LINK LOVE

I’ve noticed a little increase in the traffic to my blog lately and I have say it's due to many fellow bloggers adding me to their blogrolls. So, a big thanks for the link love! If you haven’t done so already, you should definitely have a look. These are some very talented ladies with beautiful inspirational and informative blogs.

Snippet and Ink Stunning wedding inspiration boards updated daily with unqiue themes. This one is #9 in her holiday series "The Twelve Days of Christmas" - "Nine Ladies Dancing"...

With This Ring One of my new favorites about a bride's tales of wedding planning. I love where she's headed with the vintage-y theme. I particularly love her engagement ring. He did good!

Polka Dot Bride Stylish and unique ideas from a wedding planner in Australia. Check out today's post about designer, Michelle Roth featuring this lovely short style.

Matrimonio Perfetto This one is in italian, but she's clearly writing about weddings, and posts some lovely pictures. I like this one that was included in a post about winter weddings.

Creature Comforts Posting about design of all kinds, and owner of the lovely indie shop Wren Eleven. I love these Christmas decorations that she posted that are from her own home. Adorable!

Classic Bride Another bride's tales of planning. She describes her event as "taking the grace that Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O embodied and putting it into motion as an artform, only instead of on stage, it will be at the altar." Here is her inspiration board. Gorgeous! I'd love to be a guest at this wedding!

Happily Ever After Again Planning a second wedding, leaning towards a setting in a charming old barn.

Honeybee Weddings Lot's of tips an helpful hints from a Chicago wedding planner who is also planning her own wedding. I love that she's a two dress bride, having purchased this short wedding dress from Dame Couture for her reception.

PREOWNEDWEDDINGDRESSES.COM

I’m all for a bargain, especially when it comes to wedding dresses. However, ever the fashion plate I don’t care to sacrifice style for price. Enter preownedweddingdresses.com. Most dresses are worn but well preserved. Some are designer samples and some (sadly) are from broken engagements. However, I suppose one girl’s heartbreak is another girl’s $1,000 off a brand new Vera Wang! Just look at some of the beautiful gowns they are currently offering for sale on their website.





Top Left: Vera Wang Retail $5000 asking $4000
Top Center: Vera Wang Retail $4200 Asking $2500
Top Right: Kenneth Pool Retail $4500 Asking $2250
Middle Left: Monique Lhuillier Retail price $6500 Asking $4000 NWT
Middle Center: Monique Lhuillier Retail $4800 Asking $1600
Middle Right: Monique Lhuillier Retail $7700 Asking $3800
Bottom Left: Alvina Valenta Retail $2996 Asking $1500
Bottom Center: Amsale Retail $6000 Asking $2650!!
Bottom right: Monique Lhuillier Retail $3000 Asking $1750

SUNDAY MORNING PAPER

Here are some of my favorite invitation finds of the week...


Top left: Atelier Isabey
Top Right: Creative Intelligence
Middle Left: The Lettered Olive
Middle Right: Gleaux
Bottom left: Elizabeth and Homer
Bottom Right: Dolce Design

NYC WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER - FARNAZ K

I came across an amazing deal from NYC wedding photographer, Farnaz K via one of my favorite blogs, Perfect Bound . Farnaz is offering a very generous special for anyone getting married before March 31st. Her Luxury package, regularly priced at $4,000 (which in and of itself, in NYC, is a pretty good deal) is now only $2400(!!) and includes a complimentary engagement session and retouching of your wedding images. Faraz not only shoots weddings, but has also works as a fashion photographer shooting for Vogue and Elle as well as editorials for MSW and Brides. Take a look at some of her recent work…

FAVORITE KNOTTIE BIOS

I've suddenly realized that I’ve been rambling on about everything other than weddings lately. I thought I would take a moment and post some lovely eye candy/inspiration from some Knottie Bios I’ve bookmarked over the years. Enjoy!

EvaCroatia
A girl after my own heart as a two dress bride. Lovely simply designed details, with a reception at a charming restaurant in Croatia.



Hawaiibride2be
Held at the Kahala Resort in Hawaii, I adore her black damask decor and the fact that she changed into a short dress for the reception. Stunning!



