Join Me In A Challenge To A Better You!

A friend of mine, Felicia York, owner of Da Lipstick Bandit Cosmetics {more on this lovely creature later} proposed a 111-day challenge to reaching fitness goals for the new year. Inspired by MTV's new show, I Used To Be Fat, the challenge is to commit to realistic efforts to eat healthier and become physically fit. Through a supportive community of over 50, and growing, dedicated to the challenge, along with advice and guidance of nutritionists and fitness experts, we all promise to invest in a conscious effort to make the much needed changes toward reaching our individual goals.

No crash diets, no get-thin-quick schemes!

If you are interested and would like to challenge yourself as well, please Join Us for 111-days toward a better you!

Registration ends January 9th, 2011, however, don't be discouraged. Your challenge is to commit to your own 111-days toward a healthier lifestyle.

Happy Belated Holidays and New Year to Everyone!

First, I'd like to apologize from my abrupt absence from blogging. I have been swamped with the new gig and trying to prep for our launch this month. Still not quite done with it, but I needed to make time to write. I am not going to post daily anymore, I'm going to cut back to about three times per week - until things slow down again. Nevertheless, my obsession with everything wedding is still intact.

I made a bunch of new connections with great vendors and will be featuring them on here quite soon. I have a photographer, videographer, cake designer, caterer, planner and they are all amazing! I also have so many ideas that I need to formulate into some impressive inspiration collages. There is so much to do, so much to share with you, but all in due time! So, don't abandon me yet because I'm back on it! Look out for my new post later this week and until then,

Happy Planning!
Kiki B.

Featured: Guest Blogger, Celia Milton - Officiant

Just the Two of Us - What's Important 

A wedding is always a big event, full of emotion, excitement and hope.  It is not always a big event full of distracted bridesmaids, unruly ring bearers and flower girls and guests you don’t recognize. Many couples to choose a much more intimate affair; they choose to elope.

Far from being a, “grab the suitcase and run” event, elopements are very often sweet, personal ceremonies that include the very closest of friends and family. The private vows exchanged that day are often renewed at a bigger party later on. They are the expression of a couple who wants to keep their actual wedding ceremony intimate and  meaningful.

For couples who choose a town clerk or an Elvis impersonator, the options to personalize that ceremony may be few; Tuesday night or Thursday night…..”Love me Tender” or “It’s Now or Never”.  But for couples who choose a compassionate officiant, there are may ways to personalize even the tiniest wedding.

If the family or close friends are there, they might choose a “ring warming”, a beautiful ritual in which the  guests each hold the couple’s rings, infusing them with wishes and dreams for their future.  They might all share a toast, noting that wine is most always shared in fellowship and community.  They might include a “Wedding Wisdom” ceremony, where each guest would read a tiny quote about love and marriage.

If the couple has chosen to be alone with their officiant (and in most states, a witness or two) they could certainly write their own vows, read out of an antique diary or printed on beautiful paper.  They might seal their union with a hand-fasting, a Celtic ritual in which their hands are wrapped with colored cords as blessings are bestowed. One of my couples, who met at a chocolate tasting arranged by the groom’s company, chose to share chocolate together.  I spoke about the possibility that life would be bitter and sweet; dark and light; probably always nutty.

The possibilities are truly endless, and each decision adds to notion that an elopement can be a romantic, poignant and meaningful choice for any couple.

Vow to be Different,

Celia!

Celia Milton, Officiant

46 Linda Vista Ave

North Haledon, NJ  07508

201 563 5544

celia@celiamilton.com

www.celiamilton.com

Celia's {91} 5-Star Wedding Wire Reviews

Featured in "201 Magazine" and on TLC's, "Four Weddings"

Featured: Barbara Michelle Jacobs NYC, Fine Handmade Jewelry

The Ideal, Diamond Solitaire Set by BMJ NYC, Fine Handmade Jewelry

In doing my recent post about engagement rings under $2000, there was one particular vendor that caught my fancy the most. Barbara Polinsky of Barbara Michelle Jacobs NYC - named after her children, Michelle and Jacob - has a knack for creating beautiful, handmade jewelry that makes quite the impact in more ways than one. Her ethereal and organic collections of engagement rings, wedding bands and much more, offer a one of a kind aesthetic, all the while making an 'eco and socially responsible' statement. With a strong fashion and business background - she has two degrees from FIT - Barbara creates each of her pieces entirely by hand. Using only recycled metals and precious gemstones, acquired through ethical means only, she fashions her jewelry to reflect ideas that she is constantly moved by.

