best gifts you've ever received?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/400462840715076299-1478089556773525036?l=thesavvyevent.blogspot.com'/></div>Katie McFarlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515866805904423166katie@thesavvyevent.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400462840715076299.post-80765362409111755842009-10-21T06:06:00.000-07:002009-10-21T06:23:34.018-07:00As much as I love traditional ceremony music, I realize that Pachelbel is not for everyone. Don't be afraid to use different music-it's your wedding!<div><br /></div><div>Here are a few alternative song ideas for when you walk down the aisle:</div><div><ul><li>Enya-Flora's Secret</li><li>Hans Zimmer-You're so Cool</li><li>Enya-Wild Child</li><li>Last of the Mohicans Soundtrack-The Kiss (I walked down the aisle to this song)</li><li>The Verve-Bittersweet Symphony</li></ul><div>Any other ideas? What did you walk down the aisle to?</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/400462840715076299-8076536240911175584?l=thesavvyevent.blogspot.com'/></div>Katie McFarlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515866805904423166katie@thesavvyevent.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400462840715076299.post-4006663367356301962009-10-20T06:16:00.000-07:002009-10-20T06:35:02.097-07:00<div>I have a gift certificate for Pottery Barn that I've been holding onto for almost a year now so I've been checking out there site to see if there is anything I can use it for. I came across these numbered mason jars and thought these would work great as table numbers for your wedding (and you could reuse them later for spices, baking goods, or other small household items):</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/St25kZ6Lo6I/AAAAAAAADEA/lO4p4aOqRyA/s640/mason+jar+table+numbers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394671963741070242" /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.potterybarn.com">Source</a></span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>After you number them, you could fill them with candles, colored stones, submerged flowers, or personal mementos that tell the story of you and your significant other. Here are a few easy (and cheap) ways to DIY this project:</div><div><ul><li>Use a <a href="http://www.cricut.com/information/whatiscricut.aspx">Cricut machine</a> to make the numbers and then glue them onto the jars</li><li>Cut out iron on numbers and use Modge Podge to glue them onto the jars</li><li>Use self adhesive vinyl numbers (you can find these at your hardware store)</li><li>Cut out numbers and run them through your <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Categories/create-a-sticker_.html">Xyron</a> to give them a sticky back</li></ul></div>Any other easy tips for how to paint on glass?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/400462840715076299-400666336735630196?l=thesavvyevent.blogspot.com'/></div>Katie McFarlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515866805904423166katie@thesavvyevent.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400462840715076299.post-46005379357865493382009-10-16T05:27:00.000-07:002009-10-16T05:42:37.918-07:00I don't know about you but sometimes the internet just sucks me in. I'll log on to check my email and then next thing you know I'm reading reviews about the top BYOB bars in my neighborhood and filling my online shopping cart with rain boots and mittens.<div><br /></div><div>Today I received my "Real Simple Daily Thought" which lead me to an article on how to organize your bills which had me google "letter rack" (you know, to organize my bills) which directed me to <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/">Pottery Barn</a>. As I was cruising through their site looking at all their office organizational tools, I came across this <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/large-linen-pinboard/?pkey=chome-office-organization">large linen pinboard</a> that would be gorgeous as an escort card display:</div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 360px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sthmov4_XCI/AAAAAAAADDg/N2Xnm9T1IyI/s400/cute+idea+for+escort+cards.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393173404012469282" /></div><div><a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/">Source</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Wouldn't this be a great way to display your escort cards? I love the various shades of each color! It makes me think of paint swatches-you could hand write your guests names and table numbers on each swatch. So cute!</div><div><br /></div><div>You could then incorporate that into your table numbers by using a small pinboard and pinning numbers or letters to them to indicate the table number:</div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 146px; height: 182px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SthoVLjtbqI/AAAAAAAADDo/tzIw_GpJ4gQ/s400/pinboard+table+number.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393175266865278626" /></div><div><a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/">Source</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Does the internet ever suck you in like it does me? How do you avoid the temptation? Speaking of which, I should be getting prepared for a wedding this weekend in beautiful Lake Geneva but instead, I'm scouring the net. See what I mean?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/400462840715076299-4600537935786549338?l=thesavvyevent.blogspot.com'/></div>Katie McFarlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515866805904423166katie@thesavvyevent.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400462840715076299.post-88901575177461207202009-10-14T06:39:00.001-07:002009-10-14T06:41:16.044-07:00I'm not sure if you guys have seen this wedding video yet but it is super fun! <div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; white-space: pre; "><object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QujA8YYgTWU&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x5d1719&amp;color2=0xcd311b"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QujA8YYgTWU&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x5d1719&amp;color2=0xcd311b" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/400462840715076299-8890157517746120720?l=thesavvyevent.blogspot.com'/></div>Katie McFarlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515866805904423166katie@thesavvyevent.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400462840715076299.post-6084919594619624022009-10-12T05:19:00.001-07:002009-10-12T05:42:43.389-07:00<div>This morning I am feeling refreshed and full of energy. I had an incredible wedding in Phoenix this weekend and loved being able to leave the cold Chicago weather (47 degrees and raining) and enjoy the warm AZ sun for a few days. When I was on the plane reading the ever so interesting <a href="http://www.skymall.com/">Skymall Magazine</a> I came across these bouquets made from baby clothing:</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 380px; height: 380px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/StMg23e0yMI/AAAAAAAADCo/qWE8hW0Kb5s/s400/baby+clothes+flower+bouquet.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391689305870878914" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Wouldn't this be a great gift for any mom to be? Stuff it with onesies, baby socks, burp cloths-like I said in my <a href="http://thesavvyevent.blogspot.com/2009/10/double-duty-wedding-favors.html">my last post about double duty favors</a>, I love anything that serves more than one purpose and this is one-a centerpiece at a baby shower AND much needed baby clothes!