Skatkat
Wonderfully charming backyard wedding complete with their puppy as the ringbearer.



Suzebride
Sage green details and the most amazing candy bar ever!




And finally, my all time favorite, Kertybird. Beautiful bride, handsome groom and a lovely wedding for about $5,000!

LOEFFLER RANDALL AT TARGET

Jessie Randall, designer of the renowned Loeffler Randall brand, is teaming up with Target and launching a limited-edition accessories collection. The line will be available at select Target stores nationwide starting December 30, 2007.

Designer Jessie Randall started her design career working under Katayone Adeli. Later, she created the accessories line for Banana Republic. In 2004 Randall and her husband, Brian Murphy, created Loeffler Randall starting with a collection of shoes and then handbags. In fall 2007, Loeffler Randall launched a beautiful ready-to-wear collection, and in 2007, Jessie Randall won the CFDA Swarovski Award for Accessory Design.

The young brand, just 3 years old, is the embodiment of downtown elegance and now at Target for affordable prices. All shoes are priced at $29.99 and handbags range in price from $19.99 to $49.99.

SUPERMARKET

If you have a moment in midst of the holiday craziness, take a look at the amazing items available for sale at Supermarket. A product of Supercorp, a Brooklyn based development company who uses design and technology to build tools for creative commerce, it's a mini yet growing Etsy-like community of designers selling everything from fashion to furniture.

I've got my eye on this beautiful necklace from Anne Kiel $82

and this vinyl wall sticker from Ferm Living. $120.00

THE ELEGANCE OF MATS GUSTAVSON

Swedish artist Mats Gustafson is one of my favorites and I wanted to take a moment to share his work with you. I’m drawn to the elegant simplicity of his line and his paired down aesthetic in general. (What I wouldn’t do for a portrait of myself like the image of Linda Evangelista below.) After graduating from the National College of Fine Arts in Stockholm Mats immediately starting working for Swedish magazines and stores. His work first appeared in British Vogue in 1978 and of course from there American Vogue soon followed. He continues to work today for art and fashion magazines such as Visionaire as well as for mainstream advertising clients who appreciate the fact that he can capture the essence of their garments and products perfectly within just a few strokes of his brush.

AND THE WINNER IS...

Allison Michlig!! Congratulations Allison! Your bag of cosmetic goodies is on its way! : )

DECEMBER IS NUTS

This is the obligatory I haven't posted in 5 days post. As is typically the case in December, I’m nuts. Work is madness, house still isn't finished, Christmas shopping etc etc etc….
So lets relax and look at a picture that made me smile, shall we?



Photo by Melanie Acevedo

Also don’t forget, the deadline for the giveaway is tomorrow. ; )

SPEAKING OF THE PLAZA...

Speaking of The Plaza, take a look at the design models for its private residences created by interior architect Gal Nauer, with a little help from the Home Collection Division of Versace and artwork from Art Link. Gal happens to be the very talented daughter of Isaac Tschuva, the billionaire businessman whose company, Elad Properties now owns The Plaza. Known for incorporating classic details with modern furnishings, IMHO I think she nailed it. If you’ve ever stayed at the Plaza, you know what I mean when I say previously, it felt 'so little old lady' and was a bit run down. The details now suggest old world craftsmanship and maintain the integrity of the old Plaza, yet appeals to its modern more design conscious market.

COUPON CODES FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPING

Tis the season for holiday shopping. Why leave the comfort of your home when you can shop online and save a bundle while you’re at it? While searching for this ridiculously overpriced Juicy Couture sweatsuit that my neice asked for, via Reesycakes, I came across a coupon code (Cakes20) for 25% off at Fashion Chateau and saved $49!

Here’s a few more codes I stumbled across from some great online stores. Happy shopping!

A fan of jewelry designer Zoe Chicco, how can I not splurge a little on myself with 25% off her modern yet delicate pieces. Coupon code: HOLIDAY07, expires 12/15/07.

