4.27.2011
3.02.2011
2.16.2011
Raspberry-Ginger Wine Coolers
This has become one of my favorite specialty wine recipes. It's fantastic for parties, get togethers, or just topping off the end of a great day.
It's really simple, you'll need:
1 bag of frozen raspberries
1/2 c honey
1/2 c water
2 tsp grated fresh ginger root
1 bottle dry white wine such as Chardonnay, chilled (I used barefoot)
1. Combine raspberries, honey, water and ginger in large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH 2-3 minutes or until warm, stirring halfway through. Place fine-mesh strainer over small bowl and pour raspberry mixture into strainer. Press mixture lightly with scraper/spatula to extract as much raspberry syrup as possible. Discard raspberry pulp and seeds.
2. Pour wine into serving pitcher. Stir raspberry syrup into wine. Refrigerate 2 hours or until cold. Serve over crushed ice.
Yield: 4 servings
Enjoy!!
Laura Brittania
recipe from Pampered Chef, pampered chef online, www.pamperedchef.com
1.28.2011
Robb Davidson Rocked our Wedding Photos
Planning a wedding on a low budget seems nearly impossible when the average cost for a wedding today is estimated at $20,000+. Although our budget was wayyy wayyyyy beneath that amount, we still were able to have a beautiful celebration that was everything we had hoped for.
Stephen and I agreed early on that pictures were something that was very important to us and that we were willing to spend a large portion of our budget on a great photographer. We realized that we would get to keep our pictures for years to come unlike most other expenses in the wedding.
We looked around at a ton of different independent photographers, but soon realized that we could have been looking at a price tag of 10,000 or more just for the pictures!! (no wonder people can spend over 20g's)
BUT then we discovered Robb Davidson (not like he wasn't already doing his thing already :) )
I attended Judson University with Robb a few years ago and have been admiring his work from a distance ever since meeting him.
Something great about Robb and how he works is that he gave us the whole day, whatever hours we wanted him there with no extra fee "per hour". This was something that was way different than most other photographers we looked at. This really affected our decision towards using Robb.
But also, his work was just great. He has a super fun and easy going personality, but he knows how to get the job done and do it professionally.
I really felt that he did a lot of unique shots for us as well, capturing our day in its own way.
He was totally flexible to get all the shots we requested along the way.
Something else that he did that we loved was displaying a slide show of the pictures from the day at the reception. He uploaded a good chunk of the day onto his imac and our guests all loved watching the pictures scroll through. It was a fun addition to the reception!
How cute!! Our ring bearer and flower girl...
Every kiss...
hugs...
the special moments...
all of it..
captured beautifully!
If you would like more information about Robb and his work, check out his website! He travels nationwide and I'm sure worldwide to capture your day and much more.
www.robb-davidson.com
with love,
Laura Brittania
Stephen and I agreed early on that pictures were something that was very important to us and that we were willing to spend a large portion of our budget on a great photographer. We realized that we would get to keep our pictures for years to come unlike most other expenses in the wedding.
We looked around at a ton of different independent photographers, but soon realized that we could have been looking at a price tag of 10,000 or more just for the pictures!! (no wonder people can spend over 20g's)
BUT then we discovered Robb Davidson (not like he wasn't already doing his thing already :) )
I attended Judson University with Robb a few years ago and have been admiring his work from a distance ever since meeting him.
Something great about Robb and how he works is that he gave us the whole day, whatever hours we wanted him there with no extra fee "per hour". This was something that was way different than most other photographers we looked at. This really affected our decision towards using Robb.
But also, his work was just great. He has a super fun and easy going personality, but he knows how to get the job done and do it professionally.
I really felt that he did a lot of unique shots for us as well, capturing our day in its own way.
He was totally flexible to get all the shots we requested along the way.
Something else that he did that we loved was displaying a slide show of the pictures from the day at the reception. He uploaded a good chunk of the day onto his imac and our guests all loved watching the pictures scroll through. It was a fun addition to the reception!
How cute!! Our ring bearer and flower girl...
Every kiss...
hugs...
the special moments...
all of it..
captured beautifully!
If you would like more information about Robb and his work, check out his website! He travels nationwide and I'm sure worldwide to capture your day and much more.
www.robb-davidson.com
with love,
Laura Brittania
12.28.2010
11.19.2010
Personal Assistant, AKA Superhero of the day
After all the planning is done and everything is set, you get to relax. Right?
Not so much. AT least for me!
The big day came and went, everything turning out pretty much how we had dreamed which was great! However, even on my big day I had to make sure certain details were taken care of. There was so much to juggle! We had a guest list of close to 350 and a little over 200 of those were in attendance. There were two separate receptions, one simply with cake and snacks, another for 150 with a full dinner buffet and dancing. My mom and my cousin ended up exhausted after taking it upon themselves to make sure everything was put in place, pieced together, and organized.