</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/StMf8NU7JKI/AAAAAAAADCg/pn6rc_lngWQ/s1600-h/baby+clothes+bouquets.gif"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/StMf8NU7JKI/AAAAAAAADCg/pn6rc_lngWQ/s400/baby+clothes+bouquets.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391688298122650786" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/StMf8NU7JKI/AAAAAAAADCg/pn6rc_lngWQ/s1600-h/baby+clothes+bouquets.gif"></a><div><a href="http://www.bellasbabycakes.com/">Source</a></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/StMfj-rBWiI/AAAAAAAADCY/OJzrKOVBCkc/s1600-h/baby+clothes+bouquets.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/StMfj-rBWiI/AAAAAAAADCY/OJzrKOVBCkc/s400/baby+clothes+bouquets.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391687881871940130" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/StMfj-rBWiI/AAAAAAAADCY/OJzrKOVBCkc/s1600-h/baby+clothes+bouquets.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.swankyblooms.com/">Source</a></div><div><a href="http://www.swankyblooms.com/"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/StMfjmFLUQI/AAAAAAAADCQ/FwqtoSEMzAc/s1600-h/baby+clothes+cupcakes.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/StMfjmFLUQI/AAAAAAAADCQ/FwqtoSEMzAc/s400/baby+clothes+cupcakes.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391687875270758658" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.swankyblooms.com/">Source</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Or, change it up a bit and make a lingerie bouquet for the bride-to-be:</div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/StMjBFzBY6I/AAAAAAAADCw/zYR2yQ9_7eU/s400/lingerie+bouquet.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391691680535634850" /></div><div><a href="http://www.littlebitcrafty.co.uk/images/LINGERIE_02.jpg">Source</a></div><div><br /></div><div>If you want to try this yourself, I found a tutorial with pictures <a href="http://www.plan-the-perfect-baby-shower.com/baby-sock-rose.html">here</a>. What's the cutest baby gift you've ever seen?</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/400462840715076299-608491959461962402?l=thesavvyevent.blogspot.com'/></div>Katie McFarlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515866805904423166katie@thesavvyevent.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400462840715076299.post-75263902387470188672009-10-06T05:25:00.000-07:002009-10-06T06:01:50.500-07:00<div>If you are looking for ways to cut costs at your wedding or event but still want to have all the goodies and details, consider doubling up on your items. For example, make your favors double as escort cards. Make your bridesmaid bouquets double as centerpieces for the cocktail hour. Make the cute groomsmen double as eye candy....you get the idea!</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are a few of my favorite double duty escort cards and wedding favors:</div><div><br /></div><div>Candy Apples:</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss9yVwdP3I/AAAAAAAAC_8/4liZFbjgO7A/s1600-h/candy+apple+escort+cards.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss9yVwdP3I/AAAAAAAAC_8/4liZFbjgO7A/s400/candy+apple+escort+cards.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389469314122071922" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss9yVwdP3I/AAAAAAAAC_8/4liZFbjgO7A/s1600-h/candy+apple+escort+cards.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.liweddings.com">Source</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Jars of candy:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss9A1ztQ3I/AAAAAAAAC_0/fiqY3243kf4/s1600-h/candy+escort+cards.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss9A1ztQ3I/AAAAAAAAC_0/fiqY3243kf4/s400/candy+escort+cards.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389468463732179826" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss9A1ztQ3I/AAAAAAAAC_0/fiqY3243kf4/s1600-h/candy+escort+cards.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.theknot.com/">Source</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Cookies:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss8s2DBXII/AAAAAAAAC_s/zBBjxNoD4Mc/s1600-h/cookie+escort+cards.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 389px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss8s2DBXII/AAAAAAAAC_s/zBBjxNoD4Mc/s400/cookie+escort+cards.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389468120199027842" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss8s2DBXII/AAAAAAAAC_s/zBBjxNoD4Mc/s1600-h/cookie+escort+cards.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.pelhamandotis.com/">Source</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Boxed goodies:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss7b9NQ1sI/AAAAAAAAC_k/H2abzoRe02c/s1600-h/wedding+favor+and+escort+cards.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss7b9NQ1sI/AAAAAAAAC_k/H2abzoRe02c/s400/wedding+favor+and+escort+cards.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389466730551629506" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss7b9NQ1sI/AAAAAAAAC_k/H2abzoRe02c/s1600-h/wedding+favor+and+escort+cards.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/">Source</a></div><div><br /></div><div>More boxed goodies:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss7CC_ipTI/AAAAAAAAC_c/E6Aa_yf4baY/s1600-h/truffle+favor+escort+cards.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss7CC_ipTI/AAAAAAAAC_c/E6Aa_yf4baY/s400/truffle+favor+escort+cards.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389466285428090162" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss7CC_ipTI/AAAAAAAAC_c/E6Aa_yf4baY/s1600-h/truffle+favor+escort+cards.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.theknot.com/">Source</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Rock Candy:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss7BuKNpnI/AAAAAAAAC_U/Y0PRp8Q2iGM/s1600-h/rock+candy+favors+as+escort+cards.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss7BuKNpnI/AAAAAAAAC_U/Y0PRp8Q2iGM/s400/rock+candy+favors+as+escort+cards.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389466279835706994" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss7BuKNpnI/AAAAAAAAC_U/Y0PRp8Q2iGM/s1600-h/rock+candy+favors+as+escort+cards.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.perezsisters.blogspot.com/">Source</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.perezsisters.blogspot.com/"></a>Jars of syrup:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss5lkVAU_I/AAAAAAAAC_M/BOhRycbSy0A/s1600-h/double+duty+escort+cards.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 313px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss5lkVAU_I/AAAAAAAAC_M/BOhRycbSy0A/s400/double+duty+escort+cards.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389464696648651762" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss5lkVAU_I/AAAAAAAAC_M/BOhRycbSy0A/s1600-h/double+duty+escort+cards.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/">Source</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Bags of candy:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss41vcsQMI/AAAAAAAAC_E/EAYkq9MGqE4/s1600-h/double+duty+favor.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss41vcsQMI/AAAAAAAAC_E/EAYkq9MGqE4/s400/double+duty+favor.