tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86326585148187985812024-03-13T06:45:44.260-04:00celebrate itparty planning, recipes, holidays and more!jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513001060903427738noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632658514818798581.post-26682909566592827102011-03-09T13:38:00.000-05:002011-03-09T16:21:57.144-05:00Wedding Wednesdays: the kiss!Your wedding day will be full of kisses and hopefully your fabulous photographer will capture some of them perfectly so that you can treasure those moments forever. Here are some of my personal faves:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0HiGRvxZHFk/TXfsMHEFatI/AAAAAAAAAdU/FMdlxS_1o6U/s1600/mg7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0HiGRvxZHFk/TXfsMHEFatI/AAAAAAAAAdU/FMdlxS_1o6U/s320/mg7.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WFnRLtN83AQ/TXfsVntVhkI/AAAAAAAAAdY/Tf33kqfSF_M/s1600/Crystal+%2526+Nathan+%2528178%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WFnRLtN83AQ/TXfsVntVhkI/AAAAAAAAAdY/Tf33kqfSF_M/s320/Crystal+%2526+Nathan+%2528178%2529.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UffIEc1Hm7c/TXfvXhEoqYI/AAAAAAAAAds/sOU_K2meJTA/s1600/Crystal+%2526+Nathan+%2528109%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UffIEc1Hm7c/TXfvXhEoqYI/AAAAAAAAAds/sOU_K2meJTA/s320/Crystal+%2526+Nathan+%2528109%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-o53rVXa4hWI/TXfszVVkNwI/AAAAAAAAAdc/fTB9Ld117-4/s1600/Unedited-298.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-o53rVXa4hWI/TXfszVVkNwI/AAAAAAAAAdc/fTB9Ld117-4/s320/Unedited-298.1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Txi52Ps4Nj8/TXfuFEKHbZI/AAAAAAAAAdg/pEaAmnVHJMA/s1600/Unedited-611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Txi52Ps4Nj8/TXfuFEKHbZI/AAAAAAAAAdg/pEaAmnVHJMA/s320/Unedited-611.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MEjNdBlHyg4/TXfu6EAOBRI/AAAAAAAAAdo/U8YdeGUiesQ/s1600/mg5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MEjNdBlHyg4/TXfu6EAOBRI/AAAAAAAAAdo/U8YdeGUiesQ/s320/mg5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3N4Uj-taYoc/TXfuQ7eiYRI/AAAAAAAAAdk/szuGZOtd1u4/s1600/jo+jay+wedding+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3N4Uj-taYoc/TXfuQ7eiYRI/AAAAAAAAAdk/szuGZOtd1u4/s320/jo+jay+wedding+02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span id="goog_1326702404"></span><span id="goog_1326702405"></span>jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513001060903427738noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632658514818798581.post-86793822541796266402010-10-20T11:23:00.000-04:002010-10-20T22:56:13.164-04:00new website launch giveaway winner!Congrats to <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/01011029803521455587" rel="nofollow">samjm</a> who is the winner of the jessica laine celebrations prize pack! Sam, I hope you enjoy the wedding swag and I look forward to seeing you at <a href="http://www.mixminglemarry.com/">Mix, Mingle, Marry!</a>. Thanks to everyone who entered, and thanks for checking out the new <a href="http://jessicalaine.com/">jessicalaine.com</a>.jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513001060903427738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632658514818798581.post-9523084340813112902010-10-11T14:47:00.000-04:002010-10-11T14:47:18.566-04:00New website launch giveaway!Hello all! Has everyone been over to <a href="http://jessicalaine.com/">jessicalaine.com</a> to check out the new site? To celebrate the launch, I have a jessica laine celebrations swag bag to give away.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TLNaglfNC5I/AAAAAAAAAcc/TGRSIJsHzMg/s1600/livepreview.aspx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TLNaglfNC5I/AAAAAAAAAcc/TGRSIJsHzMg/s1600/livepreview.aspx.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
The bag includes: <span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><ul><li>An issue of Weddingbells magazine</li>
<li>An issue of Imagine Your Wedding magazine</li>
<li>An issue of Wedding Essentials magazine</li>
<li>A jessica laine celebrations sticky note pad & pen [to mark off all of the pages with ideas that you like in the magazines!]</li>
<li>A copy of Bartlett's 'Words for the Wedding', which is a great book to help you get started with your ceremony or keep you grounded if wedding planning gets a little stressful!</li>
<li>A copy of my report '7 Questions you Must Ask a Wedding Professional Before Booking Them', a wonderful jumping-off point for vendor interviews</li>
<li>2 tickets to <a href="http://www.mixminglemarry.com/">Mix, Mingle, Marry!</a> Toronto's first boutique bridal showcase event taking place January 16th 2011 at the Gladstone Hotel in Queen West.</li>
<li>All packed in a canvas jessica laine celebrations tote bag.</li>
</ul>Please enter by commenting on this post and leaving me your name + email address or phone number! The contest will close Monday October 18th and is open to all Canadian residents over the age of 19. <br />
<br />
And if you don't win, don't fret! You can purchase your tickets to Mix, Mingle, Marry! <a href="http://ca.brownpapertickets.com/event/133728">here</a>.<br />
</span>jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513001060903427738noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632658514818798581.post-21223162120085896182010-10-07T11:37:00.001-04:002010-10-10T10:39:37.114-04:00Big announcement on the horizon!Tune in Monday for a huge wedding-related announcement for all you chic, hip Toronto brides! Here's a clue...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TLHP68PViqI/AAAAAAAAAcY/d2bDNRByR-8/s1600/mmmtwitter.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TLHP68PViqI/AAAAAAAAAcY/d2bDNRByR-8/s1600/mmmtwitter.png" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Have a great end to your week and happy Thanksgiving!jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513001060903427738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632658514818798581.post-1327933702510923712010-10-04T10:40:00.049-04:002010-10-05T10:03:00.600-04:00Ultimate Bridal Show Navy, Gold + MagentaToday on the Martha Stewart Weddings blog, <a href="http://thebridesguide.marthastewartweddings.com/">The Brides Guide</a>, Britney Peterson offers a look at the wedding colour palette of navy and pink. Well, what a coincidence! At the <a href="http://www.ultimatebridal.ca/index.htm">Ultimate Bridal Show</a> yesterday in Mississauga, my tables were inspired by a similar palette of navy, deep magenta and shimmery gold. Take a look at the Martha inspiration board, then scroll down for some shots of my table set up and dessert table!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thebridesguide.marthastewartweddings.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Pink_Navy1-428x678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://thebridesguide.marthastewartweddings.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Pink_Navy1-428x678.jpg" width="202" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://thebridesguide.marthastewartweddings.com/2010/10/inspiration-navy-and-pink.html">The Bride's Guide</a></span></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKssRBcimmI/AAAAAAAAAb8/CuNjjCV45as/s320/622.JPG" width="240" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I arranged the flowers myself! Go me! The table runner I also handmade. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKsstCGYblI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/o9trNzurSZo/s1600/638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKsstCGYblI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/o9trNzurSZo/s320/638.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My booth was beside fellow wedding planner <a href="http://www.stephaniethompson.ca/">Stephanie Thompson Wedding Design</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKsszc_eQgI/AAAAAAAAAcU/4Ox6TliiX2A/s1600/644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKsszc_eQgI/AAAAAAAAAcU/4Ox6TliiX2A/s320/644.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">You can see my inspiration board there in the background. The title of this was "Royal Whimsy"</div><div style="text-align: center;">My chiavaris and candelabra were graciously lent to me by Will at <a href="http://www.chiavarichairrental.ca/index.html">Chiavari Chair Rental</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKssWxbaSWI/AAAAAAAAAcA/Li7rqkrBSXc/s1600/623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKssWxbaSWI/AAAAAAAAAcA/Li7rqkrBSXc/s320/623.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKssdEyfiZI/AAAAAAAAAcE/ENR5zh8sCSs/s1600/628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKssdEyfiZI/AAAAAAAAAcE/ENR5zh8sCSs/s320/628.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">GORGEOUS cookie tree custom made by the very talented Angela of <a href="http://www.cookiequeen.info/">The Cookie Queen</a>.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKsshLqBfII/AAAAAAAAAcI/m8nVcqsd-eE/s1600/629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKsshLqBfII/AAAAAAAAAcI/m8nVcqsd-eE/s320/629.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>What do you think? My tables were well received at the show, and I really was pleased with how they turned out.jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513001060903427738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632658514818798581.post-40527575826164569612010-09-01T11:19:00.000-04:002010-10-01T12:44:19.054-04:00Ultra-glam Dessert TableHere are some shots of a girls-night dessert and candy table I styled. I used lots of pink, silver and black to achieve a glitz and glam feeling, while juxtaposing that with sweet flowers to keep it from being too <i>haute</i> to touch.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYNlwESUwI/AAAAAAAAAbg/4gN5NMa8-aY/s1600/079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYNlwESUwI/AAAAAAAAAbg/4gN5NMa8-aY/s320/079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYNoeYL3xI/AAAAAAAAAbk/QtQvIa692GU/s1600/084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYNoeYL3xI/AAAAAAAAAbk/QtQvIa692GU/s320/084.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I took the outer wrapper off of some Mentos and piled them loosely on the table. They sort of look like glamorous pink cigars! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYNriP40AI/AAAAAAAAAbo/lVeGIlzUCg0/s1600/088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYNriP40AI/AAAAAAAAAbo/lVeGIlzUCg0/s320/088.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pretty mineral water bottles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYNukdMmZI/AAAAAAAAAbs/dRJkbg2m80Y/s1600/091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYNukdMmZI/AAAAAAAAAbs/dRJkbg2m80Y/s320/091.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Giant martini glasses held different types of candy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYNxdWVHqI/AAAAAAAAAbw/L-4Ww8krnUA/s1600/095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYNxdWVHqI/AAAAAAAAAbw/L-4Ww8krnUA/s320/095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYN1CiwO_I/AAAAAAAAAb0/3d3trydNGcw/s1600/107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYN1CiwO_I/AAAAAAAAAb0/3d3trydNGcw/s320/107.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYN4Jl849I/AAAAAAAAAb4/L9c-qdD3djk/s1600/108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYN4Jl849I/AAAAAAAAAb4/L9c-qdD3djk/s320/108.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I draped and weaved long ribbons into the chandelier and let them trail down at differing heights.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513001060903427738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632658514818798581.post-20576608087421445542010-08-26T16:21:00.001-04:002010-10-01T13:45:07.922-04:00finding inspiration: Cake StandsI am obsessed with finding perfectly adorable vessels and props for my dessert tables, especially cake stands. They have to be the cutest and easiest way to pretty up a simple cake display and they are extremely versatile. Don't agree with me that they are the best thing to happen to cakes since... well, cakes? Try typing in 'cake stands' into <a href="http://www.google.com/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi">Google Images</a> and see if you don't change your mind. Better yet, type in any colour before 'cake stands' [eg. green cake stands] and you will see that the possibilities are endless.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKX_2Y4fG8I/AAAAAAAAAas/J2OnBalK1O4/s1600/pink+cake+stand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKX_2Y4fG8I/AAAAAAAAAas/J2OnBalK1O4/s320/pink+cake+stand.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Today I bought this beauty from <a href="http://www.write-impressions.ca/">Write Impressions</a> in Waterloo [my old stomping grounds in my <a href="http://www.wlu.ca/">Uni</a> days] after a wedding consultation. I am such a sucker for this store, they stock the most beautiful things, and their set-ups are just as beautiful as the products themselves. I can't wait to use this in my dessert tables! It will go perfectly with the Sugar and Spice table I have coming up, and I may even try to make it work for my ultra-glam totally girly table as well.<br />
<br />
Do you use cake stands to display your wares? What other props or vessels do you use?jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513001060903427738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632658514818798581.post-68705449795273902642010-08-12T12:18:00.000-04:002010-10-01T12:28:08.170-04:00run and tell that, HOMEBOYIs anyone else totally feeling the remix of this dude sending out a warning to his sister's attacker on the Huntsville, AL CBS news? This is sure to be a party anthem soon, so I think it warrants being posted on Celebrate It!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/D4E4LRkq11A?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/D4E4LRkq11A?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="460" height="385"></embed></object></div>jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513001060903427738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632658514818798581.post-62657092586608943622010-08-04T11:37:00.038-04:002010-10-01T12:12:20.358-04:00Wedding Wednesdays: Crystal and NathanHere are some shots from a wedding <a href="http://www.jessicalaine.com/">I</a> coordinated a few weeks back for a wonderful couple, Crystal and Nathan.<br />
<br />