Top left: 14K yellow gold small circle necklace with bezel set 1 pt diamond $264; to right, textured circle necklace with a 3 pt bezel set diamond available in yellow, rose or white gold $363 and without diamond $253; Top middle: Long textured bar necklace in sterling silver $75; Top right: personalized charm necklaces from $79
Bottom left: Large gemstone rings textured and hammer set in fine silver from $240; Bottom right: Set of 5 thin yellow gold hammered stack rings, one with a 1 pt diamond $264

20% off designer clothing and accessories at Couture Candy with coupon code: Splendora, expires 12/31/07

$30 off $150 purchase at Bluefly with coupon code: THIRTY9753, expires 12/31/07

20% off at Basic Boutique with coupon code: People10, expires 12/24/07. Basic Boutique features a very well edited selection of simple yet interesting pieces. Here are some of my favorites:

Top left: Lewis Cho Tie blouse; Top middle: Mint; Top right: Mint

Bottom left: Draped skirt from Rozzae Nichols; Bottom right: 12th St. by Cynthia Vincent Beaded Tank

20% off $100 or more purchase at 'the other H&M' Mangoshop. Unfortunately, the offer excludes the Penelope & Monica Cruz and Milla lines, but still some great stylish pieces to choose from and they offer free shipping to the US even though they are based in Europe. Coupon code: 5marieclaire, expires 12/31/07. I bought these great pieces for my stepdaughter for Christmas. Okay well, the red cape is for me ; )

LADUREE and CAROL GILLOTT OF PARIS BREAKFASTS

Rumor has it that once The Plaza in NYC is finally finished with its renovation it will house the first US location of the favorite Parisian patisserie LaDuree. Life altering macarons aside, Laduree is famous for their stunning tea salons and boutiques throughout Europe and well as their branding in general which is the embodiment of French beauty elegance and charm. Take a look:



As I can see The Plaza from my 'day job' office my fingers are crossed they're planning to go for it and get the retail space and open a tea salon and not simply provide a few macaroons to the existing Palm Court Cafe. (as was the original rumor). I might as well move in if it's the tea salon as I'll host every 'out of the office' meeting there. ; )

Speaking of Laduree, take a look at these stunning watercolor paintings by Carol Gillet of the blog Paris Breakfasts. Many of her original watercolors feature Laduree's stunning packaging and are just so charming. She is currently offering a sale for her stateside readers. Pieces originally priced at $95, are now $80 plus free ground shipping through December 11th.

EVA ZEISEL

This post is about one of my favorite designers, the intriguing, spirited and lovely Eva Zeisel. Eva is world renewoned for her ceramics and industrial designs and when she was in her early 90s, she started designing tables. I can only wish I have her energy and creativity at that age. I am so drawn to the simple, fluid forms and the romantic curves of her pieces that I finally just splurged and bought myself her large pillow vase from Unica Home. -my first art purchase other than photography and so I can’t wait until my livingroom is complete so that I can display it.

Born in Hungary in 1906, Zeisel began her career at 18 as an apprentice potter. After jobs in various ceramics factories, she traveled to Russia where she worked her way up to art director of the state china and glass industry. In 1936, she was accused of plotting against the government by plotting an assassination on Stalin, and imprisoned for more than a year in a Soviet prison in solitary confinement. She resisted her interrogators until one day where, she “betrayed her dignity with a false confession.” But, rather than shoot her, as she thought they would, her captors deported her to Vienna, where she miraculously caught the last train out before the Nazi invasion. Unbelievable!

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to meet Eva at 'the day job' and came oh so close to working with her on a project. I just adored her. She has such an amazing spirit and sense of humor and even at 101 years old she is still designing today. I was crushed when the project was killed, to no fault of Eva's of course.




Top left: Eva, photographed at her Rockland Country studio, surrounded by her designs via NY Magazine
Top right: Pilllow vase from Unica Home
Bottom Left: Eva Small Med and Large Vases via Room and Board
Bottom Right: Harmony Vase from Nambe

I'VE BEEN TAGGED

I’ve been tagged for the very first time by the lovely Darci over at With This Ring. I’m supposed to post 7 random and/or weird things about me (ooh, the pressure) and post the rules.

So here we go...

• Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog
• Share 7 random and or weird things about yourself
• Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs
• Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog
  

I live in New Jersey and am not ashamed to admit it. (‘that smell’ goes away about 20 minutes past Newark airport ; )

My house has been under construction since September and I’m convinced it will never be finished.

I have two dogs. Max, the sweestest looking little peekingese who will bite your face off if you get to close to his mama while she’s rubbing his belly. And Mabel, a gold retriever who is the worst behaved dog on the planet. But I love them. No matter how stressed I am, no matter how bad my day is, they always make everything okay.

I take every opportunity possible to educate people and spread the word regarding the ridiculousness that is getting diagnosed and treated for Lyme Disease in this country. Please read this post if you haven’t done so already.

I’m addicted to Sex and the City and all things SJP. I never get tired of watching the reruns over and over and over again. I’m invited to a little charity Christmas event that she is hosting later in the month and I’m practically peeing with excitement about the possibility of meeting her. (I’m a dork…)

I’m a beauty product junkie. If they claim it will make me look even 5 minutes younger, I’ll try it.

Okay, here’s the “weird” one…I hate socks, never wear them, even in the dead of winter.

Tag you're it:
Something White
Lucky Me
Becoming Mom
Celebrate Creativity
Laissezfaire
Pretty Little Things
Snippet and Ink

GIVEAWAY & STYLE ME PRETTY SHOUT OUT

I woke up this morning, grabbed my usual very strong cup of coffee and sat down to read my favorite blogs. I quite literally fell off my chair when I read yesterday’s Style Me Pretty post “Reader Blogs Galore”. Um, I’m one of them! Ladies, no lie, in the blogging world, this is like the equivalent of winning an Oscar. I adore and admire Abby and am so incredibly inspired by what she’s accomplished between her invitation design business and her blog. I can hardly believe she reads my blog let alone mentioned me as one of her blogs to watch . It’s funny, because when I first clicked on her page, I always scroll through the pictures first because Abby has incredible taste and the photos she posts are always gorgeous. I noticed immediately that she had posted the Alicia Bock prints that I just ordered. I thought, aw, how cool is that? Abby and I have the same taste in art. Then I read the post!!! Boom, fell right off my chair!

In honor of this happy moment, I’ve decided to finally offer the giveaway that I’ve been pulling together for the last few weeks. The prize is a huge assortment of my favorite cosmetics, skin care and hair products including:

A full size Clinique Moisture Surge Extra. I love this stuff. It’s a unique gel formula and leaves you with that dewey youthful glow we’re all after but since it’s a gel it kind of acts as a makeup primer so if you wear foundation, it looks flawless. A little tip...keep it in the fridge. It’s so refreshing to put it on when it’s cool. ; )

A full size Avon Anew Ultimate Age Repair Night Cream. Need I say more, it does what it says…

A lovely perfectly pink makeup bag filled with a tube of Clinique’s cult classic Dramatically Different Moisture Lotion, a sample of hair guru Frederic Fekkai’s Protein Rx PM Repair Stregnthener, a sample of L’Occitane Crème Ultra Riche Body Cream, a full sized tube of Clinique’s All About Eyes Concealer in light neutral, Clinique’s ever so popular Glosswear for Lips in Nude Nectar, and Clinique’s Color Surge Bare Brilliance Lipstick in Nude Beach (My favorite ‘no makeup makeup' lipcolor).

All you have to do, is go to my sister Meredith’s Avon website and register by December 15th. No purchase necessary, just register. Take a look around if you’re so inclined, but you don’t have to buy anything to win. On Dec 15th all names of those who registered will ‘go into a hat’ and Meredith will select the winner at random.

On a side note, my sweet, smart and gorgeous sister has been a devoted housewife and stay at home Mom to my adorable twin nephews for 10 years. She’s on a mission to better her life. As is usually the case, decent job opportunities are sadly limited to women who decide that taking care of their families is more important than maintaining their resume and so she’s turned to Avon to get on her feet.