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389463874999959746" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss41vcsQMI/AAAAAAAAC_E/EAYkq9MGqE4/s1600-h/double+duty+favor.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/">Source</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Jars of honey:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss4Jipn6JI/AAAAAAAAC-8/DgQk1V-Mtz8/s1600-h/double+duty+favors+and+escort+card.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss4Jipn6JI/AAAAAAAAC-8/DgQk1V-Mtz8/s400/double+duty+favors+and+escort+card.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389463115650295954" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss4Jipn6JI/AAAAAAAAC-8/DgQk1V-Mtz8/s1600-h/double+duty+favors+and+escort+card.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.atlantarsvp.com/">Source</a></div><div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss4JLXwJII/AAAAAAAAC-0/Vs8LrU7O33c/s1600-h/double+duty+favors.jpg"></a>Spice Jars:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss4InwXugI/AAAAAAAAC-s/9w1YFKarwiI/s1600-h/double+duty+favor+and+escort+cards.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss4InwXugI/AAAAAAAAC-s/9w1YFKarwiI/s400/double+duty+favor+and+escort+cards.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389463099840903682" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sss4InwXugI/AAAAAAAAC-s/9w1YFKarwiI/s1600-h/double+duty+favor+and+escort+cards.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/">Source</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/"></a>These would all be great DIY options as well. Are you making any of your wedding items do double duty?<br /><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/400462840715076299-7526390238747018867?l=thesavvyevent.blogspot.com'/></div>Katie McFarlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515866805904423166katie@thesavvyevent.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400462840715076299.post-31206249377554131042009-09-30T07:19:00.000-07:002009-09-30T07:36:31.884-07:00Just because spelling the word "boutonniere" can be tricky doesn't mean making them has to be! I have a bride who is contemplating making her own boutonnieres and found a couple great tutorials showing how easy it can be.<div><ul><li>Wedding Leaf Boutonniere from <a href="http://www.oncewed.com/7510/diy-wedding/flowers/diy-wedding-leaf-boutonniere/?currentPage=2">OnceWed</a><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 133px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SsNpaWrNsTI/AAAAAAAAC8E/h5K06mmYYUQ/s400/diy-wedding-boutonnieres.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387265480749592882" /></li></ul><ul><li>DIY Silk Flower Boutonniere from <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2008/07/31/diy-boutonnieres/">WeddingBee</a> <img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 399px; height: 226px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SsNpz70fYeI/AAAAAAAAC8M/CQom-zQGN3I/s400/DIY+boutonniere.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387265920217342434" /></li></ul><ul><li>DIY Vintage Boutonnieres from <a href="http://stephanieisgettingmarried.blogspot.com/2009/04/diy-boutonnieres.html">Love &amp; Lace</a> <img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 290px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SsNqWDWmaJI/AAAAAAAAC8U/PzkutaUNxNg/s400/DIY+vintage+boutonnieres.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387266506355009682" /></li></ul><ul><li>DIY Paper Flower boutonniere from <a href="http://www.projectwedding.com/wiki/show/diy-project-paper-flower-boutonnieres">Project Wedding</a> <img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 167px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SsNrBLihAlI/AAAAAAAAC8c/0r7H-Na3cC0/s400/DIY+Paper+flower+boutonniere" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387267247286846034" /></li></ul><div>Any tips you'd like to share for making your own boutonnieres?</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/400462840715076299-3120624937755413104?l=thesavvyevent.blogspot.com'/></div>Katie McFarlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515866805904423166katie@thesavvyevent.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400462840715076299.post-34718733759354019242009-09-29T07:12:00.001-07:002009-09-29T07:33:49.992-07:00You always hear of the brides who do the post wedding chop-well I have a bride who just did a pre-wedding day chop! With her new short do, she is stressed out about finding a pretty style for her wedding day.<div><br /></div><div>Here are some great wedding day hairstyles for brides with short hair:</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 340px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SsIaS9xNJcI/AAAAAAAAC78/dUPf3uqPheI/s400/short+wedding+day+hair.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386897017409447362" /></div><div><a href="http://www.brides.com">Source</a></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 201px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SsIZOmlg92I/AAAAAAAAC70/s3LGTUQ4JuA/s400/wedding+hairstyle+for+short+hair.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386895842955294562" /></div><div><a href="http://www.beverlyhillspeople.com/">Source</a></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SsIYt5-TsLI/AAAAAAAAC7s/tK2j8MtIK6Q/s400/wedding+hairstyles+for+short+hair.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386895281223872690" /></div><div><a href="http://media.onsugar.com/files/ons1/281/2817629/07_2009/8e/prom-hairstyles-for-short-hair7.jpg">Source</a></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SsIX7ZVPioI/AAAAAAAAC7k/U8EOxLo01hc/s400/short+wedding+hairstyle.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386894413468240514" /></div><div><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/marilyn%20monroe%20wedding%20hair/aussinurse/marilyn-monroe003.jpg">Source</a></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SsIWdkZHJMI/AAAAAAAAC7M/OZ5OJNd9fik/s400/short+hair+bridal+hairstyle.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386892801529554114" /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40952239@N00/105968866/">Source</a></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SsIXN94w5wI/AAAAAAAAC7c/MjvpBsfci_w/s400/wedding+day+hairstyle+for+short+hair.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386893633006921474" /></div><div><a href="http://www.fanpop.com/">Source</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40952239@N00/105968866/"></a><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 370px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SsIWy9qX6vI/AAAAAAAAC7U/BgVvxRwQmIc/s400/hairstyle+for+short+hair.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386893169090095858" /></div><div><a href="http://hairstyleschat.com/tag/bride-updos-for-short-hair">Source</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Are you planning on doing a post-wedding day chop? I am still playing around with this idea!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/400462840715076299-3471873375935401924?l=thesavvyevent.blogspot.com'/></div>Katie McFarlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515866805904423166katie@thesavvyevent.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400462840715076299.post-38410353627649206402009-09-25T05:25:00.000-07:002009-09-25T05:38:00.671-07:00I always hear a lot of back and forth from brides when it comes to fake baking vs using a spray tanner for their big day. I usually recommend against using the self tanning spray tanners because they can leave streaks, they stink, and they sometimes rub off on your clothes-even after you've showered.