Why the toss bouquet isn't dead yet - new twist on an old tradition

Toss bouquets have been a part of weddings for forever.  The bride winks at the single ladies all bunched together and then tosses her bouquet (or a stand in bouquet) to the seemingly desperate women.  Every single woman must want to catch that bouquet for her chance to be married next, right?   Doesn't sound very romantic or kind, does it?


The toss bouquet doesn't have to die. I have a new tradition for you.  

Fortune toss bouquets and best wishes toss bouquets!  

http://www.etsy.com/listing/60227382/fortune-toss-wedding-bouquet-a-new-twist

The fortune toss bouquet is actually several (5-7) small bouquets that disperse when thrown into the crowd.  Attached to each bouquet is a personalized tag from the wedding couple.  Well wishes, fortune cookie sayings, favorite quotes, music lyrics, or personal notes of love are written on the tags along with the couples name and wedding date.


These bouquets are meant for every guest.  It doesn't matter is they are male, female, married, single, nine or ninety.  The recipient gets a wonderful gift from the newlyweds.  The newlyweds get great action photos from their reception and something to talk about for years.


I can create a custom toss bouquet just for your wedding.  Your wedding colors can be matched, or better yet why not go wild and do  patterns or metallics?   The only thing that will limit us is our imagination.  http://www.etsy.com/listing/60227382/fortune-toss-wedding-bouquet-a-new-twist

{make} Homemade Vanilla Extract for the Holidays

{make} Homemade Vanilla Extract for the Holidays

I am discovering how much I like food related treats and favors. This homemade vanilla extract recipe is perfect for a baby shower or wedding too. Customize your labels to your event.

Preston Bailey color tool

Awesome tool to help you decide on colors

I am like a kid in a candy store.  This link is to an event planners color guide.  It is interactive and will make you want to do it over and over again.  So much fun.

What makes personalization cool?

Personalization is a great way to express style. Unfortunately, it can go too far. It reminds me of young boys having their names sewn onto their underwear. I like a more subtle approach to personalization. I have worked with quirky brides that love to be unique. Now every time I see a penguin button or charm I think of Amy, or pastel water colors I think of Annie. The bouquets I create are 100% personalized but you won't find a monogram, you'll find childhood photos tucked into the flower centers or a quote from a favorite poet. I am particularly fond of animal photos. Fido is your furry baby that misses your big day. What better way is there to keep him with you?

I would love to hear your ideas for unique personal touches.

DIY Facials

A professional facial can be very expensive ranging in cost from $50.00-$300.00.  I have done some good Internet searching to find the best DIY at home facials.  They come in two types.  AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) for dry skin and BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) for oily and acne prone skin.  The most common form of AHA is glycolic acid derived from cane sugar.  The most common form of BHA is salicylic acid easily found in aspirin.  Either of these acids works by sloughing off the upper layers of skin cells to reveal the fresh new skin underneath.  If you are planning to do a facial before your wedding (highly recommended) do a dry run a 2 months or more before the wedding to prevent possible pictures of an allergic reaction.  If the peel goes well repeat one-two times a week for six weeks prior to your wedding.  Remember to moisturize after doing any peel.


Here are a list of DIY recipes for facial peels:

Fruit juice peel:
For combination skin

1/4 Cup lemon juice
1/4 Cup Apple juice
1/4 Cup Grape juice
1/4 Cup fine grain cane sugar

Mix all ingredients in a bowl.  Apply to face for 10 minutes.  Rinse with water.
This is a peel that can be done often but keep in mind that your skin will adjust to the acids and the peel will stop working after a while.


Apple cider vinegar:
Super mild for all skin types

1/2 Cup apple cider vinegar

Dip cotton ball into vinegar and apply to face in circular motions.  Leave on for 10 minutes.  Rinse off with water.  This can be your daily cleanser as well.


Aspirin (BHA Salicylic) peel
For acne prone skin

3 tablet aspirins
1 lemon

Place the aspirin in a shallow bowl or lipped plate and drip lemon juice onto the tablets.  About a teaspoon of juice.  The tablets will start to dissolve or soften.   Press on the tablets.  Add more lemon juice if still hard after 1 minute.  When they turn into mush apply the paste to your face and let it dry for about 15 minutes.  Rinse with water. 


Sweet mask (AHA Glycolic):
For dry skin

1/2 Cup plain greek yogurt
1/4 Cup fine grain cane sugar

Mix the two until you have a grainy yet creamy mask.  Apply to the face for 10 minutes.  Rinse with water.