Now ladies, as you know, I am a self confessed product addict. First of all, I work for a major cosmetics company and what I don’t get for free, I get at a very generous discount. You name the product, and at some point, I’ve had it on my face. We’re talking major, very expensive, cult favorite stuff and so I have to admit I was skeptical about Avon. Yet, I wanted to support my sis and so I’ve been continually ordering from her. I hate to admit it, but I’m kind of hooked. The Clinical Skincare Line is the bomb and I’ll never go back to my other brand. The Clinical Micro Exfoliant ($20) is that perfect combination of creamy with just enough ‘grainy microbeads’ to make you feel radiant, refreshed and like you’ve ‘made a difference'. Yet it's not so much that you look like Samantha from that "Carrie Book Party" SATC episode...if you’re addicted to daily exfoliation like me. The Advanced Retexturing Peel ($25) is kind of a mini glycolic peel in a pad and fabulous!

Some other Avon products that may interest you brides out there are some tasteful, lovely, yet inexpensive jewelry. I have several of Avon’s jewelry pieces and they are quite well made. I work in an environment where I’m literally surrounded by socialites who are clearly wearing ‘the real thing’. I get so many compliments on my little crystal Avon dangles, they think they’re the real thing. I have a stunning very expensive real diamond pair of Me & Ro’s and nothing. Yet those little Avon dangles get noticed. Go figure…. ; )

Here’s some of my Avon bridal appropriate favorites…



Top left: Vintage looking scroll motif necklace and earring set $19.99
Top middle: Simulated pearl and crystal accents choker and earring set $59.99
Top right: Circle necklace $14.99
Bottom left: Graduated crystals necklace: $14.99
Bottom center: Vintage look crystal necklace and earring set $19.99
Bottom right: Dainty crystal dangle earrings $14.99

Here’s a few add'l favorites. Who knew Avon gets the trends?


Top left: I kind of love this long faceted cat’s eye necklace, great for layering, just $14.99
Top middle: Long beaded necklace only $7.49
Top right: My favorite trend of the moment, charm necklaces. Disc pendants with sparkly bead accents $14.99
Bottom left: Bold filigree earrings $7.99
Bottom center: Teardrop hoops $9.99
Middle right: Charm with scroll etching design necklace and earring set $29.99

Don’t forget, the deadline to register for the giveaway is December 15th. I’ll announce the winner on December 16th. Feel free to spread the word.

Have a great weekend!

10% OFF ALICIA BOCK PRINTS

While perusing Trunkt this evening, I came across a promotion offered by one of my favorite photographers Alicia Bock and wanted to share. She's offering 10% off all orders through 12/15/07. Simply enter the code TRUNKT07 at checkout. I bought myself a few early Christmas gifts. (3) lovely 8x8 photographs matted to 11x14 for easy framing. I can't wait to finish my living room to hang these, they're just stunning. Alicia's work uses a combination of vintage and modern cameras resulting in photographs that highlight the dust and scratches that make vintage photographs so utterly charming. At just $54 each, minus 10% with your discount, they would make a lovely holiday gift for a special friend or family member.

I chose Summer's Green, Blush and Of the Way We Were, yet she has a nice assortment of additional botanicals as well as locations, abstract and textures and also offers prints on fine art canvas for an additional cost. Hurry as the 10% off offer expires on 12/15.

HOME RENOVATION PROGRESS AND A LITTLE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

Well, lot's of home reno and Christmas shopping progress was made this weekend and so I thought I'd share. After much debate and me actually telling off a saleperson in one horrible flooring store, we (finally) purchased our flooring for the livingroom/dining room . A nice handscraped teak from Virgina Millworks. With any luck it'll be actually on my floors by next week and I'll post a picture. On a reco from a friend, I went to Lumber Liquidators (they have a warehouse in South Hackensack, NJ not to far from where we live), and I was actually pleasantly surprised with the selection.

The contruction guys were also back this weekend and I finally now have a 1/2 ton steel beam holding up the second floor. (Fingers crossed) it'll all pass inspection and/or my stepdaughter's room won't come crashing down into my livingroom and I can finally have my house finished by next week.

As if dropping $3000 on flooring wasn't enough to lay out in one weekend, I decided to make as big of a dent as possible in my Christmas shopping as December is going to be madness at 'the day job' and I won't have much time to think about it after this week. I'd say I'm 50% done. Not bad for never having left my house. : ) Here's what I got. (Friends and family members, no peeking...)