Looking back, having a personal assistant or planner was something that we wish we would have invested in. It wasn't something that was even considered since we were on a rather limited budget. However, it ended up being a much bigger list of responsibilities than we had imagined. We didn't have anyone who's sole responsibility was to set things up and make sure everything was in place throughout the day.
I know there are many brides who have not even considered what a personal assistant or planner could do for them. I've found that many people think that their MOH and attendants will take care of most anything you could need, but this is not reality for most weddings. If you're wondering what an assistant's responsibilities could include, I've found a list (from a personal attendants website, *link found at bottom) that names some great things that may be otherwise overlooked and would be an attendants responsibility:
There are many different options for finding and hiring an attendant. Many reception venues offer these services practically free of charge when you purchase the wedding package with them. They have someone who serves to make sure everything is in order and runs smoothly. But even still, it is a good idea to have someone who knows you as the bride and groom personally to check up on everything and provide you with anything you may need throughout the day. You may have a friend or relative who loves to organize and has an eye for details. This is someone who would probably be happier than you may think to be asked to be an organizer for your day!
If you cannot think of anyone who fits this role and your venue does not offer this service, there are many sites offering personal attendants with a price tag ranging from $500-2500+. Here is a link to one such site with a mid range price: Wedding Day Angels
I hope that this post helps future brides consider the absolute asset an assistant can be for their wedding day! Next time I'll be posting links to the best prices that I have found on common party and wedding decoration products! :) Invaluable!!!!
Until then,
Laura Brittania
Link for attendant responsibilities list
Not so much. AT least for me!
The big day came and went, everything turning out pretty much how we had dreamed which was great! However, even on my big day I had to make sure certain details were taken care of. There was so much to juggle! We had a guest list of close to 350 and a little over 200 of those were in attendance. There were two separate receptions, one simply with cake and snacks, another for 150 with a full dinner buffet and dancing. My mom and my cousin ended up exhausted after taking it upon themselves to make sure everything was put in place, pieced together, and organized.
Looking back, having a personal assistant or planner was something that we wish we would have invested in. It wasn't something that was even considered since we were on a rather limited budget. However, it ended up being a much bigger list of responsibilities than we had imagined. We didn't have anyone who's sole responsibility was to set things up and make sure everything was in place throughout the day.
I know there are many brides who have not even considered what a personal assistant or planner could do for them. I've found that many people think that their MOH and attendants will take care of most anything you could need, but this is not reality for most weddings. If you're wondering what an assistant's responsibilities could include, I've found a list (from a personal attendants website, *link found at bottom) that names some great things that may be otherwise overlooked and would be an attendants responsibility:
Meeting with you to discuss and learn details of your day
Preparation of rehearsal & wedding itineraries
Preparation of rehearsal & wedding itineraries
Follow up with vendors/confirm times & details
Attendance & Direction at the rehearsal
Helping with the seating chart
Attending appointments with the Bride
Holding necessary wedding day items for the Bride
Providing direction and guidance to ushers for seating of guests
Taking care of the entire wedding party and immediate family members so that everyone has peace of mind about where they are to be
Making certain that all finishing touches are complete per bride's specific instruction; place cards, wedding favors, ceremony programs, lighting of candles, disposable cameras, etc...
Cutting cake (if necessary)
Help couple clean up after cake cutting
Gather items post service & reception such as candles, wedding license, gifts, cake knife & toasting glasses
Distribute final payments & tip to vendors on behalf of couple
Giving directions and passing out itineraries and maps to guests
Carrying bride's personal belongings: purse, make-up, mints, etc...
Assisting in gathering the wedding party and family members for pictures as needed
Keeping track of and organizing wedding gifts and envelopes
Providing goodies for your wedding night
Check-in, bring your luggage, and preparing your suite on your wedding night
Arrange transportation at the end of your reception to take you to your wedding night destination
Keeping an emergency kit on hand at ALL times (hairspray, safety pins, needle & thread, nail polish, etc)
There are many different options for finding and hiring an attendant. Many reception venues offer these services practically free of charge when you purchase the wedding package with them. They have someone who serves to make sure everything is in order and runs smoothly. But even still, it is a good idea to have someone who knows you as the bride and groom personally to check up on everything and provide you with anything you may need throughout the day. You may have a friend or relative who loves to organize and has an eye for details. This is someone who would probably be happier than you may think to be asked to be an organizer for your day!
If you cannot think of anyone who fits this role and your venue does not offer this service, there are many sites offering personal attendants with a price tag ranging from $500-2500+. Here is a link to one such site with a mid range price: Wedding Day Angels
I hope that this post helps future brides consider the absolute asset an assistant can be for their wedding day! Next time I'll be posting links to the best prices that I have found on common party and wedding decoration products! :) Invaluable!!!!