The wedding took place at the Northridge Public Golf Course in Brantford, Ontario which was a beautiful backdrop for their simple celebration. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYBryAZVpI/AAAAAAAAAaw/fSij4XVN0ek/s1600/Crystal+&+Nathan+%2830%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYBryAZVpI/AAAAAAAAAaw/fSij4XVN0ek/s320/Crystal+&+Nathan+%2830%29.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYCAWAzWDI/AAAAAAAAAa0/AZ_WGaq3Dp0/s1600/Crystal+&+Nathan+%2891%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYCAWAzWDI/AAAAAAAAAa0/AZ_WGaq3Dp0/s320/Crystal+&+Nathan+%2891%29.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I love this picture of Nathan beaming at his bride during their handfasting ceremony.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYCSugiY-I/AAAAAAAAAa4/i4llNcpR8mk/s1600/Crystal+&+Nathan+%28127%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYCSugiY-I/AAAAAAAAAa4/i4llNcpR8mk/s320/Crystal+&+Nathan+%28127%29.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYChUKJ6sI/AAAAAAAAAa8/loH2Q3yrU1k/s1600/Crystal+&+Nathan+%28178%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYChUKJ6sI/AAAAAAAAAa8/loH2Q3yrU1k/s320/Crystal+&+Nathan+%28178%29.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYCo82ynlI/AAAAAAAAAbA/Enn5X68UBDc/s1600/Crystal+&+Nathan+%28186%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYCo82ynlI/AAAAAAAAAbA/Enn5X68UBDc/s320/Crystal+&+Nathan+%28186%29.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Crystal used scrapbook pages as the guestbook so that she could slot them into a scrapbook after the wedding! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYCv5HwEAI/AAAAAAAAAbE/01kQry6ijps/s1600/Crystal+&+Nathan+%28192%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYCv5HwEAI/AAAAAAAAAbE/01kQry6ijps/s320/Crystal+&+Nathan+%28192%29.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The Maid of Honour downs a giant Pixi Stik </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYC8kipCmI/AAAAAAAAAbI/Xg_s9DldQm4/s1600/Crystal+&+Nathan+%28230%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYC8kipCmI/AAAAAAAAAbI/Xg_s9DldQm4/s320/Crystal+&+Nathan+%28230%29.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYDbFjvBOI/AAAAAAAAAbM/wXrdVZ0NA-8/s1600/Crystal+&+Nathan+%28286%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYDbFjvBOI/AAAAAAAAAbM/wXrdVZ0NA-8/s320/Crystal+&+Nathan+%28286%29.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Can you believe only one single male in the whole place!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYDeASKYbI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/dvCJymz5l_o/s1600/Crystal+&+Nathan+%28289%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYDeASKYbI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/dvCJymz5l_o/s320/Crystal+&+Nathan+%28289%29.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The cake, dreamed up by Crystal after she saw a similar design as a cell phone background, was brought to life by the talented Jo-Anne of <a href="http://www.divaliciouscakes.ca/index.htm">Divalicious Cakes</a> in Paris.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYDqawwe9I/AAAAAAAAAbU/GnMABPIrEdA/s1600/Crystal+&+Nathan+%28310%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYDqawwe9I/AAAAAAAAAbU/GnMABPIrEdA/s320/Crystal+&+Nathan+%28310%29.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> These two were AMAZING dancers, I love that the photographer snapped a pic of them in action!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYDuiMmlaI/AAAAAAAAAbY/FUXDhS32fr8/s1600/Crystal+&+Nathan+%28312%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYDuiMmlaI/AAAAAAAAAbY/FUXDhS32fr8/s320/Crystal+&+Nathan+%28312%29.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYDy1tEt8I/AAAAAAAAAbc/OaMKQ4gCOqg/s1600/Crystal+&+Nathan+%28314%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/TKYDy1tEt8I/AAAAAAAAAbc/OaMKQ4gCOqg/s320/Crystal+&+Nathan+%28314%29.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>All photos by Dwayne Doucette [please email me for contact info for this Brantford, ON based photographer!]jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513001060903427738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632658514818798581.post-60742742831791258942010-04-28T09:58:00.000-04:002010-04-28T22:12:52.671-04:00Veggie Buffet TableThis Christmas my sister had a pot-luck with a bunch of her girlfriends and she decided that her offering was going to be fresh raw veggies. She wanted to put a funky spin on the concept, since veggies are pretty boring, and she asked me for ideas. I thought it might be cool to try a veggie buffet table and set it up like a candy display like those I create for other events. The result was pretty cool!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S9jp5MWg4iI/AAAAAAAAAZo/Z_jH22WHS-k/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S9jp5MWg4iI/AAAAAAAAAZo/Z_jH22WHS-k/s400/023.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S9jqPCgaRyI/AAAAAAAAAZw/4GzCLXKbM_M/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S9jqPCgaRyI/AAAAAAAAAZw/4GzCLXKbM_M/s400/025.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S9jqr9sL89I/AAAAAAAAAZ4/NrmQFejEtZ8/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S9jqr9sL89I/AAAAAAAAAZ4/NrmQFejEtZ8/s400/026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The girls demolished the table in no time, partly due to the fact that the veggies were presented like treats! Might be a good trick for a children's party!<br />
Have you ever tried to put a new spin on a candy table?jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513001060903427738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632658514818798581.post-38076148553974329962010-04-04T12:14:00.000-04:002010-04-04T12:14:11.054-04:00Happy Easter!Sorry my posting has been light lately, I've been a busy bee! Just wanted to pop on and wish everyone a happy and safe Easter Sunday. Today I will be enjoying my second Easter feast in three days mmmmmm...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S7i6NCJFkGI/AAAAAAAAAZg/zgvxWTljQMI/s1600/eastereggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S7i6NCJFkGI/AAAAAAAAAZg/zgvxWTljQMI/s320/eastereggs.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/j-pocztarski/">Jarosław Pocztarski</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a wonderful holiday y'all! </div>jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513001060903427738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632658514818798581.post-22860304062989881132010-02-16T00:48:00.001-05:002010-02-16T00:49:33.816-05:00Contest Winners!Thank you to everyone who entered my first anniversary candy buffet giveaway! The winners were chosen randomly using Random.org and they are Colleen and Karen!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S3oxd53GGtI/AAAAAAAAAZY/yWvAQqggBsM/s1600-h/candy+buffet+contest+results.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S3oxd53GGtI/AAAAAAAAAZY/yWvAQqggBsM/s400/candy+buffet+contest+results.png" width="400" /></a><br />
Ladies, please check your email inboxes for an email from me to confirm your event details.jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513001060903427738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632658514818798581.post-12504248610832436752010-02-04T15:47:00.000-05:002010-02-04T15:47:05.929-05:00Thirsty Thursday: Raspberry Truffle MartiniHere is a perfect drink for the Valentine's Day ladies' night party I will be writing about tomorrow. <a href="http://www.lcbo.com/fooddrink/index.shtml">Food and Drink magazine</a> featured this luxurious silky drink in their Holiday 2008 issue. It's easy to make, very sippable and of course beautiful looking!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S2sxY_MlnkI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/DO9P0fmoBc0/s1600-h/raspberrycream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S2sxY_MlnkI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/DO9P0fmoBc0/s320/raspberrycream.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credit:<a href="http://www.lcbo.com/main/en.shtml">LCBO.com</a></span></div><br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<br />