Top left and right: Roadster Fire Truck ($69) and Fire Fighter outfit (34.99) from Back To Basics Toys for my little nephews who are currently obsessed with firemen.

2nd row left: French Alphabet Flash Cards $24 from Posh Chicago.

2nd row right: Adorable handmade sweater dress from Angora Knitter $30

3rd row left: Beautiful set of decoupaged coasters with soldered aluminum edges ($30) from Sidney Ann for a coaster obsessed friend along with a lovely pair of Kevia earrings for her purchased at Blufly with a coupon code DOR127 where I got $30 off my total order--which of course included this little Twelfth St By Cynthia Vincent dress for me ; )

4th row left: Kevia gold bangle with leaf via Blufly $45

4th row right: Part of a large gift basket for my scent obsessed friend, a Mistral Lychee Rose scented glass candle. $22. How pretty is their packaging?!!??

Bottom left: 12 card collection presented in an elegant box of birthday cards, thank you cards, get well, with love and miss you cards from Cecily Ink $25

Bottom Right: Gorgeous calendar from Cecily Ink $14

Top Left: Citizen Nighthawk watch for my hubby. It retails for $450, and I got a great deal with free shipping at EWatches.

Top right: Mom and floral diamond charm necklace from Helen Ficalora

Second row left: My 'go to gift' for guys, Skin Supplies for Men from Clinique. Guys love this stuff and I get a nice discount at 'the day job'.

Second row right: I'm a sucker for pretty packaging and how beautiful is this? A lovely rose scented reed diffuser from Fresh Body Boutique $32.99 I'm tempted to keep this one for me ; )

Third row left: I ordered the 'The Bin' container in this beautiful damask pattern from the Macbeth Collection to use as a gift box which will hold the rest of the items pictured ...Orange blossoms room spray $16 from Fresh Body Boutique; A beautifully packaged mimosa, white musk and cedarwood milk protein soap $7 from Mistral; Blackberry scented sugar body scrub $24 also from Mistral; and a French Lavender scented reed diffuser from Fresh Body Boutique $32

PHEW!!

FANCY IPODS

I think I must be the only person on the plant who doesn't own an IPOD and so I've 'asked Santa' to bring me one for Christmas. He asked me to pick out my color and so I did a little searching online. I came across these very fancy options from Xexoo, and while I know it's very Lyndsey/Brittany of me, I can't help it, I LOVE them. Santa, if you have an extra $50,000 lying around, I'd love one of these.




Or, I suppose I could settle for this one. The enclosure with rounded edges is done in 18kt gold. Also from Xexoo.




If you're in the market, according to their website, each is made to order and delivered to you by secure transporation anywhere in the world. They'll even send one of their sales professionals to deliver to you personally.

: )

SAMPLE SALE - AMSALE, KENNETH POOL, CHRISTOS

The Amsale Design Group will be holding a two day stock and sample sale on 12/1 and 12/2 that is by appointment only. Bridal gowns from Amsale, Kenneth Pool and Christos, as well as dresses from Amsale bridesmaid and party collections will be priced 30-70% off retail. A large selection of brand new gowns will be included and discounted up to 30% off retail. Sale gowns are priced as low as $750!!! Gowns that retail for $5,000 are now marked down to just $1,500! All sales are final. For appointments, call 212-583-1700.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - FOR KIDS

Anything from Back to Basics Toys. This company was founded in 1988 by discerning parents who wanted their children to enjoy the same quality of play that they remembered and cherished. Favorite products and playthings triggered many happy memories for both parents, but at first they figured classic toy collecting would simply be a passion and hobby. Like many young parents they felt they had their plate full juggling "real jobs" and children, but their family and friends convinced them to start a catalog company from the basement of their house. Over the years Back To Basics Toys has continued to help bring back classic, quality toys that had disappeared from the shelves of American toy stores. Their goal is to continue to offer alternatives to the increasing number of toys that are inherently violent & poorly made. They are committed to being a unique source for classic toys, and products with quality craftsmanship and value. Here's a few of my favorites from their catalog. Of course I've picked some of the pricier items. However, they have endless options in all price ranges. Take a look!




