tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62628265494310554192024-03-05T12:11:43.200-08:00sparkle & swoona place for the prettier things in life...Sidneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11443111308035932334noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262826549431055419.post-65629930622556831152012-02-20T11:25:00.000-08:002012-02-20T11:28:18.320-08:00girl crush (on garance)<span style="font-style: normal; font-size: 100%; "><a href="http://www.garancedore.fr/en">garance dore</a> is probably the cutest french woman in the world. i'm pretty sure this is common knowledge to, well, everyone. you know this and i know this. </span><div><br /><span style="font-style: normal; font-size: 100%; "><div><div style="font-style: normal; font-size: 100%; " s=""></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-size: 100%; ">as if anyone needed more convincing however, garance has created a video series (or vlog, if you will) of her life as she covers fashion week in new york and paris:</div><div style="font-style: normal; font-size: 100%; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-size: 100%; text-align: center; "><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9QNPk4sFwRs?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; text-align: center; " span="">(Pardon My French, Episode 1 also sparkling <a href="http://www.garancedore.fr/en/2012/02/15/pardon-my-frenchepisode-1/">here</a>)</div><div style="font-style: normal; text-align: center; "><span><br /></span></div><div><span>so no, no one needed more convincing. garance dore is a total doll. it's a fact. but there <i>is</i> something about seeing this fabulous woman in her fabulous every day life that really seals the deal on the matter, isn't there?</span></div></div></span></div>Sidneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11443111308035932334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262826549431055419.post-38699671809930904992012-02-12T18:43:00.000-08:002012-02-12T18:59:24.391-08:00what if...?what if you could live IN an ikea?? or rather, a home made up entirely of things found in an ikea store? <div><br /></div><div>but what if that home was only 52 square meters... and in the middle of a Paris metro station?? <div><br /></div><div>well that's exactly what 5 Parisians did for 6 full days last month! check out the assembly of the apartment and the roommates living together (not to mention being on public display 24/7!) below:</div><div><br /></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/oMEi9vzWdug?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" style="font-size: 100%; "></iframe></div><br /></div><div>do you think you could live in this sort of situation, even for 6 days? i think it would be super exciting at first, and then become fairly claustrophobic and uncomfortable. </div><div><br /></div><div>but honestly, if offered this unique opportunity, who could turn it down!? so neat. </div></div></div>Sidneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11443111308035932334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262826549431055419.post-61330927859008331452012-02-10T09:15:00.000-08:002012-02-10T09:20:07.077-08:00kids, on marriage<span style="font-size: 100%;">these rules for marriage made me laugh. kids are so great.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://iwsmt.littleasllc.netdna-cdn.com/February-01-2012-21-12-05-marriage.gif" style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 1355px;" src="http://iwsmt.littleasllc.netdna-cdn.com/February-01-2012-21-12-05-marriage.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><span >(marriage <s>facts</s> advice sparkling <a href="http://iwastesomuchtime.com/on/?i=22767">here</a>)</span></div>Sidneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11443111308035932334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262826549431055419.post-11848037588402580452012-02-03T18:18:00.000-08:002012-02-03T18:34:44.140-08:00video gamesi know lana del rey is old news. she's been hyped-up and she's been ripped down. but her album (finally!) dropped on tuesday and say what you will about her big lips or her shaky snl performance... her music is <span style="font-style:italic;">pretty</span> amazing. it's haunting, sexy and catchy and that's not a combination you find everyday, folks.<div><br /></div><div>when her video for the single "video games" was leaked last fall i must have watched it 20-plus times. i'd given it a rest up until this week when i got to listen to the rest of the "born to die" album. there are some <i>major</i> songs ("radio" is a favorite) and after listening to them all on repeat, i just had to return once again to the "video games" video. </div><div><br /></div><div>the nostalgia of these retro clips, combined with her undeniable beauty and that smoky voice is just bewitching.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HO1OV5B_JDw?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Sidneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11443111308035932334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262826549431055419.post-31710459039586807192012-02-02T10:30:00.000-08:002012-02-02T10:30:00.421-08:00little white dresses for Everything But The...<div style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXHD0s1fD2g/TyrSc1As1NI/AAAAAAAAAuo/ugKFiITaWcM/s1600/dvf.jpg" style="text-align: left; " onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXHD0s1fD2g/TyrSc1As1NI/AAAAAAAAAuo/ugKFiITaWcM/s400/dvf.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704603270726341842" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 203px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >Dress by - Diane von Furstenberg (Zarita Lace Dress)</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Some girls wait their whole lives to wear that white dress on their wedding day, but when it comes down to picking out the perfect style, length and shade, it can be difficult to pick just one! What if you see yourself walking down the aisle in a fitted, lace gown with a long train but can't deny how fun and flirty a lace mini dress would look?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not to worry! Leading up to your big day there are plenty of occasions in honor and celebration of your engagement and wedding, giving you an excellent excuse for a little white dress (LWD)! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXHD0s1fD2g/TyrSc1As1NI/AAAAAAAAAuo/ugKFiITaWcM/s1600/dvf.jpg" style="text-align: left; " onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b07HzGrih-Q/TyrSkk5smTI/AAAAAAAAAu0/brpAkfkHWE0/s320/marchesa%2Bfall%2B2012.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704603403840952626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></div><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >Dress by - Marchesa (Fall 2012)</span></i></div></div><br />Taking a note from the popular saying is the idea of the LWD for "Everything But The" wedding! This white dress is your chance to wear a flirty and fun, non-traditional dress that makes you feel your very best, but might not be the best fit for your actual wedding.<div><br /></div><div>The "Everything But The" dress is perfect for your bridal shower, rehearsal dinner or after party because it makes it clear that you're the bride. Plus who doesn't look amazing in shades of white and creme?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EasSnri4Io8/TyrQ4XkJHPI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/CvrJoU63a2U/s1600/sb.jpg" style="text-align: left; " onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EasSnri4Io8/TyrQ4XkJHPI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/CvrJoU63a2U/s400/sb.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704601544835013874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 203px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >Dress by - Free People (Lurex Starlight Party Dress)</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>Thankfully many designers and department stores have taken note of this trend and are currently offering some amazing "Everything But The" dress options! Whether you want to look glamorous, sexy or demure at your upcoming celebration, there's bound to be many couture and budget-friendly choices fresh off this season's runway!