<div class="directions">In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 1 oz Chambord, ½ oz white crème de cacao and 1 oz cream. Shake and strain into a Martini glass and sprinkle with shaved chocolate.<br />
<br />
<b>Or, to make a batch for your party [makes 8 servings]:</b><br />
<br />
1 cup Chambord<br />
½ cup white crème de cacao<br />
1 cup cream<br />
Shaved chocolate, for topping<br />
<br />
Add all ingredients except chocolate to a pitcher and stir to mix. Chill in fridge, or add ice cubes to chill quickly. Pour into Martini glasses and sprinkle each with shaved chocolate.</div>jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513001060903427738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632658514818798581.post-50008630154062017772010-02-03T19:57:00.001-05:002010-02-03T21:12:02.453-05:00Giveaway: Free Candy Buffet!If you have ever been to an event planned by my company jessica laine celebrations, you will know that candy buffets and dessert tables are always a main feature and are in high demand! A candy buffet will certainly get your guests talking and will keep your party at the top of their mind for months. So to celebrate our first anniversary this February [the month of celebrations! Groundhog day, Olympics, Valentine's Day, Family Day, Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, Black History Month, Ash Wednesday, President's Day, Chinese New Year, etc.] I will be giving away 2 custom candy buffet/dessert tables to 2 lucky winners! Please post a comment below with your name and email address and the city your party is in by Sunday February 14th to be entered. <br />
<br />
Good Luck!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S2obElgQiJI/AAAAAAAAAZI/M9pn9cw-RUg/s1600-h/082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S2obElgQiJI/AAAAAAAAAZI/M9pn9cw-RUg/s320/082.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Rules</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Winners must live within the Greater Toronto Area or be hosting their event within the GTA. The event must be taking place in 2010. The event will have no more than 50 guests and the candy buffet/dessert table will offer no more than 8 different items. jessica laine celebrations is under no obligation to provide any other services besides providing buffet items, linens, table decor for candy table only, candy containers, and set up and tear down. Winners will be selected at random after 11:59 pm ET on Sunday February 14 2010.</span>jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513001060903427738noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632658514818798581.post-62801505173809046022010-02-03T13:59:00.006-05:002010-02-03T18:19:56.965-05:00Wedding Wednesday: Wedding Photo ListNo doubt wedding photography is an important element to your big day. Whether you are shelling out big bucks on your photographer or having a friend snap pics as a gift to you, the shots you get will hold the memories of one of the most important days of your life and you want them to be great! Your photographer may already use a list of shots they normally take and will of course ask you which are of greatest importance to you, but here is a downloadable list of common and maybe not so common photo-ops on a wedding day. Take a look at the list and talk it over with your partner and decide which moments are very important to capture. It would also be a good idea to look over the list and identify any times in the schedule where tensions between family members or other guests may arise so you can point this out to your wedding planner and photographer beforehand to avoid any problems.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B48lLU6i76F2ZTBiOWMzMTUtMTkwYS00MTczLTk1NjQtMjllMWY3YmE1N2Y1&hl=en">Click here to download the document</a>jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513001060903427738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632658514818798581.post-74545219849382595342010-02-02T09:41:00.000-05:002010-02-02T09:41:40.069-05:00Tasty Tuesday: Super Bowl SlidersI love football! However, I love the Super Bowl not only for the game, but also for the amazing spread of food that gets paraded out on this hallowed day! My favourite football snacks include veggies like bell peppers and crunchy carrots, chili with yummy corn chips, thick-crusted pizza with gooey cheese, buffalo wings and of course some cold beer! <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/food/2010/01/31/2010-01-31_these_mini_burgers_will_make_your_super_bowl_party_cheer.html">Here</a> is a recipe I found for a new Super Bowl snack that you can try out for your party on Sunday. It calls for blue cheese, but if you're not a fan of it, try some <a href="http://bit.ly/dCFDLE">St Paulin</a> instead.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S2cvTqQso_I/AAAAAAAAAY4/Cj0oIbqd0u4/s1600-h/super+bowl+sliders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S2cvTqQso_I/AAAAAAAAAY4/Cj0oIbqd0u4/s320/super+bowl+sliders.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/food/2010/01/31/2010-01-31_these_mini_burgers_will_make_your_super_bowl_party_cheer.html">Bill Milne</a></span></div><br />
<b>Recipe: Blue Cheese-Stuffed Bacon Sliders</b><br />
[via <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/">NY Daily News</a>] <br />
<br />
<div class="recipe_prep">Serves: 12 </div><div class="recipe_prep"><br />
</div><div class="recipe_section_hdr">Ingredients</div><div class="recipe_list">16 slices (1 pound) apple-smoked bacon<br />
2 ripe but firm pears<br />
About 1 tablespoon sugar<br />
3 pounds coarsely ground sirloin, chilled<br />
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme<br />
Freshly ground black pepper<br />
6 ounces (about ½ cup) crumbled blue cheese, at room temperature<b> [or try St Paulin]</b><br />
2 tablespoons olive oil plus about 1 teaspoon<br />
Sea salt<br />
24 soft, mini burger buns<br />
2½ cups baby arugula leaves<br />
1 small red onion (about the same diameter as the buns), very thinly sliced<br />
1 pint basket cherry tomatoes (optional)</div><div class="recipe_list"></div><div id="dn_recipe_instructions"><div class="recipe_section_hdr">Instructions</div>In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, and then drain on paper towels. Cut 8 of the slices crosswise into 3 pieces each; crumble the remaining bacon and set both aside separately.<br />
Peel the pears, halve them lengthwise, and core them. Cut them crosswise into thin slices and put into a bowl. Toss with the sugar and set aside. <br />
In a large bowl, combine the meat, thyme, crumbled bacon and 1½ teaspoons pepper. Using your hands, knead together lightly. Form the mixture into 48 evenly sized balls (about 1 ounce each). Use the pointed end of an egg to make a small depression in half the patties. Fill them with a little mound of cheese, dividing it evenly among them. Top with the remaining patties, and then pinch them together around the cheese. Make sure the stuffing is completely enclosed. Pat and mold the burgers to fit the buns. The burgers can be shaped and refrigerated, covered, for several hours or overnight. <br />