Until then,
Laura Brittania
Link for attendant responsibilities list
11.13.2010
Inspiration Boards
Whether you're planning a wedding, decorating a room, or setting a future goal for yourself, an inspiration board can be an invaluable part of whether the result is what you initially wanted.
I have noticed that when I talk about inspiration boards (IBs), most people think of women planning out all the colors and themes for their dream wedding day. It's true that this is an extremely popular use for IBs but what is overlooked are all the other fantastic uses for them in other areas of life. They really are an amazing tool for pretty much every topic and every person.
I read once that motivation will almost always beat mere talent. If this is in fact true, I'm sure we would all want a little more motivation in some areas. :) The problem with motivation as opposed to raw talent is that it is not always channeled in the right direction. Let's say you are going to be painting a room in your home but you have no idea how colors go together or even where to start with piecing it all together. You may not have the talent per-say, but what you do have is the motivation to make a great room. However, if in your flurry of excitement to create a great looking room you run out and grab a few buckets of your favorite colors (let's say... bright neon orange and midnight black) you might just end up sitting in a living room that looks more like a candy corn than the latest add from Pottery Barn.
Maybe it's not that you're going to be doing a room makeover, but maybe getting up for work everyday is getting much more difficult. Or perhaps you want to change a bad habit but need an extra reminder every morning. Maybe you have a goal you want to reach, but as time goes on and things get harder, it also gets hard to remember exactly why you're doing what you're doing.
If you are reading this thinking... "this all sounds great but I have no idea what an inspiration board even is" then fret no more. Here are some of my favorite examples to help you get the picture...
Personal Inspiration
Wedding Inspiration
Here are some different ways you can make a board...
-use a cork board and some cool push pins that also inspire you. Post pictures, quotes, notes, and anything else that has significance for you.
-Buy some light cording or yarn and clothes pins. You can use thumb tacks or nails to hang the cord on a wall or strung in another area where you will see it often. The clothes pins are great for hanging pictures and other things and you can also decorate the pins so that they also inspire you.
-Poster board and some rubber cement work great to make something as small or large as you would like. You can also use fun scrapbooking paper
-A small scrapbook can be used to make a short "inspiration book" that you can carry with you and flip through when you need a reminder.
-Online at www.polyvore.com you can create a free account and import any pictures or files that you want to design your board
Another note is that paint samples from the hardware store are a great addition to inspiration boards.
I'd love to hear any more ideas anyone has on these. Next time I'm focusing on the absolute necessity for a personal assistant on your big day!
Laura Brittania
I have noticed that when I talk about inspiration boards (IBs), most people think of women planning out all the colors and themes for their dream wedding day. It's true that this is an extremely popular use for IBs but what is overlooked are all the other fantastic uses for them in other areas of life. They really are an amazing tool for pretty much every topic and every person.
I read once that motivation will almost always beat mere talent. If this is in fact true, I'm sure we would all want a little more motivation in some areas. :) The problem with motivation as opposed to raw talent is that it is not always channeled in the right direction. Let's say you are going to be painting a room in your home but you have no idea how colors go together or even where to start with piecing it all together. You may not have the talent per-say, but what you do have is the motivation to make a great room. However, if in your flurry of excitement to create a great looking room you run out and grab a few buckets of your favorite colors (let's say... bright neon orange and midnight black) you might just end up sitting in a living room that looks more like a candy corn than the latest add from Pottery Barn.
Maybe it's not that you're going to be doing a room makeover, but maybe getting up for work everyday is getting much more difficult. Or perhaps you want to change a bad habit but need an extra reminder every morning. Maybe you have a goal you want to reach, but as time goes on and things get harder, it also gets hard to remember exactly why you're doing what you're doing.
If you are reading this thinking... "this all sounds great but I have no idea what an inspiration board even is" then fret no more. Here are some of my favorite examples to help you get the picture...
Room Inspiration
Personal Inspiration
Wedding Inspiration
Here are some different ways you can make a board...
-use a cork board and some cool push pins that also inspire you. Post pictures, quotes, notes, and anything else that has significance for you.
-Buy some light cording or yarn and clothes pins. You can use thumb tacks or nails to hang the cord on a wall or strung in another area where you will see it often. The clothes pins are great for hanging pictures and other things and you can also decorate the pins so that they also inspire you.
-Poster board and some rubber cement work great to make something as small or large as you would like. You can also use fun scrapbooking paper
-A small scrapbook can be used to make a short "inspiration book" that you can carry with you and flip through when you need a reminder.
-Online at www.polyvore.com you can create a free account and import any pictures or files that you want to design your board
Another note is that paint samples from the hardware store are a great addition to inspiration boards.
I'd love to hear any more ideas anyone has on these. Next time I'm focusing on the absolute necessity for a personal assistant on your big day!
Laura Brittania
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