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bca6YGbdi_A/TyrIn9gHRjI/AAAAAAAAAtU/e_hapHZd7Sg/s1600/2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5n9rBYG7kcc/TyrSsBDj8CI/AAAAAAAAAvA/KK2JDurLCmY/s1600/2.jpg" style="text-align: left; " onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5n9rBYG7kcc/TyrSsBDj8CI/AAAAAAAAAvA/KK2JDurLCmY/s320/2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704603531657605154" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 278px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >Dresses by - from left to right: Nanette Lepore (Ponderous Dress), Watters (Melbourne Dress)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div>Monique Lhuillier's current Spring 2012 collection is made up of structured mini dresses that are more fitted and flirtatious while her Fall 2012 collection offers playful, pocketed dresses that remind me whimsical springtime sundresses.</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SAPXAXclRec/TyrSzHXw6kI/AAAAAAAAAvM/qBQmrWBMkqk/s1600/3.jpg" style="text-align: left; " onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SAPXAXclRec/TyrSzHXw6kI/AAAAAAAAAvM/qBQmrWBMkqk/s320/3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704603653612038722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 232px; " /></a></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TnsyMrySxlI/TyrS6ZJeN_I/AAAAAAAAAvY/2V2BSIvjvkk/s1600/ml.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TnsyMrySxlI/TyrS6ZJeN_I/AAAAAAAAAvY/2V2BSIvjvkk/s320/ml.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704603778643015666" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px; " /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>Dresses by - Monique Lhuillier, top row, from left to right: Taylor Dress, Pippa Dress (Spring 2012); bottom row, from left to right: Posey Dress, Lili Dress (Fall 2012)</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">BHLDN, much like their mother company, Anthropologie, is showing dresses with a cool, retro vibe in a number of different styles, from sheaths to baby-dolls.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PtNsIhIMuGE/TyrIe2K1sLI/AAAAAAAAAs8/2qKOBAivpOc/s1600/4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JHDCrILJHxM/TyrTBaSKiiI/AAAAAAAAAvk/G24LhDq4SRk/s1600/4.jpg" style="text-align: left; " onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JHDCrILJHxM/TyrTBaSKiiI/AAAAAAAAAvk/G24LhDq4SRk/s320/4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704603899206994466" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >Dresses by - BHLDN, top row, from left to right: Saturnalia Dress, Dainty Diversion Mini, Tracery Dress; bottom row, from left to right: Spun Sugar Shift, Quatrefoil Sheath, For Esme Dress</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">You can also check out tons of online stores such as Net-a-Porter and the British shop, Asos, as well as American department stores like Nordstrom and Bloomingdales for other great options!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9NCJMIfaRO0/TyrThVAuBBI/AAAAAAAAAvw/skcHjLoaA3o/s1600/6.jpg" style="text-align: left; " onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9NCJMIfaRO0/TyrThVAuBBI/AAAAAAAAAvw/skcHjLoaA3o/s320/6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704604447547458578" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 286px; " /></a></div></span><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span">Dresses by - top row, all available at Asos online, from left to right: Asos Brand (Skater Dress with Lace and Mesh), Whistles (Large Spot Dress), TFNC (One Shoulder Dress); bottom row, all available at Nordstrom online, from left to right: Maggy London (Tie Waist Metallic Lace Sheath), Antik Batik (Ilka Sequined Tulle Dress), Nordstrom BP Brand (En Creme Lace Illusion Dress</span>)</span></i></div><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center; "><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span">As you can see, the options for fun little white dresses are seemingly limitless! When choosing your dress for your upcoming bridal shower, rehearsal dinner or after party, just make sure to pick something that speaks to your personal style and your beautiful bride-to-be glow will do the rest of the work!</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span">**</span>This post can also be seen on the blog for Stellina Events, a New York and San Francisco-based wedding and special events planning and design consultancy for which I have interned since November 2011. The Stellina Events article, posted on January 26, 2012 can be seen <a href="http://www.stellinaevents.com/blog/?p=2393">here</a>**</div>Sidneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11443111308035932334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262826549431055419.post-27747834111279575262012-01-26T23:10:00.000-08:002012-01-26T23:19:10.689-08:00baloonatic<div style="text-align: left;">i don't know if you know this about me, but i'm kind of <i style="text-align: left; ">super</i> into <a href="http://sparkleandswoon.blogspot.com/2011/05/balloons.html">balloons</a>. i'd even go so far as to say that <a href="http://sparkleandswoon.blogspot.com/2011/07/make-entrance.html">balloons</a> are one of my top five fave inanimate, unnatural, non-food items. they're awesome. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">balloons are fun, balloons make me smile and balloons are appropriate at basically every sort of event.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://geronimoballoons.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/big-shot.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 900px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div>birthday parties? absolutely. </div><div>new years eve? of course. </div><div>weddings? why the hell not!?!</div><div>any given saturday? bring. it. on.<br /><div><br /></div><div>it's true. </div><div><br /></div><div>once upon a time, balloons were only for babies and, but now balloons are for everyone! and that's mostly due to <a href="http://geronimoballoons.com/">Geronimo!</a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://geronimoballoons.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DSC_5927.jpg" style="text-align: left; " onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://geronimoballoons.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DSC_5927.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 850px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>founded in Seattle in 2010, Geronimo!'s amazing spherical masterpieces, coupled with signature fancy ribbons, have become a <i>huge</i> trend, but i'm sure i'm not the only one who believes this trend is nowhere even close to going out of style. this is one for the books, people.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://geronimoballoons.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DSC_5825.jpg" style="text-align: left; " onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://geronimoballoons.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DSC_5825.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 900px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>i'm so obsessed with these balloons. so this post is basically just an excuse to be happy. </div><div><br /></div><div>i mean, can you even imagine what it would feel like to be given one of these babies? and check out the valentine's day edition below! i. would. just. die. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://geronimoballoons.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/GMO_OH_JOY_022.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://geronimoballoons.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/GMO_OH_JOY_022.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 575px; height: 850px; " /></a></div>Sidneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11443111308035932334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262826549431055419.post-43218036455251296012012-01-25T14:49:00.000-08:002012-01-25T15:12:24.521-08:00hello again!<div style="text-align: left;">i know a lot of bloggers graciously apologize after being absent from their blogs for months on end, or posting too irregularly, but since i'm pretty sure i'm the only person who actually reads sparkle and swoon i'm going to just go ahead and ignore that etiquette.