<div><br /></div><div>Though I wouldn't use a self tanner around my wedding day, I have had some pretty good luck with self tanners and spray tans in the past-I LOVE L'Oreal's Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Lotion-it goes on easy, smells decent, and gives a good light color. </div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 282px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sry3YpKgKCI/AAAAAAAAC5E/fOGyHxK1d3M/s400/loreal-sublime-bronze-self-tanni_1210717193_LRG.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385380888422918178" /></div><div><br /></div><div>I also recommend having a person spray you rather than a machine-it goes on more evenly, gets in all the right nooks and crannies, and is a better overall experience.</div><div><br /></div><div>So what happens if you just can't stand your pale skin anymore and you impulsively go to the first spray tan place you can find? (I actually recently did this!) You come out smelling like a fresh baked loaf of bread and are feeling pretty pumped, only to wait a few more hours to find streaks around your feet, orange around your nails, and unnatural tan lines under your arms. </div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sry5IX__yvI/AAAAAAAAC5M/i0OPMX7vEyY/s400/self+tanner+bride.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385382807960799986" /></div><div><br /></div><div>What do you do?!?</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are some great tips from <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4488084_remove-sunless-tanner-streaks.html">Ehow.com</a> on how to remove streaks from sunless tanner:</div><div><ul><li>Exfoliate with warm water and a sponge-this is the least invasive method and will probably only work on light streaks</li><li>Apply moistened baking soda to a washcloth and rub it in a circular motion on your streaks. Do NOT use on your face</li><li>Use rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball and wipe along the streaks (do NOT use near eyes)</li><li>Use lemon juice and a cotton ball and rub on the streaks</li></ul><div>Aren't these some great easy options? Have you ever had a self tanner mishap?</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/400462840715076299-3841035362764920640?l=thesavvyevent.blogspot.com'/></div>Katie McFarlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515866805904423166katie@thesavvyevent.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400462840715076299.post-9183568115211299202009-09-23T06:42:00.000-07:002009-09-23T06:57:55.439-07:00<div>Since the <a href="http://thesavvyevent.blogspot.com/2009/08/now-blogging-from.html">big move to Chicago almost two months ago</a>, I am in desperate need of some new return address labels. Though I'm having quite a bit of fun printing them in word, cutting them with my paper cutter, and then running them through my Xyron to make them sticky, it is a bit TOO time consuming and I am ready for some real ones.</div><div><br /></div><div>Keep these in mind for when you change your last name, move in with your hubs, or even for great bridesmaid gifts.</div><div><br /></div><div>These round ones are from <a href="http://www.invitationconsultants.com">Invitation Consultants</a>:</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sronru7G0uI/AAAAAAAAC3k/K2mnDaNPf4U/s1600-h/round+address+label3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 165px; height: 165px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sronru7G0uI/AAAAAAAAC3k/K2mnDaNPf4U/s400/round+address+label3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384659936758649570" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SronrFGMaRI/AAAAAAAAC3c/P3BFCHSZ-Xc/s1600-h/round+address+label+2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SronrFGMaRI/AAAAAAAAC3c/P3BFCHSZ-Xc/s400/round+address+label+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384659925530863890" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SronlBvi9VI/AAAAAAAAC3U/8BOgTGOHpxU/s1600-h/round+address+label.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SronlBvi9VI/AAAAAAAAC3U/8BOgTGOHpxU/s400/round+address+label.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384659821551351122" /></a><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SronlBvi9VI/AAAAAAAAC3U/8BOgTGOHpxU/s1600-h/round+address+label.jpg"></a>These funky guys are from <a href="http://www.erincondren.com">Erin Condren</a>:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sronk3slAeI/AAAAAAAAC3M/-P4FLAccZqc/s1600-h/erin+condren+address+labels+1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 310px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sronk3slAeI/AAAAAAAAC3M/-P4FLAccZqc/s400/erin+condren+address+labels+1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384659818854547938" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sronkfxb61I/AAAAAAAAC3E/ioFtBquCH7o/s1600-h/erin+condren+address+labels.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 306px; height: 234px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sronkfxb61I/AAAAAAAAC3E/ioFtBquCH7o/s400/erin+condren+address+labels.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384659812432472914" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SronjmvGugI/AAAAAAAAC28/rhmihPTdpaY/s1600-h/erin+condren+address+label+3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SronjmvGugI/AAAAAAAAC28/rhmihPTdpaY/s400/erin+condren+address+label+3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384659797121874434" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SronjmvGugI/AAAAAAAAC28/rhmihPTdpaY/s1600-h/erin+condren+address+label+3.jpg"></a>And these lovelies are from <a href="http://www.weddingpaperdivas.com">Wedding Paper Divas</a>:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SronjUmaLeI/AAAAAAAAC20/OpOXQvepij4/s1600-h/cute+address+label.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 342px; height: 162px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SronjUmaLeI/AAAAAAAAC20/OpOXQvepij4/s400/cute+address+label.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384659792253562338" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Srom_e3B_xI/AAAAAAAAC2s/LWoc9s5wDHU/s1600-h/address+labels+5.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 342px; height: 171px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Srom_e3B_xI/AAAAAAAAC2s/LWoc9s5wDHU/s400/address+labels+5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384659176532344594" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Srom_e3B_xI/AAAAAAAAC2s/LWoc9s5wDHU/s1600-h/address+labels+5.jpg"></a>**From the day I met my husband, he has been telling me he wants to live in New York. These would be perfect if his dream ever came true, huh?</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Srom-455_DI/AAAAAAAAC2k/imClYXe47WU/s1600-h/address+labels+3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 342px; height: 171px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Srom-455_DI/AAAAAAAAC2k/imClYXe47WU/s400/address+labels+3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384659166343855154" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Srom-455_DI/AAAAAAAAC2k/imClYXe47WU/s1600-h/address+labels+3.jpg"></a>**I think these are adorable!