Barbara Polinsky

Her jewelry line features two main collections, Twig/Organic and Beauty in Imperfection, each of which lends its own unique persona and demonstrates her beautiful craftsmanship. The Twig/Organic collection is a gorgeous array of whimsical rings, bracelets and earrings which celebrate her appreciation for nature. Each piece are skillfully sculpted to replicate the life-like details of twigs and branches Barbara gathers on her walks in NYC's Central Park. Her bestseller of this collection is The Ideal Bridal Set and it features a conflict-free, Canadian diamond solitaire, enhanced by the delicate twig design of reclaimed, 18 karat gold bands. {shown above}

Perfectly Imperfect Gold Pendants

The second of the BMJ NYC line is the poignant, Beauty in Imperfection. This collection reflects a lovely philosophy of acceptance of all flaws in nature, people and life in a perfect-obsessed world. The pieces in this collection feature misshapen charms with unpolished edges, the jeweler's file markings and slight discolorations, all unique, identifying elements which give her jewelry understated character. She further enhances the beauty of this philosophy by setting a single diamond in each piece, "as a reminder that precious gifts in our lives, aren’t always in plain sight and shouldn’t be taken for granted". This collection also features another gorgeous set of made-to-order, engagement rings called the Uncomplicated Beauty Solitaire. Also a highlight of subtle flaws, these rings showcase a brilliant cut diamond solitaire, bezel set within a choice of recycled, 18 karat yellow, white or rose gold. 

Uncomplicated Beauty Solitaire in 18k Recycled, Yellow Gold

To top off the brilliant designs of her jewelry, she packages her gold pieces in a beautifully handcrafted, wooden box, which she collaborated with the Etsy artists of KRT Woodworking and DK Designs, to create. Each box is then wrapped in a gray organza pouch and adorned with a dainty butterfly, which further demonstrates the delicate and precious gift secured inside.

BMJ NYC Wooden Box

Barbara's beautiful jewelry is such a poetic expression of appreciation and celebration of nature, life and as she puts it, 'a labor of love'. It is such a special memento and timeless gift, as its subtle beauty will age as gracefully as the special love in your life and will be cherished for many, many years to come. 

To view more of her designs or to request more information about commissioning one of her custom designs, please visit her website at www.bmjnyc.com or right click the image below to visit her Etsy shop!

BMJ NYC on Etsy.com

{All photos courtesy of Barbara Michelle Jacobs NYC}

The Mad Florist - Preston Bailey

He's more than simply a florist. He's more like an event design guru, a fairy godfather of stellar transformations or simply put, a genius! I have come to admire Preston Bailey more and more over the years and have grown to be an absolute junkie for his insanely gorgeous, floral designs. He has the ability to take a delicate flower and create simple yet beautiful arrangements or construct it into a monument of a sculpture to ogle after. One of my recent favourites is this drop-dead gorgeous, floral sculpture he created for an event at the New York Public Library.

This Monique Lhuillier inspired masterpiece was created for an evening gala at the Library, to mark the end of Bridal Fashion Week in NYC. Mr. Bailey spared no detail in this creation, as his artistry was demonstrated from head to toe on this brave, but lucky model. A blissful combination of hydrangeas, calla lilies, orchids, roses and crystals, this not quite wearable dress, was nothing short of impressive.

I also loved this gem from his Thanksgiving dinner that he held for family and friends at his studio. Segue, the day I have a dinner party that looks like this, would be the day I die and go to heaven with a grin on my face - no kidding!

I mean, words can't even express how much I love this centerpiece, much less the rest of the tablescape. It just incites a jaw dropping "Wow!" as guests walk through the door and realize that they are in for more than just your typical turkey dinner. What I love about Preston Bailey is his impeccable capability to create more than just a beautiful design. He is able to create a full out experience, unlike any other. He has a gift of bringing a tangible reality to fantastical ideas that float around in his clients' and even his own head.

I apologize in advance to my rich husband to be - wherever or whomever you are - if I could, this is one over-indulgent, maybe not necessary, splurge I will most certainly invest in!

Here are a few more of his creations that I adore and I hope you guys do to!

To see more of his beautiful creations and insight on the method to the madness that is Preston Bailey, visit his blog @ http://blog.prestonbailey.com.







Photos by Preston Bailey

Under $2000: Engagement Rings by Etsy.com

Yellow Sapphire Ring, $695

Getting married can be one of the most expensive events, if not the most expensive event of your life. From the dress to the venue, the catering to the entertainment, the numbers can add up pretty quickly before you know it. However, well before the big day, that trusty checkbook is broken out for that one, special item that started it all - the ring!

