Sale Shopping

Here's a tip for couples that are planning their 2013/14 weddings....shop the after Christmas sales.

You just never know what you might find for your special day. You've got to look high and low, and sometimes dig for the good stuff, but after Christmas is a good time to stock up on things for your wedding. For example, I got these beautiful bird cake toppers for my clients Brooke & Richard last Christmas. They aren't really cake toppers but are tree ornaments, we just snipped off the strings.

Shop the sales for favours, cake toppers, gift bags & tissue for Wedding Party & Out of Town guests. Look for centrepieces, vases, decor and more!

Some of my favourite places to look for wedding stuff on sale are:

- Michael's
- HomeSense
- Chapter's
- Hobby Lobby (in the States)

and Value Village. You just never know what treasures (especially mason jars) you'll find.

Happy Sale Shopping!

You'll Shoot Your Eye Out Kid!

Merry Christmas!!

"A Christmas Story" has been one of my favourite holiday movies since I was a child. I remember watching it on VHS with my family in the late 80's and it seemed like no one else had ever heard of it. Classmates thought I was weird, and you just couldn't find movie memorabilia anywhere. Now, this movie is a fan favourite and a cult classic. My Dad & I are huge fans, we know almost every line!

Last weekend I travelled to Cleveland, OH to see the actual house from the movie. It's staged to be just like the house was during the movie, and to my delight, Ian Petrella (who played kid brother Randy) was on hand for a meet & greet! Although our meeting was brief, it was a moment I will always cherish.

Being able to see and feel places in the house that were shared by the actors in the movie was an unbelievable experience! The current owner of the house has done a fantastic job with props like furniture, wallpaper and antiques to make it feel like you're at the "Parker's".

As well as the house, there's a museum dedicated to actual movie props like wardrobe pieces, scripts and toys used in the film.

To have visited "A Christmas Story" house was a fantastic way to start off my holidays! I wish you a very Merry Christmas filled with fond memories of the past, and wonderful memories made for future reminiscing with family and friends. I also hope that like Ralphie in the movie, you get what you wished for this Christmas.

Love is all around

Merry Christmas!

Christmas movies are a must-have in my household. Each year I watch the same ones over and over. My favourites are "A Christmas Story", "The Santa Clause" and "Home Alone".

If you're going to curl up with your fiance and loved ones this season, why not watch a Romantic Christmas movie? Nothing says "I love you" more than the holidays.

Love Actually (2004)

The Holiday (2006)

The Family Stone (2005)

Serendipity (2001)

White Christmas (1954)


December is almost over, be sure to book our "Day of Coordination" services for your 2011 wedding before Dec 31/10 to save $100!

10 things your Registry shouldn't be without

Tis the season for shopping for and receiving gifts. Christmas is a time where the malls are full and your wallet is empty. Christmas is also a time of year when some limited edition items are available, especially dishware and entertaining pieces. If you're getting married next year, perhaps you can add some of your "must have weddings gifts" that are only available this time of year to your Christmas wish list. Tell Uncle Wallace what you would like for Christmas instead of him guessing and you get his and her matching sweaters!

If you haven't registered yet for your wedding (you can register anywhere from 1 yr to 6 mths before your wedding) then here are 10 things your Registry shouldn't be without according to "Registry King" Jorge Perez of the popular wedding website, Aisle Dash.

1. Quality Tableware (stemware, china and flatware)

2. Good Cookware

3. A Powerful Blender

4. A High-Powered Microwave
5. Superior Knives
6. Luxurious Sheets
7. Thick, Plush Towels
8. A Barbecue Grill
9. Luggage
10. A Flat-Screen TV

Happy Scanning!

*Images provided by Google Search

It's So Tinsle!

I saw a little bit of the Disney Holiday Special "Prep & Landing" the other night. I had it on when my good friends Jenn & Brett over - whom by the way got engaged two nights prior! Yay!

In the show one of the elves would say "That's so tinsel!" whenever he was excited - sort of like Paris Hilton's "That's hot" - or if you're an 80's child "Rad, tubular and wicked!" So needless to say, I've adapted the slogan this holiday season.

So, what do I think is "so tinsel"?? Themed parties - especially the ones where it's mandatory for you to wear your ugliest Christmas sweater (or vest). You know the ones....with the 3-D images, or lights that actually light up. Or how about the puffy paint, or the bedazzled Christmas trees? I like to refer to these wacky sweaters as "Cosby" sweaters - which if you don't know is due to Bill Cosby from the Cosby Show (yes, I'm an 80's kid if you haven't already figured that out) :)

Next time you are going to a holiday bash, raid your closet (or your parents) or even make a trip to a consignment shop and get yourself decked out in the ugliest, most tacky Christmas (or Cosby) sweater you can find! It'll be soooo tinsel!

 

Holiday Cocktails

It's the holidays...time to whip up some feastive goodies, and serve some holiday inspired drinks!

While entertaining this year, reduce the costs of serving alcohol by offering signature cocktails. Give your guests 2  options, and use the same base alcohol (like rum or vodka) for both of them. Also, serve domestic beer and wine.

If you really want to limit your costs, ask guests to BYOB (Bring Your Own Booze) and just offer your signature cocktails.

You can choose your signature cocktails either by the name - like a Christmas Cosmo, or Peppermint Stick, or simply choose them by colour - like Sour Appletini or Pomegranate Martini. There are plenty of cocktail recipes on the web, and also premade drinks can be found at the LCBO if you didnt want to shake or stir your own.

Match your drinks with your colour or theme of your gathering, and be sure to offer virgin drinks for those that are DD or under age. You want everyone to be able to celebrate the wonders of the season with you.

If you didn't want to serve alcohol at all, there are plenty of other options like holiday eggnog, mint hot chocolate and ciders.

Be sure to have fun this holiday season, but please drink responsibly. Don't drink and drive.

Cheers!