Top Left: Okay, even I want one of these. ~ a pink convertible in 1920s style! $179.99

Top Right: Pink Retro bycycle $179.99

Middle Left: My sister would kill me if I got this for my nephews.. toy drum set includes 7 percussion instruments: bass drum, 4 snare drums, and 2 metal cymbals with a deluxe electronic rhythm tutor that teaches your child how to play. Using 40 pre-recorded songs, the tutor lights up to show your child which part of the drum to strike in the correct tempo. Includes 8 melody and rhythm variations and 4 learning levels. Also includes 2 drumsticks, foot pedal, and stool. $99.99

Middle Right: Hohner guitar features nylon strings, real turnable machine heads, and an accurate fingerboard. Comes with a songbook and color-coded finger position markers for easy learning. Tuning pitch pipe also included. $39.99

Bottom Left: A real Roller Coaster pulls two sets of cars up the first big hill. They then fall freely and quickly around twists and turns back to the start again. Plays 15 all-time classic tunes and 15 Christmas carols (which can be turned off) as tiny lights twinkle for added realism. Made of durable plastic with ornate metal detailing. AC adapter included. $119.99

Bottom Right: Spring Horse provides a plush and comfortable ride. Galloping horse sounds add to the fun as rider squeezes the sound chip located in horse’s ear. Great for children with lots of energy. Smoothed edges and protected springs keep riders safe. Supports riders up to 100 lbs. $129.99

BEAUTIFUL YET SIMPLE WEDDING DRESS

I want to get divorced and married again, just so that I can wear this silk white brocade dress with from Oscar De La Renta. ($3,190 at Saks). Don't get me started on those beautiful white satin dorsay shoes with the diamond buckle. ; )

OSCAR BLANDI

I'm in desperate need of a pre-holiday haircut. Sadly, my favorite stylist at Bumble has left the business. Ugh! How could she? Doesn't she know how long it took me to find her? You see, I have short hair. If you have short hair, you know what I mean when I say there's a fine line between "stylish pixie" and "lesbian chic". I stumbled across a listing on Ny Magazine regarding Oscar Blandi Salon offering 20% off on all cuts and colors on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays through 12/31. A favorite among celebrities such as Katie Holmes, Julianne Moore and Jennifer Connelly, Oscar was designated 'the perfect stylist' by Allure Magazine. How bad could it be, right? I'll post the outcome after Thanksgiving : )

ONCE UPON YOUR WEDDING

If you haven't done so already, definitely check out Golden Isles Wedding Planner, Terrica Skaggs's blog Once Upon Your Wedding. The girl is just plain hysterical. I was cracking up out loud at today's post re: "New Rules"...see below...

"New Rule: Let’s cease and desist on telling people you have a designer wedding dress. You got it for $22 off of eBay. The tag even says “Oscar de la Rented“. And seriously, no one believes you anyway– you’re spending a total of 7,000 for your entire wedding with 250 guests, yet have the money for a designer gown? Ok. Sure. If you want a nice term for it, say your gown is “designer inspired”.

New Rule: No more going to bridal shows for the food and freebies when you have 95% of your wedding planned. Why are you entering to win a free 10X14 from XYZ photographer when you already have paid off the photographer for your own wedding? Oh, and FYI– eyeballing vendors’ tables while sucking the life out of a chicken bone and pawing their pictures and brochures is so uncute. Ask me how I know.

New Rule: Your wedding planner really doesn’t need you to give her a timeline. Believe it or not, she does this for a living. Giving the planner a timeline is like giving your surgeon an anatomy book. Think we’ve pretty much got it covered. Should the heavens fall and the oceans run over, thank goodness we have your timeline to fall back on.

New Rule: If you put any type of plastic on your reception tables (tablecloths, cutlery, plates, etc.), that’s an automatic 5 years in a maximum security prison. If you then say at any time, “…because I want a real classy event” while doing the above, your sentence is then changed to life with no parole.

