Once Upon a Time in Mexico

My boss has been on her honeymoon in Mexico since Monday. I've thought of her often this week as I slave away without her in the frigid Arlington cityscape... And decided that it would be awesome to have a Mexican themed wedding, perhaps even taking place in Mexico.

This image of Frida Kahlo inspired the board below—gold and crimson—and it's a stunning portrait of the famed Mexican artist.



Ruffled capelet from Kate Towers; dress by Alfred Angelo; groomsman image from Wedding Tactics; vintage gold earrings from Cayuse; crimson bride bouquet image from Beginning2End; Aztec wedding cake image from Great Wedding Cakes; gold "Bretelle" sandal by Christian Louboutin; bridesmaid dress and shawl from Bill Levkoff; rosary made by Rosebud Rosaries; San Antonio mission shot by Walt Hubis; mariachi photo by throughsarahseyes; Guatemalan Wedding Dress bag made by Stacy Leigh; gold flake martini from Trendhunter.

Chalkboard Love

How cute is this? Not only good for weddings, you could use a chalkboard for fun at class reunions, kids' birthday parties... the possibilities are endless. I wish I could have one for our Super Bowl party next week... Hmmm.... :)


Via Once Wed

DIY: Icy Branches

A fun look for a winter wedding is the use of "icy" branches in centerpieces and other decor. It's really easy to do: collect (or buy) branches you want to use, spray with really tacky glue, and roll in clear vase filler. Et Voila! You've got a low budget winter look that will sparkle and reflect light beautifully.

Spotlight On: Couture Cupcakes

Thanks to my friend Amanda for introducing me to Couture Cupcakes! The cupcakes look absolutely amazing, and I really love how unique the designs are. Cupcakes definitely do not need to be boring! Paola's cupcakes are perfectly crafted, with a choice of classic or petite sizes. They even have a "Love Cupcake" that is likened to a loveseat: perfect for two! Cupcake towers, cupcake bouquets, cupcake-scapes—this place is the Mecca of cupcakes. They even deliver, which is great if you're throwing a party and need to turn your time and attention elsewhere.

Not only are Paola's designs amazing, but she also has a heart: her special feature right now is a project with the Children's Inn at NIH. She passed out forms and the kids submitted their cupcake ideas for a contest—the winner, Bret, has a cupcake to steal my own heart: "Chocolate cake with peanut butter filling topped with a vanilla buttercream, peanut butter swirl and chocolate drizzle." YUM! She even has developed cupcakes from each of the other ideas, including Savannah's red velvet cupcake with vanilla cream cheese frosting. (This child should be my kid: named Savannah, red velvet... meant to be!)

DIY: Sublime Stitching

For bridesmaids' gifts, I wanted to include something handmade by me to let my girls know that I appreciate their friendship beyond the boundaries of money. I ended up missing the deadline of the wedding with everything going on, but I "gave" them as Christmas gifts. ("Gave" because I still have some work to do on them, but generally presented the idea at Christmas.)

My mom taught me how to sew when I was just a little kid, and I used to do cross-stitch samples of kitties or butterflies or Christmas designs to give my grandmothers as gifts. But the idea of stitching that kind of stuff now just doesn't appeal to me. I don't really want to frame seashells and hang them in my bathroom, you know? Just not my style.

I can't remember how I found out about Sublime Stitching, but as soon as I saw Jenny's designs and those of her guest artists (like Mitch O'Connell, whose bad girl designs I used for Lea's gift), I knew I had to do something with them. How badass is it to stitch skulls and sexy ladies and luchadors (right? lucha libre?) on stuff?

There are some new designs since I last visited... I MUST find a reason to use these vital organs!

Rad Wallpaper

I want these wallpapers from Walnut Wallpaper. Soooo awesome...


As seen on NicBlog.

My Birthday Party

Unfortunately, between the holidays and the apathy/lethargy that accompanies them, I haven't been as diligent with my posts as I maybe should be. This is me acknowledging that the holidays are over and it's back to reality. *sigh* Anyway...

Tomorrow is my birthday! I'm not having a party, but if I was, there are several key elements that I'd like to incorporate:

• Karaoke. I've always wanted to try it, but have been too shy every time. What better place than a room full of friends for your first time singing in public? After all, these are the people who will remember and taunt you with the memories for the rest of your life.
• Red velvet cake. By far the greatest type of cake there is. When it's bad, it's horrible—but when it's good it's great. And if it could be in the shape of an armadillo with gray icing and all, it would be literally the best birthday cake EVER. (Armadillo from the INCREDIBLE DebbieDoesCakes in Oakland!)
• Asian-inspired elements. I especially would love to have Pad Thai (no forks allowed!) and I'd get some awesome henna on my hands and feet—I've always wanted it but never had a reason to get it. Do you even need a reason??
• Of course I'd want my bestest friends there—people make the party for me. I don't really need anything else!