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">basically, to keep it short and sweet, i've made a conscious decision to come back to blogging. everyone (ha!) alright with that?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">how about some eye candy of the black and white variety to get us back on track?...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://thedressersroom.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/w7.jpg?w=278" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://thedressersroom.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/w7.jpg?w=278" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 555px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >(sparkling <a href="http://thedressersroom.wordpress.com/2010/05/11/vintage-and-antique-bridal-wear-at-the-dressers-room/w7/">here</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/174866398001229062/">pinterest</a>)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/174866398000973821_5bigZfzp_c.jpg" style="text-align: left; " onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/174866398000973821_5bigZfzp_c.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 600px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >(sparkling <a href="http://crushculdesac.tumblr.com/">here</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/174866398000973821/">pinterest</a>)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/89649848801823581_EFJRpdbv_c.jpg" style="text-align: left; " onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/89649848801823581_EFJRpdbv_c.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 475px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >(sparkling <a href="http://ffffound.com/image/f76370e085722cf5c532d948fbddba1c48e5d7f6">here</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/174866398001273783/">pinterest</a>)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">see you again soon, blogland!</div>Sidneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11443111308035932334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262826549431055419.post-32911369751897159082011-12-25T14:50:00.000-08:002012-01-12T20:12:59.684-08:00christmastime is here.merry christmas! i hope you and yours had a warm, beautiful, and giving holiday season!<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pSLOnR1s74o?rel=0&hd=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="309" width="550"></iframe>Sidneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11443111308035932334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262826549431055419.post-30214849246456387612011-12-12T20:15:00.000-08:002012-02-02T10:22:36.589-08:00"let them eat cake!"<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YMSEGkJngLg/TxzfxePNVzI/AAAAAAAAApQ/3PaqB7eIq9s/s1600/Rococo%2BWedding%2BCake%252C%2BElizabeth%2BMessina.jpg" style="text-align: left; " onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 320px; " src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YMSEGkJngLg/TxzfxePNVzI/AAAAAAAAApQ/3PaqB7eIq9s/s320/Rococo%2BWedding%2BCake%252C%2BElizabeth%2BMessina.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700677269367641906" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Credit: Cake Coquette / Photo credit: Elizabeth Messina</span></i></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Marie Antoinette definitely got the dessert right when she famously declared, "Let them eat cake," but perhaps she wouldn't have endured the same fate if she had thought of additional sweet options that her subjects might enjoy. Cake is delightful and delectable to many taste buds and eyes alike, and while some palates do crave the traditional white tiered wedding cake, others adore cake but desire even more to make their wedding that much sweeter.</div><div><br /></div><div>As you'll see below, there are some terrific cake choices, as well as alternative desserts that can be used in place of, or in addition to, a wedding cake.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JncEmXV9pY4/TxzgLEF4JgI/AAAAAAAAApc/0V7KbaeqGpk/s1600/ninecakes.jpg" style="text-align: left; " onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JncEmXV9pY4/TxzgLEF4JgI/AAAAAAAAApc/0V7KbaeqGpk/s320/ninecakes.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700677709025781250" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Credit: Nine Cakes / Photo credit: Di Zhang</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">One great thing about the traditional wedding cake is the opportunity that it provides to demonstrate your creativity and visually represent your personality. If you and your fiance have a particular affection for peacocks, for instance, or if you're looking to surprise your new husband with a separate groom's cake with a symbol from his favorite sports team, a fun, personalized wedding cake would be a wonderful option!</span></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fJKlaHTPsmw/TxzgSpJIKHI/AAAAAAAAApo/yHw5OVZYwmc/s1600/rbi.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fJKlaHTPsmw/TxzgSpJIKHI/AAAAAAAAApo/yHw5OVZYwmc/s320/rbi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700677839230609522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Credit: Ron Ben-Israel Cakes / Photo credit: Mel Barlow</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gc4O9HDTGAM/Txzgonav5xI/AAAAAAAAAp0/kUpqHdb0CkQ/s1600/steelers.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gc4O9HDTGAM/Txzgonav5xI/AAAAAAAAAp0/kUpqHdb0CkQ/s320/steelers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700678216724768530" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Photo credit: Entwined Studio</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Wedding cakes also offer a visual continuity with a wedding's design aesthetic or theme. For instance, if your wedding is working within a coral, cream and slate gray color scheme then a feminine, pink-ombre cake would be a beautiful visual accompaniment to the rest of the wedding.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Whether your wedding is a more classic, art deco themed or lavender-strewn rustic affair, there is a wedding cake and a cake designer out there who can make your cake dreams come true!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMPPrgaMTcY/Txzg4pZcc1I/AAAAAAAAAqE/6EW5lAI_qEM/s1600/ombre%2Bcake.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMPPrgaMTcY/Txzg4pZcc1I/AAAAAAAAAqE/6EW5lAI_qEM/s320/ombre%2Bcake.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700678492134077266" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Photo credit: Stephen Hughes</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lTaSumnLKJs/TxzhElCUIVI/AAAAAAAAAqM/3FEQs5_8qGc/s1600/ashleightaylor8.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lTaSumnLKJs/TxzhElCUIVI/AAAAAAAAAqM/3FEQs5_8qGc/s320/ashleightaylor8.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700678697121751378" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Photo credit: Ashleigh Taylor Photography</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sWYCtQdFvSE/Txzhr7aKN3I/AAAAAAAAAqY/qVXbMEFWGG0/s1600/lanedittoe.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sWYCtQdFvSE/Txzhr7aKN3I/AAAAAAAAAqY/qVXbMEFWGG0/s320/lanedittoe.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700679373142243186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 223px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Photo credit: Lane Dittoe</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Variations on the classic layered cake have recently become a popular trend, and can range from the rustic, vintage look of stacked Bundt cakes to individual cake pops that lend themselves to a more playful and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; ">whimsical</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "> vibe.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mj_3Mw9uVI4/TxziC9HQraI/AAAAAAAAAqk/Ke7k9tsDti8/s1600/bundt%2Bcakes.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mj_3Mw9uVI4/TxziC9HQraI/AAAAAAAAAqk/Ke7k9tsDti8/s320/bundt%2Bcakes.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700679768736837026" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 260px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Photo credit: Our Labor of Love</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zZvNDkp4g10/TxziOQ4gtXI/AAAAAAAAAqw/vb2c3OvFAQ8/s1600/emona.