Whoopie Pies are the New Cupcakes

If I could get married to my husband again, something tells me I would be substituting this amazing red velvet whoopie pies for the cupcakes I had the first go around.

My mouth is watering already….

To-Do Lists – Gotta ♥ ’em!

When I was planning my wedding the hardest part was prioritizing. I couldn’t organize everything I needed to do in my headed, and random notes were put in various journals to help me remember. It never worked. My planning process was the epitome of unorganized.

I was reading through an old notebook of mine from seminars I had attended in the past one night when I came across one called “How to Get Organized”. It’s no wonder why I took this seminar. However, did I actually retain anything from it? YES! In my notes was the most beautiful to-do list I have ever seen!

 

 

 

Ok, so I realize it seems basic, but breaking down the standard running list of “to-dos” was extremely beneficial to me. I still continue to plan my day this way.

Here’s how it works:

1. Every morning, at the very beginning of your day, print out this template or make one of your own.
2. In the first box under “Top Priority” write down everything you need to do immediately (I use noon as my deadline).
3. In the second box under “Important” write down everything you need to have finished by the end of the day
4. In the third box under “Should Do” write down all the things you need completed by the end of the week
5. In the fourth box under “Getting Around To” jot everything down that is more long term…monthly, yearly goals.

This list should grow and change through out the day depending on external forces of which you can not control. Not only did this list make my wedding planning process MUCH more productive but it has contributed to the every day productivity of my job and home life. Give it a try! I think you’re going to LOVE it!

Always,
Dolly

 

The Paper Flower Project

Yesterday I was thinking about elementary school. Every year we would have a carnival called The Wildflower Festival where we bought tickets to play games and do crafts. One of the crafts offered was a paper flower station. A teacher on the other side of he table would hand us our favorite color tissue paper. Then we would follow her directions to make the most beautiful, soft looking rose. Because the stems were made of pipe cleaners, we could tie them around our wrists and wear them around all day long. All of the little girls loved them and looked forward to making them every year. (Or at least I did anyway) 🙂

Then it dawned on me – this kind of flower is perfect for any flower girl. Not only is it safe for girls with allergies, but they can also take part in the process of creating these beauties. It’s an inexpensive way to create a lasting memory. The image above is a flower I created last night. I didn’t have any “soft” tissue paper so I used the remainder of some packaging paper from Crate and Barrel. Instead of pipe cleaners I used a maroon ribbon to give it a dressier, classier feel. The rose came out to about 5 inches in diameter with 8 layers of petals. Keep in mind that traditional tissue paper will give a more whimsical look to your flower. Also keep in mind the bigger the tissue paper, the bigger the flower. Perfect for outdoor weddings. You can even let the flower girl choose a scent she likes and have her spray a bit on her new keepsake.

Here’s a tutorial video on how to make these blooms:

Another option for paper flowers is for the bride. On 100 Layer Cake a bride decided she wanted her day to have an Alice in Wonderland sort of feel, creating this amazing flower to use as her bouquet. You can find directions on how to create one of these yourself here.

Easy Chocolate Truffles Recipe

Hey ladies! If you’re looking into making desserts for your reception definitely try this chocolate ganache truffle recipe! You’ll love the taste and the time you saved!

Ingredients:

• 750 grams Bittersweet chocolate
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons butter
• Unsweetened cocoa powder, for rolling

Directions:

• Chop chocolate into small cubes (or use chocolate chips) and place into heatproof bowl
• Bring cream and butter just to a boil in a medium sized pot
• Pour over chocolate in bowl
• Stir cream and chocolate together until smooth and thick with a dark and rich color
• Cover with plastic wrap and let sit for about 1 hour in the fridge (until the mixture is firm, yet pliable.)
• Remove bowl from fridge and using a teaspoon scoop and roll chocolate mixture into 1/2 – 3/4 inch balls
• Roll the balls lightly into cocoa powder and place in a shallow dish
• Cover with plastic wrap and leave in fridge until ready to serve.

Voila! Easy chocolate truffles!

5 Ways Brides Can Save!

1. 300+ guests are so year 2000!

No, but really cutting down on your guest list can save you hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars. Besides there’s nothing more romantic than an intimate setting with the people closest to you.

2. Shop the department stores.

You’ll be surprised to find MANY bridesmaids dresses for under $100 at stores like Macy’s, Dillard’s, and Nordstroms. J.Crew even has reasonably priced gowns and bridesmaids dresses. Long gone are the days of having to shop at a bridesmaids’ dress shop. Besides, your girls will appreciate the ability to wear their dress over and over again.

3. Buy bulk invitations, and customize them yourself.

When purchasing invitations, Christopher and I found beautiful ones on sale for $0.75 a piece! Sure it takes a little bit more time, but just think! You’ll be able to put the money you’ve saved into you dream dress. (OR! More wine and dessert!) Check out Michaels.com for some of our favorites.

4. Ask for airline miles and hotel points instead of gifts.

You’d be surprised just how many people are willing to give away the points they never use. This will help cut down on your honeymoon cost tremendously and will save you time with having to “register” at every store.

5. Skip the Blooms.

In the end, flowers make up a HUGE part of a wedding budget. Have your bridesmaids carry a fancy clutch purse instead. Some costume yet classy clutches can be found at Forever 21 and H&M and won’t break the budget. Have the flower girl hold a sparkler or a few balloons. She’ll keep her darling appeal and will like the entertainment value. Plus, you’ll save money.