Maine

OD and I just spent a few days in Maine. I was already in Boston doing an event and Chris flew up and met me when it was over so we could enjoy a few days off. I had been to Maine once before when I was an intern, and Chris had been in and out for a game in college, but we haven't been together. Turns out it was as great as I had remembered! I really just love it there.

We saw (and heard) some really cool lighthouses



We ate a lot of lobster - yum!

We experienced some wicked fog. This is the same harbor early one morning, and then just a few hours later. Better - but still so foggy!

We stayed at some darling Bed and Breakfasts

We went sailing and the captain pulled up one of his lobster traps while we were out on the boat. He had a lobster, but it was too small so he threw it back.

As with most of our trips, we had so much fun we can't wait to go back!

Real Simple Event (Part 2) - Goodies

The Real Simple event was, well...really simple. There were a handful of passed hors d'oeuvres (mini burgers and crab cakes) and a couple of wine bars. Unfortunately, there were only a couple of stations that addressed the event's theme - Summer Entertaining. One had some fun invitation ideas that were in the magazine such as writing the details on a beach ball and then deflating to put in the mail, or using a rubber swimming cap as your medium. The other station featured some dip recipes from the magazine:

Gingery Cilantro Dip; Warm Feta Spread; Yogurt, Dill, and Walnut Dip; and Yellow Tomato Salsa



Recipes for all can be found HERE.

The most fun thing of the night was the Goodie Bag! On they way out, each guest was given a nylon Real Simple tote bag with a copy of the July issue, Bacardi glass rimmer in Mint (perfect for mojitos), a small red zipper pouch, and my two favorite items

1. Essie Nail Polish in Real Simple. This color is the perfect light pink neutral (very similar to the famous and popular Ballet Slippers)

2. Fresh Cosmetics Sugar Lip Gloss in Sugar Shag. I was unfamiliar with this line and now I am a FAN! I love the gloss. Looking at the color I was nervous because it is a bright scarlet. However, it goes on quite shear and is the perfect petal pink. The texture and smell are really great too. I am definitely going to stock up on this.

Real Simple Event (Part 1) - The Liberty Hotel

A couple of weeks ago I was in Boston to work on an event. While in Beantown one of my favorite magazines Real Simple happened to be hosting an event and lucky for me, it was on my travel day before my event set up!

Real Simple Nights was held at the Liberty Hotel in Boston. My cab driver informed me (and I confirmed his tale) that the hotel used to be a prison, but prison no more! (though there is a dining spot called Clink!)

I LOVED the space. Located in Beacon Hill, this luxury hotel has an incredible lobby and public area. This picture simply doesn't do it justice.

Exposed brick, large dramatic iron chandeliers, chic white furniture. Their largest ballroom is 3000 square feet and can accommodate 300 for a reception or 240 for dinner. It would be a great option for a fancy dinner or small meeting.

More on the actual event in the next post....stay tuned.

I Heart Paper Source

Inspired by our weekend helping fabulous friends with a DIY wedding invite, I bring you Paper Source. For those of you unfamiliar with Paper Source, it is a Chicago based paper store, and so much more. The store has amazing papers and colors in every possible size and shape - perfect for an invitation, menu, favor, program, greeting card, etc.

Check out the Paper Source How To section with demonstration videos and project ideas.

There are 2 locations in the DC area - Georgetown and Alexandria, or you can find them online at www.paper-source.com

DIY Doodle Wrap

Check out this fun gift wrap from WhimsyPress.com (home to many fun, and you guessed it - whimsical items). Two sided - the green side provides doodles for you and pink side let's you create your own doodles or notes. $4.50 per sheet.

Save the Dates

Save the Dates are a perfect way to give guests a preliminary heads up and provide more details about your event. Some basic guidelines for sending Save the Dates:

Who needs them?

Suggested for:
Everyone. More and more brides are sending Save the Dates as they provide a fun opportunity to get the word out and foreshadow the style of your big event.

Required for:
Destination Wedding
Weddings including Out of Town Guests
Weddings taking place during a holiday or other peak time

When to send?

Aim to send save-the-date cards soon after you secure your date and venue, or about 6-9 months prior to your wedding.

What style should I use?

Save the Dates are fun. Since they are a relatively modern concept, no formal rules apply. You can find options that match your invitation, colors and theme. Or mix it up - use something whimsical or casual.

What should I include?

Save the Dates should be simple, providng a basic who, what, when.... Be sure to include:

* Names
* Date
* Location

You can also include:
* hotel accommodations
* directions
* any additional parties you might want guests to attend during the wedding weekend

The Perfect Fancy Bag

I found the perfect fancy bag for a wedding (and only $60). This Kate Landry Rhinestone-Bow Frame Clutch features: rhinestone-embellished closure; chain strap that can be tucked away; rhinestone-encrusted large bow detail; and silvertone hardware. Available in Champagne or Turquoise.I may need one (don't tell Chris!)