When ready to cook, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot or build a medium-hot fire in a barbecue. Generously season the meat on both sides with salt and pepper. <br />
Cook the burgers in the skillet, in batches, turning once or twice, about 3 minutes for medium-rare. Do not press down on the patties. Be gentle when you turn the burgers so they do not break open. With a large spoon, baste the sliders several times with the fat in the pan. To grill the burgers, oil the grate, arrange the patties on it, and cover. Cook as above.<br />
While the burgers cook, toast the buns in a toaster oven or under the broiler, about 5 inches from the heat until lightly toasted. Or toast them on the outer perimeter of the grill rack.<br />
When the burgers are done, remove them to a warm platter, keep warm, and let rest for several minutes. Meanwhile, heat the remaining teaspoon of the olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the pear slices, or place them on the outside of the grill rack, and cook just until warm and lightly browned. Turn and repeat, then remove to a plate. They should still be crunchy.<br />
To build the burgers, arrange a few leaves of arugula on the bun bottoms. Top each with a pear slice or two, a piece of bacon and a burger. Add an onion slice and a bun top, and skewer securely together. Add a cherry tomato as a topknot, if you wish, on the skewer. Serve immediately.<br />
<br />
What will you be serving at your Super Bowl Sunday party? </div>jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513001060903427738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632658514818798581.post-66754953813582339322010-02-01T14:04:00.000-05:002010-02-01T14:04:26.249-05:00Etsy Monday: CozzyCottage Placemats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I found <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39752606">this</a> sweet cupcake placemat set by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/profile.php?user_id=7606164">CozzyCottage</a> on Etsy today and it immediately set my mind to work thinking of all the awesome party ideas that could go along with these little beauties. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S2cXXX2M3zI/AAAAAAAAAYo/YhLUmpjaBpg/s1600-h/cupcake+plamen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S2cXXX2M3zI/AAAAAAAAAYo/YhLUmpjaBpg/s1600-h/cupcake+plamen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S2cXXX2M3zI/AAAAAAAAAYo/YhLUmpjaBpg/s1600-h/cupcake+plamen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S2cXXX2M3zI/AAAAAAAAAYo/YhLUmpjaBpg/s320/cupcake+plamen.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/profile.php?user_id=7606164">CozzyCottage</a></span></div><br />
A little girl's baking party with a placemat acting as a work station for each girl as they decorate their cupcakes. CozzyCottage also makes beautiful <a href="http://cozzycottage%20also%20makes%20beautiful%20aprons,%20one%20design%20that%20even%20matches%20these%20placemats%20and%20w/">aprons</a>, one design that even matches these placemats and would be a good match for such a baking party! They would also be perfect as decor for a fun Valentine's Day bash! Or, try them out for a mis-matched pajama party.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S2cXl3Q21xI/AAAAAAAAAYw/vMAPlkmUxco/s1600-h/cupcake+placemat1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S2cXl3Q21xI/AAAAAAAAAYw/vMAPlkmUxco/s320/cupcake+placemat1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/profile.php?user_id=7606164">CozzyCottage</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Of course, they would also just be great as placemats that you bring out for annual birthday celebrations! <br />
What do you think of these adorable designs? Do you have any handmade placemats or placemats you like to use as multi-holiday decor?jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513001060903427738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632658514818798581.post-33128422100519868222010-01-20T19:08:00.001-05:002010-01-20T19:09:55.977-05:00Navigating the Tablescape: Super Bowl for KidsThe NFL's Super Bowl XLIV [Sunday February 7 @ 6:30pm ET on CBS] is a huge day for parties in North America. It is reportedly the second-largest U.S. food consumption day, after Thanksgiving! But the fun shouldn't just be for adults, kids should get in on the football, party and food action as well!<br />
<br />
I put together a kidcentric, healthy treat version of a Super Bowl party tablescape that you can try out for your kids and their friends on Super Bowl Sunday. Here are my tips for making it happen! [Click on the images for a larger view]<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S1eUrHLCugI/AAAAAAAAAX4/sV0XokWjQFY/s1600-h/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S1eUrHLCugI/AAAAAAAAAX4/sV0XokWjQFY/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
Lay down an orange table cloth [plastic of course - this IS a kids party!]. Orange is one of Super Bowl XLIV's colours. As a mock table runner, use some football-textured loose paper that you can pick up at Michael's or a specialty stationery shop. Add some football-themed toys to your tabletop, like the Finger Football goalposts I used here. Put down some coloured Hefty plates or other disposable tableware at each place.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S1eVE5RU4fI/AAAAAAAAAYA/7UVaa28W3k0/s1600-h/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S1eVE5RU4fI/AAAAAAAAAYA/7UVaa28W3k0/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
</div><br />
You can get foam footballs at any craft store, or you can use brown construction paper and chalk to make the placecards. Use a black pen or Sharpie marker to write the names of each child on the football and place it on the plate.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S1eXWURJQ1I/AAAAAAAAAYI/6TajEqDz_0c/s1600-h/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S1eXWURJQ1I/AAAAAAAAAYI/6TajEqDz_0c/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S1eYEfXQPFI/AAAAAAAAAYY/5e0KejBaIoE/s1600-h/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S1eYEfXQPFI/AAAAAAAAAYY/5e0KejBaIoE/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
</div> <br />
For the snack containers, use several clear glass containers or colourful, unusually shaped servingware. Arrange the snack containers along the table and fill them with yummy snacks that kids will enjoy eating. Try boxed raisins, crunchy baby carrot sticks, Babybel cheese and Skinny Sticks garden veggie flavour, all of which I have used here. Go for a good balance of colour and texture and packaged single serve items and kids will load up their plates. Put a football sticker or construction paper cutout shape on the front of each glass container. Remove the labels from some bottles of water, flavoured water or juice and replace them with a football sticker. Suddenly drinking a bottle of water is fun and cool because it fits with the theme!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S1eYBHU-cLI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/7OXBFhePv4A/s1600-h/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S1eYBHU-cLI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/7OXBFhePv4A/s320/006.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><br />