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zZvNDkp4g10/TxziOQ4gtXI/AAAAAAAAAqw/vb2c3OvFAQ8/s320/emona.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700679963022243186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Photo credit: Emona Hennen Photography</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Providing small bites, like a cookie buffet or candy table is another option that gives you and your guests freedom when deciding on a tantalizing treat. If your fete is set to be fresh and sophisticated, perhaps French cookies like macarons or madeleines will work well with your reception venue and menu.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_IKiopFb5zE/TxzjpjdM4QI/AAAAAAAAAq8/1UZGkbYhCOQ/s1600/macarons.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_IKiopFb5zE/TxzjpjdM4QI/AAAAAAAAAq8/1UZGkbYhCOQ/s320/macarons.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700681531376066818" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Photo credit: Anne McGowan Photography</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x1j6LS1pbo8/Txzj1FbS22I/AAAAAAAAArI/wDkT59UUqmA/s1600/weddings%2Bby%2Btwo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x1j6LS1pbo8/Txzj1FbS22I/AAAAAAAAArI/wDkT59UUqmA/s320/weddings%2Bby%2Btwo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700681729473436514" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Photo credit: Weddings by Two</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">If you're leaning towards a casual, outdoor environment with a menu incorporating all of your favorite comfort foods then chocolate chip cookies with milk shooters could be a perfect complement to your coffee service!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hLQh0esmsB8/TxzkUcKdOcI/AAAAAAAAArU/BaVJyp4n-Kk/s1600/A%2BBryan%2BPhoto.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hLQh0esmsB8/TxzkUcKdOcI/AAAAAAAAArU/BaVJyp4n-Kk/s320/A%2BBryan%2BPhoto.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700682268152773058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Photo credit: A Bryan Photography</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">A candy table is a wonderful option particularly if you're planning on hosting a great number of children (or young-spirited adults!) and can also double as a make-your-own-wedding-favor station at the reception.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--jb09vBnMCg/Txzkfvwko-I/AAAAAAAAArg/pLZnfOY4jaw/s1600/evinphotography.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--jb09vBnMCg/Txzkfvwko-I/AAAAAAAAArg/pLZnfOY4jaw/s320/evinphotography.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700682462391477218" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Photo credit: Evin Photography</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x5iIzMHbpZs/TxzkoWZ8cuI/AAAAAAAAArs/obDftwlzTOg/s1600/leslie%2Bwalker.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x5iIzMHbpZs/TxzkoWZ8cuI/AAAAAAAAArs/obDftwlzTOg/s320/leslie%2Bwalker.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700682610204504802" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Photo credit: Leslie Walker</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Assorted pies (apple, pecan, key lime, cherry, whichever you prefer!) or fruit tarts are a great dessert choice for a casual backyard or country rustic wedding. This option offers variety to you and your guests and satiates all sorts of different palates. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IxN1XZA6amk/Txzk7yUr9qI/AAAAAAAAAr4/e85WKWfQRZk/s1600/jessicaclaire%2Bpies.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IxN1XZA6amk/Txzk7yUr9qI/AAAAAAAAAr4/e85WKWfQRZk/s320/jessicaclaire%2Bpies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700682944116160162" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 241px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Photo credit: Jessica Claire </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jEn3f84Otdg/TxzlLLlQevI/AAAAAAAAAsE/RfC9Wvs_1c8/s1600/ryanray.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jEn3f84Otdg/TxzlLLlQevI/AAAAAAAAAsE/RfC9Wvs_1c8/s320/ryanray.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700683208594586354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 234px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Photo credit: Ryan Ray Photography</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">To go along with a pie theme, you can even throw in a meat and vegetable pie during your cocktail hour, especially if your or someone close to you lacks that sweet tooth.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Or if you and your fiance would both prefer a savory alternative to a wedding cake and have a history of attending or hosting wine and cheese parties together then stacked fine cheeses and fruit could be a perfect way to end your wedding day!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hkbc8X7w_OI/TxzlhI7cp5I/AAAAAAAAAsQ/NW9sA03WBWs/s1600/cheese.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hkbc8X7w_OI/TxzlhI7cp5I/AAAAAAAAAsQ/NW9sA03WBWs/s320/cheese.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700683585839474578" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Photo credit: Browns Photography</span></i></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Go on and get inspired! The perfect cake and desserts are out there for you just waiting to be found.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">While the late Mrs. Louis XIV may have started us all off in the right direction in terms of ending our weddings on a sweet note, it's nice to know that there are endless possibilities when it comes to after-dinner treats!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">** An edited version of this post can also be seen on the blog for Stellina Events, a New York and San Francisco-based wedding and special events planning and design consultancy for which I have interned since November 2011. The Stellina Events article, posted on December 15, 2011 can be seen <a href="http://www.stellinaevents.com/blog/?p=2145">here</a>**</div>Sidneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11443111308035932334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262826549431055419.post-77283420040304811822011-11-22T19:32:00.000-08:002012-01-22T20:12:28.801-08:00wedding backdrops for personalized pizzazz<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Outdoor ceremonies gained popularity in the 1960s when hippie couples looked for a way to make their commitment to each other a simultaneous statement against mainstream culture. While today outdoor ceremonies have become a more traditional choice for weddings, they still offer an opportunity for couples to express their individuality and creativity.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WHb2AhWVUSE/TxzVW4GkhLI/AAAAAAAAAnw/HssQBNuIRBg/s1600/Delbarr%2BMoradi.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WHb2AhWVUSE/TxzVW4GkhLI/AAAAAAAAAnw/HssQBNuIRBg/s320/Delbarr%2BMoradi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700665817337988274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >Photo credit: Delbarr Moradi</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Outdoor ceremonies certainly offer beauty in their natural surroundings, but they also serve as a naturally beautiful canvas for any additions a couple may want to make to their wedding design to highlight their own personalities.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "></p></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vb6PaV06dPE/TxzVop9r8eI/AAAAAAAAAn8/OCsKkUYgaxc/s1600/Ashley%2BRose.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vb6PaV06dPE/TxzVop9r8eI/AAAAAAAAAn8/OCsKkUYgaxc/s320/Ashley%2BRose.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700666122780275170" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >Photo credit: Ashley Rose Photography</span></i></div></div><div><i style="text-align: center; "><br /></i></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNd-0xOXqpY/TxzV2r6QD-I/AAAAAAAAAoI/cNfICy25H8o/s1600/Sean%2BWalker.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNd-0xOXqpY/TxzV2r6QD-I/AAAAAAAAAoI/cNfICy25H8o/s320/Sean%2BWalker.