New Rule: Stop cutting corners for your wedding! You can’t expect the very best when you get everything for your wedding at Ray Ray’s Chicken and Weddings. Anyone who claims to put “Clazz” or “Stylez” in your event is LYING TO YOU. You’ll be lucky if you don’t have the police at your wedding. The giveaway should’ve been when they showed you the birds for the dove release after the ceremony…and they were pigeons. Or maybe it should’ve been the illegal craps game going on in front of the door. Not sure. Take your pick. Public Service Announcement: Ray Ray cannot be your caterer, photographer and DJ too. Splurge a little. Get three SEPARATE vendors.

New Rule: She’s a four year old flower girl, not a Stepford Wife. Why is she in a huge replica of the bride’s dress? Furthermore, she only has an inch of hair– why do you have 30 rhinestone barrettes in it? She has on more make up than a burn victim and her head looks like a disco ball. If I were her mother, I’d probably fight you. No one will say “Oooh”, they’re probably saying “Eeewww”.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE PART 2 (FOR HER)

What girl wouldn't appreciate a little bling at Christmas? There are so many gorgeous options, you’re sure to find something in your price range. Here’s a few of my favorites…

Fresh, feminine and glamorous are the best words to describe Marcela Castillo’s fashion forward jewelry, Urban Embellishments. As designer and silversmith, Marcela crafts each piece individually, for many pieces selecting from vintage and antique elements, semi-precious stones, beads, and custom-made silver pieces. She creates her distinctive style by contrasting old and new. Stunning!

Charmed and Dangerous, the creation of mother and daughter team Sally Daner and Ariana (Daner) Falerni features a lovely collection of charm necklaces and earrings perfect for personalized gifts. Below is the ultimate gift for a new Mom or even a mom to be. Baby feet charm with a star personalized with the first initial of the baby’s name. ($35)

Anything from jewelry designer Max B is sure to please...(hint hint, honey if you're reading this...)

and ditto for Abigail Percy
like these Sweet Horse Chestnut leaves hoop earrings on the left ($240) or on the right, these dark smokey quartz cluster earrings which are hand-wired and clustered together to hang from hand-made ear hooks. These earrings are made from solid Sterling Silver wire that is then plated with 18ct gold for a soft antique look. ($50)

Sterling silver earrings from Indiaylaluna are dainty simple and perfect. (From $30)

and of course, my all time favorite, Lisa Levine

HILARIOUS INVITATION

I stumbled across this on Once Upon a Wedding and had to share...I needed a good laugh tonight...: )

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE PART 1 (THE BUSINESS ASSOCIATE)

Business associates and clients tend to be the most difficult people to buy for. We don't know them that well, yet especially in my business, we don't want to give them something completely impersonal and boring. Luckily most of my clients and business associates are women, and working in a creative field, they typically appeciate things that are a little out of the ordinary. Here's a great list of options to consider for gifts for the client or business associate:

Who couldn’t use a beautiful hanging calendar from one of my favorite designers, Papaya. Available in Bird and Blooms or Bohemian. $14

The Little Pie Company, based in NYC, provides a delicious selection of homemade pies such as Sour Cream Apple Walnet, Key Lime, Southern Pecan and Cherry Pies among other flavors which are beautifully and not to mention sturdily packaged and sent via FED EX anywhere in the US. Starting @ $54 plus shipping.

I’m a sucker for anything roses. The La Vie en Rose Gift set from UK based Mirror Mirror features a stunning rose garland beaker from my favorite Swedish designer, Karin Eriksson as well as a large box of luxurious rose trimmed and rose scented aromatherapy bath melts. Mirror Mirror’s gift sets are wrapped in tissue and ribbon and presented in a chic white gift box making a beautiful presentation. About $57 USD plus shipping.




Stunning day planners, address books and journals from Paperblanks would make a lovely gift for a paper loving business associate. Available online at Amazon and Borders.



MORE TO COME : )

KATE SPADE SAMPLE SALE

No lines, just click, click click to some great deals on Kate Spade bags, wallets and shoes. Brilliant! I scored a great baby tote for a friend's shower gift for $99. : )