Give the kids some sort of themed takeaway, like these football whistles, and arrange it on the table as well. Other things you could try are temporary tattoos, pencils, lanyards or shoelaces. Embellish your tablescape with any other unobtrusive items that relate to your football theme. I used some colourful pom-poms.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S1eZaNX4YZI/AAAAAAAAAYg/Pm2tjLWHS0w/s1600-h/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S1eZaNX4YZI/AAAAAAAAAYg/Pm2tjLWHS0w/s400/014.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
</div><br />
What will you be doing for Super Bowl Sunday?jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513001060903427738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632658514818798581.post-5054578142784653702010-01-20T13:02:00.003-05:002010-01-20T18:17:21.640-05:00Wedding Wednesday: 2010 TrendsSome people don't like to follow wedding trends, they think it "dates" their wedding photos and/or video. Some like to describe their wedding as "timeless" and "classic", all the while citing weddings from decades past as their inspiration [does that even make sense?]. Personally, I love wedding trends. Of course, many weddings that are described as "timeless" and "classic" do end up transcending their eras, but I really like that you can look at a wedding photo and know generally when it is from. Trends help us put a name to a face so to speak, and is it really that bad to look back on your wedding photos and -gasp!- know what year they were taken? Just because you incorporate some "trendy" elements into your wedding does not mean that it will be less meaningful of a ceremony or less fun of a reception! Who cares that you see sand unity ceremonies, candy buffets and DIY faux-to booths on every wedding and event blog out there? If you want those, have them!<br />
<br />
You can still incorporate many wedding trends into your big day without making it cookie cutter. Your wedding is your own unique day! So on that note, I present to you my take on what will be the big wedding trends of 2010!<br />
<br />
<b>Unique Venues</b>: Though our economy is reportedly on the upswing, there is still some uncertainty. Couples will be looking past the traditional locations to have their wedding and selecting more unusual and unexpected venues that may have smaller rental fees. Think tree farms, summer camps, dance studios, museums, etc. Also, many venues will be pulling double duty for both the ceremony and reception. Use a tool like <a href="http://www.eventsource.ca/">Event Source</a> to check out alterna-venues.<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Fondant-free Wedding Cakes</b>: Buttercream will be the frosting of choice for couples this year with more emphasis on the taste of the cake. Intricate cake designs and cutesy cupcake displays will take a backseat to simple flowers or cake toppers.<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Low Centrepieces</b>: Solo flowers in bud vases and a stack of the couple's favourite books or a funky, textured green plant in a small planter with a dish of wrapped candies or flower petals surrounding candles on a vintage pedestal are examples of the kind of cross-table-conversation friendly centrepieces you can expect to find at weddings this year. Traditional large floral arrangements will be used on the cake table or gift table instead.<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Unity Wine Ceremony</b>: consider using a wine of your choice and a wine of your partner's choosing [make sure they work together; a winery, sommelier or U-Vint can help you] and combine them during your ceremony and each take a sip. At your reception, you can serve your pre-made custom blend to your guests. It's a twist on signature drinks and similar to a sand or candle unity element in your wedding ceremony.<br />
<br />
What do you think will emerge as prominent wedding trends this year?jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513001060903427738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632658514818798581.post-18877113567546517722010-01-12T12:00:00.003-05:002010-01-12T12:10:56.061-05:00Tasty Tuesday: Big Batch BBQ RubFor Christmas, I gave the boy a gift full of manly items. <a href="http://bit.ly/6QCJuT">This</a> book was the inspiration for the theme and in addition to that book I gave him a bunch of cool things that guys want/need. Among them: a <a href="http://bit.ly/4uZX4j">Maglite</a> flashlight, a gift certificate to a tattoo parlour, <a href="http://bit.ly/6ixgm1">this</a> cute little fire department tie tack [he's a firefighter] I got on Etsy and some homemade barbeque rub. I found the recipe on one of my favourite inspirational websites <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/">Real Simple</a> when I saw a gift guide for homemade presents and I knew immediately that I had to make some for Kevin. I mean, what's manlier than barbequeing?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S0yn-5czptI/AAAAAAAAAXw/FfhS2Z-gWco/s1600-h/BBQ+Rub+Recipe+Picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S0yn-5czptI/AAAAAAAAAXw/FfhS2Z-gWco/s320/BBQ+Rub+Recipe+Picture.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credit: Ka Yeung / Tinkerbox Studio Inc [via Real Simple]<br />
</span><br />
</div><br />
The picture of the rub is different than what mine looked like. I mixed mine together as per the instructions, so I didn't get that layered look from the picture, but I didn't see how it would get properly mixed in the small glass jar if I didn't do it beforehand. So, forsaking the visual for quality, I decided to just mix it all together, but it still looked great. <a href="http://bit.ly/74U3Am">This</a> is the jar that I used, just an inexpensive glass jar from Ikea. I actually had to make a little more to have enough to fill the jar, so when you are selecting a container for your rub and presentation matters, make sure you alter the recipe so that you have enough.<br />
<br />
<b>Big Batch Barbecue Rub Recipe [via <a href="http://bit.ly/8807ab">Real Simple</a>]</b><br />
<br />
Makes 1 1/3 cups <br />
Time: 10 minutes<br />
<br />
Ingredients<br />
1/2 cup paprika<br />
3 tablespoons brown sugar [<i>I used Golden Yellow Sugar</i>]<br />
3 tablespoons dried oregano<br />
3 tablespoons ground coffee [<i>I used Starbucks Sumatra</i><]<br />
4 teaspoon kosher salt [<i>I used Dean Jacob's Pacific Ocean Sea Salt</i>]<br />
1 tablespoons black pepper<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Combine the ingredients and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 months.<br />
Instructions to include with your gift: Up to 2 hours before cooking, coat 2 pounds of chicken, beef, pork, or seafood with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with 2 to 4 tablespoons of the rub. Cook as desired. <br />
<br />
We used the rub on some steaks we cooked up on Saturday night and it was delicious! When you make the rub and when you open the container, you will get a distinct coffee smell, but once you rub it into the meat, the coffee is not overly noticeable so don't worry, you won't be eating meat that tastes like a cup of coffee!<br />
<br />
Did you give any homemade gifts this holiday season?jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513001060903427738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632658514818798581.post-67657420668589484562010-01-11T10:24:00.000-05:002010-01-11T10:24:43.598-05:00Etsy Monday: PaperFish BuntingI LOVE reusable decor! If I can reuse something even once, I will, and dual purpose items are used in nearly every party and event I do! I trolled Etsy for some cute flags and bunting I was so excited to see these beautiful and whimsical pennants by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/profile.php?user_id=5194562">PaperFish</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S0qoKv5uEVI/AAAAAAAAAXY/bFZ0tlcEFrc/s1600-h/pennants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S0qoKv5uEVI/AAAAAAAAAXY/bFZ0tlcEFrc/s320/pennants.jpg" /></a><br />