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700666363820904418" /></a><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >Photo credit: Sean Walker Photography</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ceremony backdrops can be hung, stood or posted behind the bride and groom, and work to highlight (or substitute) an altar.</div><div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U67KDmmKCNc/TxzWEfkTGUI/AAAAAAAAAoU/2eJKw7Ofb-I/s1600/Steven%2BMichael.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 216px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U67KDmmKCNc/TxzWEfkTGUI/AAAAAAAAAoU/2eJKw7Ofb-I/s320/Steven%2BMichael.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700666601025771842" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >Photo credit: Steven Michael Photography</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Some of the greatest ceremony backdrops are made from simple props such as picture frames, pinwheels, lanterns and flowers, as well as materials like tulle, lace, streamers and pom poms.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zc8m5tNUVww/TxzWUv6yDAI/AAAAAAAAAog/xIdZprrbFKk/s1600/Jose%2BVilla.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zc8m5tNUVww/TxzWUv6yDAI/AAAAAAAAAog/xIdZprrbFKk/s320/Jose%2BVilla.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700666880292948994" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >Photo credit: Jose Villa</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DzNLdlwC2u8/TxzWf830r4I/AAAAAAAAAos/1QCk_uUPXpw/s1600/Ashley%2BGarmon.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DzNLdlwC2u8/TxzWf830r4I/AAAAAAAAAos/1QCk_uUPXpw/s320/Ashley%2BGarmon.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700667072748760962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >Photo credit: Ashley Garmon Photography</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">These pieces add a touch of originality to any outdoor venue and can also be easily incorporated within the scenery, allowing the outdoor space to really speak for itself!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W7QMlp8SdYI/TxzWvztoo8I/AAAAAAAAAo4/5EkudGBZ-TI/s1600/Kristin%2BMarie.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W7QMlp8SdYI/TxzWvztoo8I/AAAAAAAAAo4/5EkudGBZ-TI/s320/Kristin%2BMarie.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700667345168016322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >Photo credit: Kristen Marie Photography</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span class="Apple-style-span">Backdrops are a great choice for creative brides and grooms who want to play to the beauty of the natural environment and work <i>with</i> the surroundings of the outdoor space, not against it. In this way they make their altar space (and thus themselves) the visual focal point of the day... just as it should be!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5OnK8Plg4j0/TxzW5IezijI/AAAAAAAAApE/m4wMFd2nx70/s1600/Untamed%2BLove.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5OnK8Plg4j0/TxzW5IezijI/AAAAAAAAApE/m4wMFd2nx70/s320/Untamed%2BLove.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700667505361783346" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 231px; height: 320px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >Photo credit: Untamed Heart Photography</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span">** This post can also be seen on the blog for Stellina Events, a New York and San Francisco-based wedding and special events planning and design consultancy for which I have interned since November 2011. The Stellina Events article, posted on November 23, 2011 can be seen <a href="http://www.stellinaevents.com/blog/?p=1926">here</a>**</span></div></div></div></div></div>Sidneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11443111308035932334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262826549431055419.post-72497796286123083452011-11-16T20:25:00.000-08:002011-11-16T20:36:42.434-08:00insta-galleryhow about this for an idea? you hang a piece of children's art, (or some doodle of your own if you're that kind of talented, which i am... not) to your wall(s), and hand-paint and sharpie detailed frames around the pieces. the result? instant gallery space. beautiful and original!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://honestlywtf.honestlywtf.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/wallframes.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 599px; height: 449px;" src="http://honestlywtf.honestlywtf.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/wallframes.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(sparkling <a href="http://honestlywtf.com/rarebirds/off-the-wall/">here</a>)</span><br /></div>Sidneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11443111308035932334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262826549431055419.post-47007262909762657462011-11-09T15:55:00.000-08:002011-11-09T16:07:25.162-08:00kate spade bughow fabulous is this video?! i want a car this colorful, fun and cute! <a href="http://www.katespade.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-Kate-Site/default/Home-ShopHome">kate spade</a>, will you make one for me too?<br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NCYAxTB9o3U?rel=0&hd=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Sidneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11443111308035932334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262826549431055419.post-91058066349017453022011-11-04T13:10:00.000-07:002011-11-04T13:17:55.886-07:00italian elopementtoday i'm in love with this italian elopement. trey and lauren got married on the highest point of capri island and had the brilliant <a href="http://canafamily.com/">cana family</a> there to capture it all. it is so romantic and beautiful and lovely! and it totally makes me want to elope.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/29754322?portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="309" width="550"></iframe><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />(sparkling <a href="http://www.100layercake.com/blog/2011/11/04/capri-italy-elopement-lauren-trey/">here</a>)</span>Sidneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11443111308035932334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262826549431055419.post-1602109576470487902011-11-03T12:28:00.000-07:002012-01-22T19:29:37.337-08:00single bloomsfor brides seeking a chic and modern approach to the flowers on her wedding day might i suggest considering a single bloom bouquet. a single flower still makes an impact but won't overpower or outshine a bride on her special day.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6HNU1c5tfOw/TrLpsniQPSI/AAAAAAAAAmw/Q1jhfnuw7gc/s1600/Untitled2.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 303px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6HNU1c5tfOw/TrLpsniQPSI/AAAAAAAAAmw/Q1jhfnuw7gc/s320/Untitled2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670851833549045026" border="0" /></a></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6HNU1c5tfOw/TrLpsniQPSI/AAAAAAAAAmw/Q1jhfnuw7gc/s1600/Untitled2.png"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2PPqalOCVqo/TrLpj-pQapI/AAAAAAAAAmk/M2fTrfsFMXc/s1600/Untitled1.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 222px; height: 303px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2PPqalOCVqo/TrLpj-pQapI/AAAAAAAAAmk/M2fTrfsFMXc/s320/Untitled1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670851685133609618" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">these single flower arrangements are simple but utterly sophisticated and offer an understated elegance to any bride or bridal party. the effortless grace of these bouquets makes them the perfect choice for any wedding theme or aesthetic.<br /><br /></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iA0g5lk5JsI/TrLpGYCTRoI/AAAAAAAAAmY/Y3bw5cfuLuw/s1600/Untitled4.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 301px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iA0g5lk5JsI/TrLpGYCTRoI/AAAAAAAAAmY/Y3bw5cfuLuw/s320/Untitled4.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670851176553465474" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JeN49vKWRw0/TrLpB8Rn-HI/AAAAAAAAAmM/STq2GMEySVY/s1600/Untitled3.