</div><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Srom9xxBlWI/AAAAAAAAC2U/b_5bWUxYMVw/s1600-h/address+labels+1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 342px; height: 162px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Srom9xxBlWI/AAAAAAAAC2U/b_5bWUxYMVw/s400/address+labels+1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384659147247687010" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Srom9gRZnFI/AAAAAAAAC2M/oo_GMrzVvKw/s1600-h/address+labels.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 342px; height: 162px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Srom9gRZnFI/AAAAAAAAC2M/oo_GMrzVvKw/s400/address+labels.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384659142551641170" /></a><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 342px; height: 171px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Srom-V4v6DI/AAAAAAAAC2c/o5rDyOisnVA/s400/address+labels+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384659156943759410" /></div><div>**Hello!?! How perfect is this one? Windy City address labels? And they are stylish? </div><div><br /></div><div>Where do you go for your personal stationery needs?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/400462840715076299-918356811521129920?l=thesavvyevent.blogspot.com'/></div>Katie McFarlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515866805904423166katie@thesavvyevent.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400462840715076299.post-38766167604459798742009-09-22T06:16:00.000-07:002009-09-22T06:56:05.030-07:00<div>I just finished up some fall themed rehearsal dinner invitations for an upcoming fall wedding. They wanted fall colors and a little bit of fun.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here goes:</div><div><br /></div><div>Ivory lined envelopes</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SrjVUAfRhBI/AAAAAAAAC1M/VpaML8BJ0yc/s640-h/IMG_3798.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SrjVUAfRhBI/AAAAAAAAC1M/VpaML8BJ0yc/s640/IMG_3798.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384287894226699282" /></a><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SrjVUAfRhBI/AAAAAAAAC1M/VpaML8BJ0yc/s1600-h/IMG_3798.JPG"></a>Layered cardstock:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SrjVTBGc0NI/AAAAAAAAC08/gBrygiHA68Y/s1600-h/IMG_3796.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SrjVTBGc0NI/AAAAAAAAC08/gBrygiHA68Y/s640/IMG_3796.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384287877211148498" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SrjVTBGc0NI/AAAAAAAAC08/gBrygiHA68Y/s1600-h/IMG_3796.JPG"></a>Free Fonts used: <a href="http://www.fonts101.com/xt_fontdetails_az_FID!11440~Desdemona~font.html">Desdemona</a> and <a href="http://www.dafont.com/search.php?psize=" q="pharmacy">Pharmacy</a></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SrjVTpvJYrI/AAAAAAAAC1E/Qq3EKbVwXa0/s640/IMG_3797.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384287888119259826" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Total Cost of Invitations:</div><div>$2.50 for orange card stock</div><div>$1.00 for envelopes</div><div>Not bad, huh? All other cardstock I already had in stock. Brown patterned card stock is from Michaels.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SrjVSkC3ojI/AAAAAAAAC00/ASaF8rldKcU/s1600-h/IMG_3793.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SrjVSkC3ojI/AAAAAAAAC00/ASaF8rldKcU/s640/IMG_3793.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384287869411500594" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>If you're getting married this fall, show me your fall themed invitations!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/400462840715076299-3876616760445979874?l=thesavvyevent.blogspot.com'/></div>Katie McFarlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515866805904423166katie@thesavvyevent.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400462840715076299.post-22419555357217122732009-09-16T05:25:00.000-07:002009-09-16T05:40:12.468-07:00I was at the public library yesterday perusing the aisles and I came across a really fun book by <a href="http://www.mariamcbride.com/">Maria McBride</a> called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Party-Basics-New-Nesters-Holidays/dp/0061142611/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1205430995&amp;sr=8-1">Party Basics for New Nesters</a>. It's filled with great tips on how to celebrate life at home and how to make simple decorative items to accent your party. She also has a few other wedding related books (must have been her calling with a last name like Mc<b>Bride</b>).<div><br /></div><div>As I was flipping through the book in the library, a few DIY items caught my eye-now I have to go back and get my Chicago library card so I can read more!</div><div><br /></div><div>Her <a href="http://www.mariamcbride.com/">website</a> has a lot of creative ideas for everyday celebrations, holidays, and weddings. Here are a few of my faves:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.mariamcbride.com/wedding_ideas/wedding03.html">Barn Door Entryway</a></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SrDa5jhxlaI/AAAAAAAACxo/cCf6ZCqKaJM/s640/barn+door+entryway.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382042237032043938" /></div><div><br /></div><div>These drapes completely transform the look of this barn-<b>and</b>-they are made of muslin (cheap!) and twine. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.mariamcbride.com/holiday_ideas/holiday06.html">Tea Party</a></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SrDa62fvo_I/AAAAAAAACx4/qM-uTosfVhQ/s640/mothers+day+tea+party.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382042259303670770" /></div><div>These personalized tea bags are so cute. Can't you imagine this at a bridal shower with a tea party theme? Use double stick tape and personalized tea tabs to cover the existing tab. This would be so easy but would definitely make your guests say wow! I am so doing this!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.mariamcbride.com/everyday_ideas/everyday06.html">Blue Centerpieces</a></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SrDb0rU_fuI/AAAAAAAACyA/4IJVd7t4s3I/s640/blue+centerpiece.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382043252738195170" /></div><div><br /></div><div>I think we've all seen this one before. Simple glass vases filled with water, food coloring, and a few floating candles-what a big impact!</div><div><br /></div><div>What are some of your trusty party basics?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/400462840715076299-2241955535721712273?l=thesavvyevent.blogspot.com'/></div>Katie McFarlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515866805904423166katie@thesavvyevent.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400462840715076299.post-41491514218905817002009-09-15T05:05:00.000-07:002009-09-15T05:21:11.177-07:00In my house, it is a crime to not finish a bottle of champagne once it has been opened. Not that I drink it often but I do enjoy a bottle with my girlfriends whenever I have the chance (hey, we've even done mimosas at an ASU tailgate!) and love to drink it with my husband to celebrate big and small moments. <div><br /></div><div>I was reading over on <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/">RealSimple</a> about new uses for old things and saw this great tip on <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/weddings/ceremony/new-wedding-uses-old-things-00000000006477/page6.html">how to make champagne bubbly again</a>. If you ever pop a bottle of champagne only to realize you have to run to the store to grab x, y, and z, you can still bring back the fizz by using this simple trick.