</div> This particular design, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24941706">Frida/Carnival</a> would be absolutely perfect for a mismatched, funky laid-back get-together such as a clothing swap or a little girl's pajama party.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S0qpaI5bzNI/AAAAAAAAAXg/QHzY9G1rrWs/s1600-h/bubblepennant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S0qpaI5bzNI/AAAAAAAAAXg/QHzY9G1rrWs/s320/bubblepennant.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> How adorable is the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37985307">Bubblicious</a> pattern!? This would be such a great addition to such festive events as an ice cream party, funky first birthday or garden tea party! <br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S0qq-o1VlWI/AAAAAAAAAXo/RupexIwdJUs/s1600-h/valentinepennant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S0qq-o1VlWI/AAAAAAAAAXo/RupexIwdJUs/s320/valentinepennant.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The gorgeous <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19387169">Valentine Rose</a> would be a sweet addition to a vintage valentine celebration, or a girly princess bash.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What do you think of PaperFish's reusable fabric flag bunting? Do you use fabric flags/bunting and other reusable or dual purpose items in your event decor? <br />
</div>jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513001060903427738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632658514818798581.post-53803993621972958192010-01-04T12:37:00.001-05:002010-01-04T23:52:34.207-05:00Welcome to 2010!New year, new look! I hope you like the new layout and design of the Celebrate It! blog and the<a href="http://jessicalaine.com/"> jessica laine celebrations website</a>. I have a lot of fun things planned for the blog this year, and some parties from the end of the year that I will be featuring including an adorable sock monkey themed first birthday party, a Christmas vegetable buffet display and a Mexican theme New Year's Eve bash! Coming up in early 2010 is my 25th birthday, Super Bowl XLIV and my mom turning the big 5-0 in February.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S0LFHlzyzyI/AAAAAAAAAXI/4Ep3sKIS0HQ/s1600-h/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S0LFHlzyzyI/AAAAAAAAAXI/4Ep3sKIS0HQ/s320/004.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S0LFaPUvDoI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/EVup5g14bbE/s1600-h/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/S0LFaPUvDoI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/EVup5g14bbE/s320/025.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
I'm also excited to continue the features Etsy Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Wedding Wednesday, Thirsty Thursday and Frugal Friday, and my New Year's Blogolution is to write with frequency! ;-)<br />
<br />
So, here's to a great year of parties, events, weddings and fun!jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513001060903427738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632658514818798581.post-21737897837080231432009-11-24T12:07:00.001-05:002009-11-24T12:10:05.561-05:00Tasty Tuesday: Homemade Cranberry Bliss BarsLast week, I <a href="http://celebrateit.blogspot.com/2009/11/thirsty-thursday-festive-flavours.html">mentioned</a> my love for Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars. Their moist yet crumbly texture with juicy cranberries and yummy icing can lure me to a Starbucks from miles away. So the other day as I was searching for recipes to use during the holiday season, imagine my excitement when I found <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2009/11/cakespy-homemade-starbucks-style-cranberry-bliss-bars-recipe.html">this</a> homemade spin on my Christmastime love [via <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2009/11/cakespy-homemade-starbucks-style-cranberry-bliss-bars-recipe.html">SeriousEats.com</a> via <a href="http://www.cakespy.com/2009/11/sweet-bliss-starbucks-style-cranberry.html">Cakespy</a> as an adaption of a recipe by <a href="http://www.mrbreakfast.com/superdisplay.asp?recipeid=1140">Mr. Breakfast</a>]. Read on for the mouthwatering recipe below. I can't wait to try this one out for some DIY gift deliciousness this Christmas!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/SwmWahrjamI/AAAAAAAAAWY/Xk2_yAazvFA/s1600/20091108cscranberrybliss2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/SwmWahrjamI/AAAAAAAAAWY/Xk2_yAazvFA/s320/20091108cscranberrybliss2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407018210096802402" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo Credit: Jessie Oleson<br /></span><br /><em>- makes 16 bars -</em><br /><div style="text-align: left; font-weight: bold;"><br />Ingredients for cake base:<br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened<br />1 1/4 cups brown sugar, firmly packed<br />3 large eggs<br />1 teaspoon ground ginger<br />1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)<br />1 teaspoon vanilla<br />1/2 teaspoon salt<br />1 1/2 cups flour<br />1/4 cup dried cranberries<br />1/4 cup white chocolate, coarsely chopped (I used Lindt)<br />1/4 cup candied ginger, finely chopped</p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><h5 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Ingredients for frosting:</span></h5><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p style="text-align: left;">4 ounces cream cheese, softened<br />1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar<br />2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened<br />1 teaspoon vanilla<br />1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)<br />dash of salt</p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><h5 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Ingredients for garnish:</span></h5><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p style="text-align: left;">1/3 cup white chocolate (either chips, or coarsely chopped bar chocolate)<br />1/2 cup dried cranberries</p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><h5 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Procedure:</span></h5><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>1. </strong>Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13 pan. </p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>2. </strong>Make the cake. Beat butter and sugar together until fluffy; add the vanilla and eggs, one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Sift together flour, ground ginger, nutmeg, and salt and then add to the butter and sugar mixture, beating until fully incorporated. This will be a very thick batter. Fold in the cranberries, chocolate and ginger. Spread the batter in the pan and bake for about 30 minutes or until light golden. Let the cake cool before adding the frosting.