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 222px; height: 301px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JeN49vKWRw0/TrLpB8Rn-HI/AAAAAAAAAmM/STq2GMEySVY/s320/Untitled3.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670851100382066802" border="0" /></a><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br />single blooms can be used in bouquets as well as in table arrangements, centerpieces and throughout your decor, so they're budget-friendly and eco-friendly too!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7YIysuLsYM/TrLsdnRK6NI/AAAAAAAAAm8/RVj7RGuIGlY/s1600/Untitled5.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 190px; height: 293px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7YIysuLsYM/TrLsdnRK6NI/AAAAAAAAAm8/RVj7RGuIGlY/s320/Untitled5.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670854874314238162" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wL8Sfzki80g/TrLsmN2H__I/AAAAAAAAAnI/k5wMnxOpLqU/s1600/Untitled6.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 231px; height: 294px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wL8Sfzki80g/TrLsmN2H__I/AAAAAAAAAnI/k5wMnxOpLqU/s320/Untitled6.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670855022108737522" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">(single blooms sparkling here: <a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/gallery/photo/303601">1</a>, <a href="http://www.josevillaphoto.com/">2</a>, <a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/gallery/photo/266909">3</a>, <a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/gallery/photo/351523">4</a>, <a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/gallery/photo/303642">5</a>, <a href="http://motherofthebridezilla.blogspot.com/2010/08/all-by-myself.html">6</a>)<br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">** This post can also be seen on the blog for Stellina Events, a New York and San Francisco-based wedding and special events planning and design consultancy for which I have interned since November 2011. The Stellina Events article, posted on November 17, 2011 can be seen <a href="http://www.stellinaevents.com/blog/?p=1901">here</a>**</div></div>Sidneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11443111308035932334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262826549431055419.post-21368548831606300962011-10-26T23:19:00.000-07:002011-11-03T12:57:52.826-07:00living room lovei'm loving the palette and understated elegance of this open living and dining room. the balance of the overall romantic details with the more severe table makes the room look so unique. and that candle display hanging over the dining table doesn't hurt either. i'd love to relax and entertain in a room like this, wouldn't you?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3583/5756802614_bc5c2cae12_b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 592px; height: 797px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3583/5756802614_bc5c2cae12_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(sparkling <a href="http://thedrifterandthegypsy.blogspot.com/">here</a>)</span><br /></div>Sidneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11443111308035932334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262826549431055419.post-50573312594728828522011-10-20T11:15:00.000-07:002011-10-20T11:17:55.866-07:00symphony of sciencenow, i'm just as geeky as the next girl, but my <span style="font-style: italic;">personal</span> breed of nerdiness is certainly not of the scientific sort. in fact, i think it might just be my scientific ignorance that makes me so very into this video.<br /><br />maybe it's my lack of knowledge plus a little bit of love for "the remix," but whatever it is, i think you'll agree--this video is pretty awesome.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XGK84Poeynk" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />these ideas were pretty revolutionary in their time, and today people are still discovering things that prove just how insane this universe we live in is.<br /><br />thanks, scientists, for figuring it out for the rest of us!Sidneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11443111308035932334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262826549431055419.post-60427733414774600032011-10-16T12:09:00.000-07:002011-10-16T12:10:12.627-07:00child's play<span class="st">i'm mesmerized by </span><a href="http://fotostalgie.net/fotostalgie.html"><span class="st">Yusuke Suzuki</span></a>'s "<span>childscape</span>" series. they look like an amalgamation of childhood dreams and fantasies, a terrific <span style="font-style: italic;">alice in wonderland</span> tea party and a scene from <span style="font-style: italic;">where the wild things are</span>. a total escape.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shannoneileenblog.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a5c8d9a9970c014e89d12c86970d-400wi"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 614px;" src="http://shannoneileenblog.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a5c8d9a9970c014e89d12c86970d-400wi" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(sparkling <a href="http://shannoneileenblog.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a5c8d9a9970c014e89d12c86970d-400wi">here</a>)</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5258/5493819228_ea5703c2e2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 397px;" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5258/5493819228_ea5703c2e2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">(sparkling <a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5258/5493819228_ea5703c2e2.jpg">here</a>)</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.infavoroffuzz.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Childscape-by-Yusuke-Suzuki.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 376px;" src="http://www.infavoroffuzz.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Childscape-by-Yusuke-Suzuki.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(sparkling <a href="http://www.infavoroffuzz.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Childscape-by-Yusuke-Suzuki.jpg">here</a>)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5013/5493818882_74cc260ec2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5013/5493818882_74cc260ec2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(sparkling <a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5013/5493818882_74cc260ec2.jpg">here</a>)</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span>Sidneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11443111308035932334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262826549431055419.post-27258944144860391282011-10-07T14:49:00.000-07:002011-10-07T14:52:46.093-07:00ceremony backdropsas a strong proponent of outdoor ceremonies that play to the beauty of the natural environment, i felt it was only right i present some different examples of how this can be done. i love when ceremony backdrops are simple, incorporate the surrounding nature, and only involve minimal materials, like fabric streamers and poms, tulle or lace.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://s3.torbit.com/img/a150b31b6c08c1ed59941a4e998ddca296ca497c-DIY-ombre-backdrop-11.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 581px; height: 382px;" src="http://s3.torbit.com/img/a150b31b6c08c1ed59941a4e998ddca296ca497c-DIY-ombre-backdrop-11.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(sparkling <a href="http://s3.torbit.com/img/a150b31b6c08c1ed59941a4e998ddca296ca497c-DIY-ombre-backdrop-11.jpg%20%28green%20wedding%20shoes%29">here)</a><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://s3.torbit.com/img/3953a8906085d15d50eaa919cf53f59e9fd51c0a-mandelatim-wedding-12.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 580px; height: 388px;" src="http://s3.torbit.com/img/3953a8906085d15d50eaa919cf53f59e9fd51c0a-mandelatim-wedding-12.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> (sparkling <a href="http://s3.torbit.com/img/3953a8906085d15d50eaa919cf53f59e9fd51c0a-mandelatim-wedding-12.jpg">here</a> via <a href="http://www.blogger.com/greenweddingshoes.com">green wedding shoes</a>)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gwshoes.zippykid.