</div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 357px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sq-E9U4TjSI/AAAAAAAACvQ/7K2D70n4QBM/s400/bubbly+champagne.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381666268842790178" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/">source</a></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div>Here's how:</div><div>Drop a raisin into the open bottle a few minutes before pouring and any last minute gasps of carbon dioxide that are left in the wine will stick to the raisin's ridged surface, and then release as tiny bubbles. (<a href="http://www.realsimple.com/">RealSimple</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of champagne, what's your favorite kind? I set up a blind champagne tasting awhile back and my husband and I both determined that our favorite is Korbel Extra Dry or if we are splurging, we like Veuve.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/400462840715076299-4149151421890581700?l=thesavvyevent.blogspot.com'/></div>Katie McFarlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515866805904423166katie@thesavvyevent.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400462840715076299.post-24252422060458898712009-09-14T05:10:00.000-07:002009-09-14T05:33:45.123-07:00With less than five weeks to go, the wedding I mentioned <a href="http://thesavvyevent.blogspot.com/2009/09/planning-budget-wedding-in-six-weeks.html">a few posts back</a> is coming along quite nicely. In one week, the following items were completed:<div><ul><li>Out of town family was notified (personal phone calls take the place of Save the Dates)</li><li>Budget was determined</li><li>Guest list was finalized</li><li>Date was finalized</li><li>Venue was booked</li><li>Wedding attire was purchased</li><li>Invitations were designed, hand addressed, and mailed out</li><li>Wedding website was put up</li><li>Hotel blocks were made</li><li>Wedding weekend events were scheduled (golf, spa)</li><li>Food tasting was completed and initial BEO was put together</li></ul><div>It was kind of like a wedding blitz. It was a full week of phone calls, emails, web surfing, and lots of hard work. After week one, I told the bride we would need to meet again in about a week to work on round two. She said, "I thought we were done. What else is there to do?". Oy! This is why she hired me!</div><div><br /></div><div>With five weeks to go, we still have a long list of items to cover. Book vendors, write out ceremony, figure out seating arrangements and centerpieces and songs and the order of events-the list goes on and on. On a good note, the groom is extremely involved and plans to help out, make phone calls, and do anything he can to make this wedding a success. He even wants to track the rsvp cards as they come in. I sent him my trusty Wedding RSVP Tracking spreadsheet that I think is a huge time saver and wedding helper.</div><div><br /></div><div>Check it out <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/19731180/Wedding-RSVP-Tracking">here on Scribd</a> or download it below:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre; font-family:arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, Trebuchet, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><a title="View Wedding RSVP Tracking on Scribd" href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/19731180/Wedding-RSVP-Tracking" style="margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block; text-decoration: underline;">Wedding RSVP Tracking</a> <object codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0" id="doc_158789702568234" name="doc_158789702568234" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" align="middle" height="500" width="450"> <param name="movie" value="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=19731180&amp;access_key=key-200428actz6qpo8h5ha2&amp;page=1&amp;version=1&amp;viewMode=book"> <param name="quality" value="high"> <param name="play" value="true"> <param name="loop" value="true"> <param name="scale" value="showall"> <param name="wmode" value="opaque"> <param name="devicefont" value="false"> <param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"> <param name="menu" value="true"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"> <param name="salign" value=""> <param name="mode" value="book"> <embed src="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=19731180&amp;access_key=key-200428actz6qpo8h5ha2&amp;page=1&amp;version=1&amp;viewMode=book" quality="high" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" play="true" loop="true" scale="showall" wmode="opaque" devicefont="false" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="doc_158789702568234_object" menu="true" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" salign="" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" mode="book" height="500" width="450"></embed> </object> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:century gothic;">How did you track all your wedding RSVPs?</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:century gothic, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/400462840715076299-2425242206045889871?l=thesavvyevent.blogspot.com'/></div>Katie McFarlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515866805904423166katie@thesavvyevent.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400462840715076299.post-73596873471837282082009-09-08T06:51:00.000-07:002009-09-08T07:10:59.793-07:00<div>What is a chuppah you might ask? A new burrito from Taco Bell? Some strange little rodent? Nope! According to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuppah">Wikipedia</a> a chuppah is a canopy traditionally used in Jewish weddings that symbolizes the home the couple will build together. Don't worry though-even if you're not Jewish, you can still use a chuppah/arch/canopy. It can also represent God's presence over your marriage (since you get married under the chuppah).<div><br /></div><div>If you're still confused about what a chuppah is, check out these gorgeous and inspiring pictures:</div></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SqZjZA_mx5I/AAAAAAAACtw/QBF2tT-mjc8/s1600-h/luxurious+chuppah.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 292px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SqZjZA_mx5I/AAAAAAAACtw/QBF2tT-mjc8/s400/luxurious+chuppah.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379096086355298194" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SqZjZA_mx5I/AAAAAAAACtw/QBF2tT-mjc8/s1600-h/luxurious+chuppah.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.weddingwire.com/">Source</a></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SqZjYqk-qmI/AAAAAAAACto/SA3Q5U9gv90/s1600-h/beach+chuppah.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SqZjYqk-qmI/AAAAAAAACto/SA3Q5U9gv90/s400/beach+chuppah.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379096080338037346" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SqZjYqk-qmI/AAAAAAAACto/SA3Q5U9gv90/s1600-h/beach+chuppah.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.islandrentsmaui.com/">Source</a></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SqZjYGAzeHI/AAAAAAAACtg/CqBsxXjOWpk/s1600-h/fabric+lined+chuppah.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SqZjYGAzeHI/AAAAAAAACtg/CqBsxXjOWpk/s400/fabric+lined+chuppah.