</p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>3. </strong>Make the frosting. Using the paddle attachment on an electric mixer, beat the butter and cream cheese together until fluffy; add the lemon zest, vanilla, and salt; add the confectioners' sugar bit by bit until the frosting has reached your desired consistency (you may need less than the suggested amount). Spread the frosting evenly over the cake, and scatter the cranberries on top of the frosting immediately. </p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>4. </strong>Make the drizzle. In a double boiler, melt white chocolate; once it is smooth, use a spoon and drizzle across the top of the frosted and cranberry-festooned cake.</p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>5. </strong>Slice the bars immediately after applying the white chocolate drizzle. Slice in half lengthwise, and then slice into four equal parts horizontally. Slice each rectangle in half diagonally, and you will end up with 16 triangle-shaped bars.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Enjoy!<br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513001060903427738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632658514818798581.post-74141436895603807382009-11-23T11:00:00.001-05:002009-11-23T11:00:02.680-05:00Etsy Monday: Vintage Christmas LightsI know, I know. Old-fashioned Christmas lights are not only a possible fire hazard, they are a serious energy waster. But darn it if they aren't beautiful works of art! How can you resist something that brings back amazing childhood memories and makes your holiday decorating gorgeous and unique? I've rounded up some of the best Etsy has to offer in the way of vintage Christmas lights.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/SwmDHeoAawI/AAAAAAAAAV4/DHYCdul3pAo/s1600/lights1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 271px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/SwmDHeoAawI/AAAAAAAAAV4/DHYCdul3pAo/s320/lights1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406996992138177282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo Credit: Etsy Seller <a href="http://www.etsy.com/profile.php?user_id=6195753">REdesignkc</a><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/SwmIB_rk7NI/AAAAAAAAAWA/uj7aBG7UF6E/s1600/lights2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/SwmIB_rk7NI/AAAAAAAAAWA/uj7aBG7UF6E/s320/lights2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407002395490446546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo Credit: Etsy Seller <a href="http://www.etsy.com/profile.php?user_id=5751877">TraceyAnns</a><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/SwmI2GSPSPI/AAAAAAAAAWI/FCoBEhfvTlM/s1600/lights3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/SwmI2GSPSPI/AAAAAAAAAWI/FCoBEhfvTlM/s320/lights3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407003290616416498" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo Credit: Etsy Seller <a href="http://www.etsy.com/profile.php?user_id=7227086">1951Model</a></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/SwmKd5wLXwI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/_PCIyJHkXTI/s1600/lights4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/SwmKd5wLXwI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/_PCIyJHkXTI/s320/lights4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407005073958723330" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo Credit: Etsy Seller <a href="http://www.etsy.com/profile.php?user_id=5928415">glamourama</a></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">All of these are so fun and would look great mixed in with some more eco-friendly options like LED lights. Do you use any vintage strings of Christmas lights in your holiday decorating?<br /></div></div><h1></h1></div>jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513001060903427738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632658514818798581.post-3455024101909113362009-11-19T15:17:00.000-05:002009-11-19T23:22:03.684-05:00Thirsty Thursday: Festive FlavoursDon't you love when the holiday lineup is unveiled at your favourite coffee shop? When the festive cups are brought out and the counter is lined with gingerbread men and candy canes? You may not know about the secret love I harbour for Starbucks' Cranberry Bliss Bar, but I will save that for another day. This post is an ode to my love for yummy yuletide beverages. I must say, I don't really branch out though when it comes to these drinks, but here are my favourites during The Season.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">While I'm a little sad that <a href="http://www.starbucks.com">Starbucks</a> has done away with my beloved Peppermint Hot Chocolate [it's now something you can get year-round], it's really the red cups that do it for me. Seeing the first red cup of The Season really gets me in the Christmas mood. How can you not feel festive when you see one of these babies?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/SwYRSJRLxtI/AAAAAAAAAVg/4wGbgoLPy6c/s1600/starb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 223px; height: 314px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/SwYRSJRLxtI/AAAAAAAAAVg/4wGbgoLPy6c/s320/starb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406027406128170706" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo Credit: Starbucks<br /><br /></span></div>I hit up <a href="http://www.williamscoffeepub.com">Williams Coffee Pub</a> every Sunday night when I go watch the boy play hockey. Normally, I get a steamed white hot chocolate with loads of whip, but during The Season, I pick a Candy Cane Hot Chocolate. Mmm-mmm!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/SwYVQKyjFzI/AAAAAAAAAVo/Okif62hOJ1c/s1600/williams.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 310px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/SwYVQKyjFzI/AAAAAAAAAVo/Okif62hOJ1c/s320/williams.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406031770223318834" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo Credit: Williams Coffee Pub<br /><br /></span></div>Those adorable little gingerpeople always call my name as I place my order, but I've been able to resist them so far [I don't know how long I can hold out for though!].<br /><br />An identically named drink from <a href="http://www.secondcup.com">Second Cup</a> is another of my go-to hot bevs during The Season. The boy surprised me with one out of the blue yesterday and it honestly made my day! The whip they use at Second Cup is my favourite, so I make sure it gets piled on. Second Cup has a <span style="font-style: italic;">huge</span> lineup of holiday drinks during The Season, I also like the Noel Nog, but I rarely order it since I love my hot chocolate too much!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/SwYXKVbsLcI/AAAAAAAAAVw/Ub8NxyC1a4A/s1600/scup.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 156px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IX4zbNqJa4s/SwYXKVbsLcI/AAAAAAAAAVw/Ub8NxyC1a4A/s320/scup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406033869024275906" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo Credit: Second Cup<br /><br /></span></div>Any of these coffee shops, especially Williams, provide an excellent location and backdrop for an intimate gift exchange with a few girlfriends, or a post-skate/toboggan meet-up over the holidays. You can choose one of their delicious festive drinks, enjoy the ambiance and best of all there's no cleaning up afterward!<br /><br />What is your favourite hot beverage of The Season?jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513001060903427738noreply@blogger.com0