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/twilight-wedding-05.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 581px; height: 433px;" src="http://gwshoes.zippykid.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/twilight-wedding-05.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(sparkling <a href="http://greenweddingshoes.com/twilight-wedding-inspiration-reimagined-in-california/">here</a>)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.oncewed.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/lace-arch-oak-tree-wedding-ceremony.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 581px; height: 790px;" src="http://images.oncewed.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/lace-arch-oak-tree-wedding-ceremony.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(sparkling <a href="http://images.oncewed.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/lace-arch-oak-tree-wedding-ceremony.jpg">here</a>)<br /></span></div><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">i just adore how these backdrops let the wedding and location speak for themselves. they really lend themselves well to the idea of "that wedding magic," don't you think?<br /></div></div>Sidneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11443111308035932334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262826549431055419.post-3368355590661955292011-09-27T22:32:00.000-07:002011-09-27T22:38:40.900-07:00map it outi have some sort of odd fascination with maps... though on second thought it might just be an extension of my constant wanderlust.<br /><br />around every corner in amsterdam, for instance, i would walk into an adorable dutch shop and find (and subsequently fall in love with,) several dozen beautiful map prints. while those prints mostly depicted the romantic, dutch golden age of yore, there's definitely something to be said about more modern, "design-y" maps like these colorful silkscreens from <a href="http://shop.thesearethings.com/">These Are Things</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0067/1212/products/worldmap01.png?100482"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 524px; height: 327px;" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0067/1212/products/worldmap01.png?100482" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0067/1212/products/worldmap05.png?100482"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 524px; height: 327px;" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0067/1212/products/worldmap05.png?100482" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />while i love the bold color of the "statement map" above, i think something more understated, with only a flash of optical excitement, like the central compass rose below, would be a perfect, mature choice for an office or den.<br /><br /><a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0067/1212/products/letterpressworld_1.jpg?100482"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 524px; height: 326px;" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0067/1212/products/letterpressworld_1.jpg?100482" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0067/1212/products/letterpressworld_5.jpg?100482"></a><br />i also couldn't ignore the San Francisco neighborhood map, (don't worry, <a href="shop.thesearethings.com">These Are Things</a> also has prints of LA, DC, NYC, Chicago, and even Columbus!) partly because of my love for my city by the bay, and partly because it makes the visual thinker in me very happy. don't you think this could make a wonderful gift?? a print of the city a friend was born in for her birthday, or a print of the city a couple met in for their wedding??<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0067/1212/products/sanfrancisco-neighborhoods-map_01.jpg?100482"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 524px; height: 327px;" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0067/1212/products/sanfrancisco-neighborhoods-map_01.jpg?100482" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0067/1212/products/sanfrancisco-neighborhoods-map_04.jpg?100482"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 524px; height: 328px;" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0067/1212/products/sanfrancisco-neighborhoods-map_04.jpg?100482" alt="" border="0" /></a>Sidneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11443111308035932334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262826549431055419.post-62382729266723646532011-09-22T11:00:00.000-07:002011-09-23T12:20:49.922-07:00dylan's candy bar bridal showertoday i'd like to share photos from an event i've been ooh-ing and aah-ing over for some months now. (and after you see them, i'm sure you'll understand why.) this bridal shower, (which comes from the truly unbeatable <a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/">martha stewart weddings</a>,) is that of Dylan Lauren, owner of the world famous nyc-based store, <a href="http://www.dylanscandybar.com/">Dylan's Candy Bar</a>, and daughter of designer, Ralph Lauren.<br /><br />keeping with what i can only assume is the theme of her life, style and sweets, Dylan's shower oozes with whimsy, color, femininity and overall delight. the party seems like it matches the bride-to-be's personality and lifestyle... and how could anything be wrong with that!?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/weddings/2011Q2//invite026-sum11mwd107286_xl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 450px;" src="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/weddings/2011Q2//invite026-sum11mwd107286_xl.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>strawberry chocolate bars (personalized with the couple's initials) served as the invitations to this sweet affair.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/weddings/2011Q2//mosaic018-sum11mwd107286_xl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/weddings/2011Q2//mosaic018-sum11mwd107286_xl.jpg" border="0" height="450" width="360" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">this pink, white and yellow candy tableau welcomed guests to the party.<br />and that mosaic heart backdrop is made completely out of <span style="font-style: italic;">gum</span>!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/weddings/2011Q2//disrings017-sum11mwd107286_xl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 450px;" src="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/weddings/2011Q2//disrings017-sum11mwd107286_xl.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>spectacular <span style="font-style: italic;">candy</span> (i know, right?) rings from Barcelona-based bakery, <a href="http://www.escriba.es/">Escriba</a> were displayed (alongside oversize ring pops!)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/weddings/2011Q2//candybar057-sum11mwd107286_xl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 450px;" src="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/weddings/2011Q2//candybar057-sum11mwd107286_xl.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Dylan (second from the left) and her guests enjoyed an impressive pink D ♥ P candy display...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/weddings/2011Q2//candybag015-sum11mwd107286_xl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/weddings/2011Q2//candybag015-sum11mwd107286_xl.jpg" border="0" height="450" width="360" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">... and made their own individual "I ♥ Candy" favor bags.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/weddings/2011Q2//servdrink024-sum11mwd107286_xl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 450px;" src="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/weddings/2011Q2//servdrink024-sum11mwd107286_xl.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>lemon drops were served with candy swivel-sticks on a pink jelly bean-lined tray.<br />there was also a bubblegum martini option!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/weddings/2011Q2//fries014-sum11mwd107286_xl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 450px;" src="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/weddings/2011Q2//fries014-sum11mwd107286_xl.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>salty, savory fries lended a gastronomic balance to all that candy...