This dazzling trinket can rack up a heart-attack of a price tag, that can even stretch well into the millions. But not all of us are able to afford such an exorbitant gift and some of us, like myself, believe that the simpler things in life allow us to afford more necessary amenities. That said, I decided to rummage through another of my favourite web addictions, Etsy.com, to find a few affordable options that can offer the same expression of love and devotion, as their pricier counterparts. The best part - they are all under $2000!

Shapes & Colours

Dare to be different with a bold pop of colour with a precious gemstone. Add that to a brilliant, unexpected shape, makes these two rings a unique surprise for the eccentric bride.

Heart Shaped, Natural Sapphire & Diamond Ring, $1480

Pear-Cut Amethyst and Diamond Ring, $850

Always A Girl's Best Friend!

What can I say, you can never go wrong with diamonds and these budget-friendly selections give you the best of everything and then some. They both offer the sparkly glitz of a gorgeous, diamond solitaire and the bargain of including matching diamond bands as well.

Antique, Art-Deco 3-Piece Set, $1291

Bezel Set Diamond Ring, $1659

Unique Textures

I love the organic look of these rings. The subtlety of the hammering patterns and intricate detail of the twig branch replication, give these rings an impressive touch with a twist.

22 Karat Gold & Pink Sapphire Ring, $975

Twig Band with Diamond Sprinkles, $610

Custom Twig Diamond Solitaire, $1550

Eco-Conscious and Conflict Free Baubles

Make a 'green' stand and show your support in global issues that affect your future. These rings all show off the idea that one man's trash is another's treasure, by beautifully re-purposing gold into stunning engagement rings.

100% Recycled 18K Gold Ring, $1400

Fair Trade, Princess Cut Zultanite Ring, $1425

Moissanite & Recycled Gold, Scroll Ring Set, $598

When In Doubt, Go With Chocolate-Take 2

Okay. So last week I tried to write this post, but it was late, I was cranky and honestly, a bit lazy to put more effort into it. I apologize. Don't get me wrong, I loved Brides.com's feature but I wanted to put my own sweet spin on it. I wanted to share with you some of my chocolaty addictions.

I do hold to the fact that a pair of these delicious bites, do make a cute, little statement expressing gratitude for your guests' attendance. Not to mention, your wallets will thank you because these options keep you in a nice, budget friendly, comfort zone!

However, I have a few favourite pieces that I love, that pack beautiful, exotic flavours into a decadent morsel. So without further ado, here are my own chocolate picks to add to the bunch of my previous attempt... 

Signature Favour Boxes, 2 for $4.75

Jacques Torres, a man after my own heart! Every time I make a trip to DUMBO, I try to visit his indulgent chocolate shop. My senses go wild with the intoxicating scents of the yummy confectionery. He has such a maddening array of chocolates, it is so difficult to chose just one! But who'd want to ;)

Collection of Zion, $2.65 per piece

Maybe it's the island girl in me - I'm Trinidadian, borne and bread - but I adore the 'exotic' flavours of this Vosges Haut Chocolat's, limited edition collection. My favourite truffles are the 'Rasta' - a sinful concoction of Jamaican sorrel, ginger, mango and hibiscus flower and the 'Zion'  truffle, which is an ingenious incorporation of the tamarind fruit and scotch bonnet pepper, encased in dark chocolate. All the beautiful flavours of home!

Top Chef, Just Desserts, $2.50 per piece

I was heart broken when Top Chef, Just Desserts contestant, Morgan did not win. But he did take first place with this winning collection of chocolates for Godiva. A beautiful, chocolate quartet of acai berry, passion fruit, green tea and dark chocolate ganache, each piece tells a unique story of his life. :::tear:::

Max Brenner's, 4-Piece Bonbon Set, $5.90

Now, I haven't personally tried The Bald Man's chocolate yet. But I've had a few people rave about his sweets and you can bet your sweet bonbons, I'm getting a first hand opinion! This is another fine option for a wedding favour and it already comes pre-packaged in a cute little box, filled with four pralines had selected by him.

Coming Soon...

Maybe I'm being a bit dramatic, but I'm pretty excited to have my first guest blogger!

Next week, the fabulously, poetic officiant, Ms. Celia Milton would be putting in her two sense about elopements. She will also weigh in on the forgotten significance and beauty behind wedding ceremonies and meaningful ways you can make it personal to you and your baby love.

Trust me, she is a very wise woman, so be sure to keep checking in for her post because you would not want to miss it!