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379096070522632306" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SqZjYGAzeHI/AAAAAAAACtg/CqBsxXjOWpk/s1600-h/fabric+lined+chuppah.jpg"></a><a href="http://designsbyhemingway.com/blog">Source</a></div><div><br /></div><div>You starting to get the idea? Well, I have a couple who wants to use one for their wedding and the groom just so happens to be very handy with power tools, measuring tapes, and anything construction related. He is planning on taking on this project so that he and his bride can say their vows under it-pretty romantic, huh? Especially since he will be building the chuppah/arch that symbolizes the home they will build together-already off to a good start.</div><div><br /></div><div>I found a few <a href="http://www.projectwedding.com/wiki/show/diy-wedding-challenge-chuppah">DIY chuppah tutorials online</a> if you are going to tackle a project like this yourself.<br /><br /></div><div>Keep in mind when you are building it that if you have to transport it somewhere, it may be easiest to add the final nails/screws at the final destination, rather than build it at home and then have to rent a moving truck to get it to your ceremony spot.</div><div><br /></div><div>Any tips for building your own chuppah/arch/canopy?<br /><div><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/400462840715076299-7359687347183728208?l=thesavvyevent.blogspot.com'/></div>Katie McFarlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515866805904423166katie@thesavvyevent.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400462840715076299.post-80966265504855080262009-09-02T15:06:00.001-07:002009-09-02T15:26:36.187-07:00Can it be done? I just had a call from a bride who is getting married in 6 weeks. Yep-that's not a typo. October 17th, 2009 is her wedding date. She got engaged four days ago and wanted to do a small ceremony and no reception, but after talking to her family and her fiance, she was out voted. The guest list is now up to 80. Wow.<div><br /></div><div>That's when she called me. After about a two hour conversation with her and a two hour conversation with her mother, plans were formed, details were discussed, and some progress was made. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you are planning a wedding with an engagement of less than two months, I would recommend starting off by doing the following:</div><div>1. Call your family and any important friends to determine a date that works for everyone</div><div>2. Figure out your budget. Are your parents contributing? How much can you put toward it?</div><div>3. Put together a guest list</div><div>4. Find a location</div><div><br /></div><div>My bride is working on steps 1-3 as we speak. Since she lives on 7 acres in beautiful Lake Geneva and has the perfect backdrop for an outdoor tented wedding, her location is easy-on her property. Her color scheme is brown and plum with hints of ivory and gold. Isn't this picture gorgeous?</div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Sp7we7kCq2I/AAAAAAAACtA/SC1lgfZmpSs/s640/purple+and+brown+wedding.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376999419302554466" /></div><div>Follow along over the next six weeks to see how her wedding progresses. </div><div><br /></div><div>How long was your engagement? Do you know anyone who planned their wedding in less than two months? Any pointers?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/400462840715076299-8096626550485508026?l=thesavvyevent.blogspot.com'/></div>Katie McFarlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515866805904423166katie@thesavvyevent.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400462840715076299.post-17107553923650682772009-08-21T10:56:00.000-07:002009-08-21T11:16:10.829-07:00I found this awesome do-it-yourself cupcake stand over on <a href="http://inpassionatepursuit.blogspot.com/2009/08/creative-diy-ideas-for-wedding-cupcake.html">Balancing Beauty and Bedlam</a> and wanted to share since I am a lover of all things homemade and handmade. <div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/So7gXlnwNWI/AAAAAAAACrQ/dwlez6JdyGI/s640/DIY+cupcake+stand.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372478101340042594" /></div><div><a href="http://inpassionatepursuit.blogspot.com/2009/08/creative-diy-ideas-for-wedding-cupcake.html">Source</a><br /><div><br /></div><div>This was constructed of 2x4s and fabric. Isn't it great? Check out more pictures <a href="http://inpassionatepursuit.blogspot.com/2009/08/creative-diy-ideas-for-wedding-cupcake.html">here</a>. I also found a full set of instructions and materials needed on <a href="http://www.ellezdesigns.com/site/2009/03/diy-cupcake-stand/">Elle Z Designs</a> so be sure to check that out too if you are trying to make something similar. Did you take on any DIY projects for your wedding?</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/400462840715076299-1710755392365068277?l=thesavvyevent.blogspot.com'/></div>Katie McFarlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515866805904423166katie@thesavvyevent.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400462840715076299.post-28910297441121128412009-08-20T05:34:00.000-07:002009-08-20T05:56:37.511-07:00My husband and I recently discovered the coolest ice cream place ever called <a href="http://www.icreamcafe.com/">iCream cafe</a> in Wicker Park where you can create your own custom ice cream on the spot. They have three stations:<div><br /></div><div>1. Pick your base-ice cream, frozen yogurt, or sorbet (you can also make that light, fat free, organic, or soy)</div><div><br /></div><div>2. Choose your flavor-add one or more flavors to your base (the list goes on and on and on). If you want to have some fun, you can even add a color</div><div><br /></div><div>3. Add your toppings</div><div><br /></div><div>Then they whip together your creation in one of the commercialized mixers in their "factory" using liquid nitrogen to turn your base into ice cream. Very cool to watch!</div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/So1EZH7eEJI/AAAAAAAACqw/jOnzUWT_aOA/s640/l.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372025128938770578" /></div><div><br /></div><div>If you want to recreate something like this on your own (sans the commercial mixers and the liquid nitrogen), here's how:</div><div><ul><li>Put together a station with bowls (maybe even fancy them up by using martini glasses or water goblets), waffle cones, sugar cones, and regular ol' cones</li><li>Fill up your kitchen sink with ice and display a few different flavors and types of ice cream/frozen yogurt. I recommend a vanilla, a chocolate, and something fruity. Then maybe a variation of each (light, fat free, fro-yo)</li><li>Put together a station for toppings. Some favorites include mini oreos, chocolate chips, caramel, peanuts, sprinkles, Reeses Pieces, fruit chunks (banana, pineapple, strawberry), chocolate syrup, peanut butter-the list is endless<img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/So1HCMcl-wI/AAAAAAAACq4/vmfM4OG4Y48/s640/ice+cream+station+katie+moos.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372028033549335298" /></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><a href="http://www.sugarpluminvitations.blogspot.com/">Source</a></i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Try using stations for just anything else. A bloody mary bar, champagne party (with fun mix ins), or even a pizza party. I think interactive events are always the most successful-even if it's just something you're putting together at your home.</div><div><br /></div><div>What's your favorite ice cream combo? Mine is vanilla with oreo. YUM!