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/weddings/2011Q2//caviarring008-sum11mwd107286_xl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 450px;" src="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/weddings/2011Q2//caviarring008-sum11mwd107286_xl.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>... but for the more refined palate there were caviar ring-shaped snacks.<br /></div><a href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/weddings/2011Q2//favring019-sum11mwd107286_xl.jpg"> </a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/weddings/2011Q2//wishesjar025-summer11wd107286_xl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 450px;" src="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/weddings/2011Q2//wishesjar025-summer11wd107286_xl.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>guests wrote well wishes for the couple... with awesome personalized, gold pencils.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/weddings/2011Q2//favneck018-sum11mwd107286_xl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 450px;" src="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/weddings/2011Q2//favneck018-sum11mwd107286_xl.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>and as a finishing and cheeky touch Dylan gave each of her guests a jewelery box with a candy necklace inside<br /><br />(all photos sparkling <a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/candy-theme-bridal-shower-dylan-lauren-dylans-candy-bar">here</a>)<br /></div>Sidneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11443111308035932334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262826549431055419.post-25018997164858817072011-09-19T17:54:00.000-07:002011-09-22T20:59:16.704-07:00the art-affectionado's ocd dreamin this project, The Art of Clean Up, <a href="http://www.kunstaufraeumen.ch/">Ursus Wehrli</a> takes ordinary objects and "cleans them up," organizing them by size, color and type. this brilliant series follows on the heels of Wehrli's successful <i>Tidying Up of Art</i> and <i>More Tidying Up of Art</i>, in which he resituated well known pieces of art, like Van Gogh's <a href="http://giussani.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/ursuswehrli.jpg">"The Bedroom,"</a> and compiled the pictures into books. <br />
<br />
it may just be my OCD (as a child i organized my t-shirts by color and my stuffed animals by species and size. and not much has really changed,) but these photos make me so happy. seeing everything in its rightful place just delights me. i haven't watched Wehrli's <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/ursus_wehrli_tidies_up_art.html">ted talk</a> yet, but the mocking, self-conscious humor that seems evident in this series makes me think he and I are on the same OCD (or CDO, for those who really understand me on this,) wavelength.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">(sparkling <a href="http://www.jeanniejeannie.com/2011/08/29/the-art-of-clean-up-sorting-and-stacking-everyday-objects/attachment/36478/">here</a>)
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Sidneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11443111308035932334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262826549431055419.post-11837325827907885422011-09-18T15:04:00.000-07:002011-09-19T21:18:41.648-07:00return... to macaronswell, i've been back from le tour de europe for a little over two weeks now and am still overwhelmed at all the beauty and culture i encountered across the pond. hopefully i'll be able to post some pictures and videos of my own soon. however, while i'm still processing (my thoughts and photographs alike,) i thought i'd share this delightful video, originally seen on this <a href="http://beautifulsimplethings.tumblr.com/">beaut'</a> of a tumblr.<br />
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<embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=21407969&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=0&show_portrait=1&color=ffffff&fullscreen=1&autoplay=0&loop=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object><br />
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to me, this just screams sophistication... not to mention immense deliciousness. oh to be able to make my very own salted caramel macarons!! just toss in a move to paris and my life would be complete.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">(sparkling <a href="http://vimeo.com/21407969">here</a>)</span>Sidneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11443111308035932334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262826549431055419.post-66006130352808153062011-07-20T17:27:00.000-07:002011-09-19T16:42:10.480-07:00painting realityjust taking a quick break from packing my apartment to show y'all some <a href="http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1026659--video-painting-reality-with-spilled-paint-in-berlin?bn=1">german guerrilla art</a> at its finest:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tXCnWUzUw_E" width="560"></iframe><br />
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i think this sort of rule-breaking, independent performance art is some of the most exciting work going on right now. there's also something so neat to me about involving the public, whether they agree to it or not, in one's art. i mean, once those buckets of paint are dumped, there's no way for either drivers or people walking down the street to avoid involvement in this piece. in a way it's kind of merciless art, don't you think? <br />
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alright, that was a nice break, but my closet won't pack itself, so it's back to work i go. <br />
<br />Sidneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11443111308035932334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262826549431055419.post-32870413124931416752011-07-14T22:43:00.000-07:002011-09-23T12:18:33.485-07:00make an entrance!i believe, for fairly obvious reasons, that location is the most important, foundational necessity for any good event. however, if you want to add a little spice to your party, it seems that all you need is some plastic and helium.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/52803803_SC4fFHzF_c.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/52803803_SC4fFHzF_c.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 473px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 410px;" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(sparkling <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/65723830/">here</a>)</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.100layercake.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/eccentric-london-wedding-2.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://www.100layercake.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/eccentric-london-wedding-2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 611px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 417px;" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(sparkling <a href="http://www.100layercake.com/blog/2011/06/13/an-eclectic-whimsical-london-wedding/">here</a>)</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">with a few balloons, and a touch of whimsy, you can take your entrance from drab to dramatic!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Sidneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11443111308035932334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262826549431055419.post-2620648033937318232011-07-09T11:00:00.000-07:002011-09-19T16:57:06.768-07:00eric luna & georgia ambarianeven as a tried and true So You Think You Can Dance fan, not all of the guest dancers impress me. but last week's performers, world ballroom champions, <a href="http://www.ericandgeorgia.com/">eric luna and georgia ambarian</a> blew me away:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yvbfhcwzHfY?rel=0" width="480"></iframe><br />
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i adore the way these two move together, the mesmerizing tricks they perform together, the music, even the costumes. this performance is just magical, wouldn't you agree?Sidneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11443111308035932334noreply@blogger.com0