</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/400462840715076299-2891029744112112841?l=thesavvyevent.blogspot.com'/></div>Katie McFarlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515866805904423166katie@thesavvyevent.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400462840715076299.post-50945063705021662492009-08-17T06:45:00.000-07:002009-08-17T07:39:14.996-07:00When I first got engaged, I cleaned my engagement ring every other day. Even the tiniest bit of dirt can make your diamond look dingy so having a safe and easy solution for keeping your diamond sparkly is a must.<div><br /></div><div>Here's what was recommended by my jeweler:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner with a mixture of 50% ammonia and 50% water. I use mine once a week and can totally tell the difference after I use it (this would also make a great gift for your newly engaged friends!)</div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/Solp82IK35I/AAAAAAAACqY/hobYx8M8RRs/s640/premier-sonic-cleaner.JPG.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370940524658876306" /></div><div><br /></div><div>2. After running it through the ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, dry it off with a soft polishing cloth and then take a soft bristled toothbrush to lightly brush the diamonds</div><div><br /></div><div>3. Dry it off again with the soft polishing cloth and your diamond should be as good as new</div><div><br /></div><div>4. When not wearing your ring, either put it back in the ring box it came in or slip it onto one of these cute little ring holders:</div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SolrD2XibgI/AAAAAAAACqg/ntEByK6KZo4/s640/dog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370941744494046722" /></div><div><br /></div><div>How do you clean your ring?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/400462840715076299-5094506370502166249?l=thesavvyevent.blogspot.com'/></div>Katie McFarlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515866805904423166katie@thesavvyevent.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400462840715076299.post-86547458975786536812009-08-13T08:29:00.001-07:002009-08-13T08:35:41.265-07:00Do you have out of state bridesmaids who have to fly in for all the wedding festivities? Does your mom want to help with every big DIY project you take on but flying back and forth just isn't in the budget?<div><br /></div><div>Well, check out this unlimited travel offer from <a href="http://jetblue.com/deals/all-you-can-jet/?intcmp=HPHero1Eng_All-You-Can-JetPass">JetBlue</a>. You can fly anywhere you want, as often as want between September 8th and October 8th, 2009 for just $599! There are more than fifty cities to choose from so I recommend you check it out.</div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SoQyQLatUGI/AAAAAAAACo0/wW7WjJsJeaM/s640/cheap+flights.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369471909256581218" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Read <a href="http://jetblue.com/deals/all-you-can-jet/?intcmp=">here for restrictions</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/400462840715076299-8654745897578653681?l=thesavvyevent.blogspot.com'/></div>Katie McFarlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515866805904423166katie@thesavvyevent.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400462840715076299.post-33031361965747759292009-08-12T07:45:00.000-07:002009-08-12T07:52:23.396-07:00<div>Picking colors for your wedding can be a very big task. The first purchase you make in your chosen color scheme usually means you can't change it. You're stuck. Well, if you are still looking for some inspiration for your wedding day colors, look no further.<br /><br />Don't limit yourself to the inspiration boards you can find all over the net. Check out these coordinating fabric boards from <a href="http://www.fabric.com/">Fabric.com</a>. These are especially helpful if you want to use a few different patterns throughout your event.<br /><br />Just a few of my favorites:</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SoLWsxbj_FI/AAAAAAAACn0/NP-AU7dleS0/s1600-h/List_Waverly+Marcelle.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SoLWsxbj_FI/AAAAAAAACn0/NP-AU7dleS0/s400/List_Waverly+Marcelle.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369089770450582610" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SoLWsQlt5KI/AAAAAAAACns/y1SF-ROg7EM/s1600-h/List_Waverly+Floating+Petals.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SoLWsQlt5KI/AAAAAAAACns/y1SF-ROg7EM/s400/List_Waverly+Floating+Petals.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369089761634804898" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SoLWr6T6CQI/AAAAAAAACnk/6EDy1QOxnhU/s1600-h/List_Truffles+%26+Teal.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SoLWr6T6CQI/AAAAAAAACnk/6EDy1QOxnhU/s400/List_Truffles+%26+Teal.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369089755654523138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SoLWrkYmX8I/AAAAAAAACnc/kMkRPz-7RL8/s1600-h/List_forever+taupe.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SoLWrkYmX8I/AAAAAAAACnc/kMkRPz-7RL8/s400/List_forever+taupe.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369089749768626114" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SoLWrMw0_uI/AAAAAAAACnU/IWqhCjtmtjI/s1600-h/List_Bowman+Jacquaerd.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SoLWrMw0_uI/AAAAAAAACnU/IWqhCjtmtjI/s400/List_Bowman+Jacquaerd.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369089743427796706" /></a><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SoLWrMw0_uI/AAAAAAAACnU/IWqhCjtmtjI/s1600-h/List_Bowman+Jacquaerd.jpg"></a>What is your favorite color scheme right now?<br /><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/400462840715076299-3303136196574775929?l=thesavvyevent.blogspot.com'/></div>Katie McFarlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515866805904423166katie@thesavvyevent.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400462840715076299.post-48980174486536478942009-08-11T06:10:00.000-07:002009-08-11T06:23:24.996-07:00I was eating at one of my favorite restaurants (Oreganos) and noticed that they use big tin cans for their wine buckets-how cool and resourceful is that? It got me thinking about how to incorporate that into your next dinner party or event. Here are a few ideas I am going to have to try:<div><br /><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SoFulg66FZI/AAAAAAAACmU/vBSF9gtwZX8/s640/tin+can+vase.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368693821573567890" /></div><div><a href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2009/04/weeders-digest-cans.html">Source</a></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SoFvCYM7HkI/AAAAAAAACmk/m4m5mXspdJM/s640/tin+can+vases.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368694317449420354" /></div><div><a href="http://www.rachaelraymag.com/">Source</a></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uhYCLfqom1c/SoFvdlKukLI/AAAAAAAACms/oNP-dQA51R8/s640/tin+can+luminaries.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368694784786337970" /></div><div><a href="http://www.bhg.com/">Source</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Or you could use them to elevate food trays, display silverware, chill drinks and more. How do you reuse your tin cans?</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/400462840715076299-4898017448653647894?l=thesavvyevent.blogspot.com'/></div>Katie McFarlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515866805904423166katie@thesavvyevent.com2