Social Graces {Handwritten}

Stick with me through this one. Trust me, it's relevant. Every year around this time, I begin the journey to start and finish my Christmas shopping long before Christmas. And while it never actually happens that way, it's always worth the effort. So, I begin by talking to my 12 year old sister about what's on her list and she informs me that she wants an iPad. Of course I am incredibly curious as to why a 12 year old would feel the need to have an iPad when she already has a laptop. I'm sure you are wondering why too. Well, apparently all the kids have them now. And they take them to class. And take their notes on them. Which made me wonder, is the art of a hand written note completely lost on the next generation? If kids can't even pull out a pen in school, what will ever make them pull out a pen to write a thank you note, or send a simple hello note?

Personally, I'm a huge fan of the handwritten note. It shows someone that you care, that you actually took the time to sit down and write to them. While I'm completely aware that technology plays a huge role in our day to day lives (I mean hello, this message is coming to you VIA the internet, and I did sit down in front of my glowing computer screen for a while to write this.), there are some occasions where a hand written letter is preferred, and more appropriate.

A handwritten note is simple, classic, and thoughtful. Do you still believe in a handwritten letter or are you all about the email?

P.S. How amazing is this stationary from Rifle Paper Co?

This Party Inspired By {Pumpkin}

I was taken off guard yesterday when I finally sat down, looked at my calendar and realized that Thanksgiving is only 2 weeks from Thursday! How could it be here so soon? I can't figure out how it snuck up on me so fast, but it gets me really excited. I love Thanksgiving for a number of reasons, the family time, amazing food, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and most importantly the pumpkin pie. I'm a little bit obsessed. Every year, my dad and I gather in the kitchen with all our supplies, and pump out pumpkin pies. It's hands down my favorite holiday treat. So what would be more amazing than your whole Thanksgiving soiree being inspired by pumpkins? Not a lot if you ask me...

What's your favorite thing to eat on Thanksgiving?

An Apple a Day

They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But, if you ask me, an apple a day brings a new use for apples. I know that makes no sense, but during peak apple season, I can find a million and one ways to use an apple. Being such a gorgeous, fall shade, apples are perfect for decor. Fill a vase with uncut apples and use it as your everyday centerpiece. Throwing a party? Use caramel apples as escort cards, serve up some warm apple cider, or string it to make apple garland. Frankly it doesn't matter how you use an apple, just make sure you do. Because an apple a day makes for one lovely fall party! 

Going Green

It seems that recently, the baby bug is in the air! I feel as though I'm finding out so someone new is pregnant every week! This got me thinking about throwing showers, and I realized I've never done an inspiration board for such a soiree. Feeling a little underwhelmed by all the gender specific pink and blue showers being thrown, I decided to mix it up a little and go green! The best part, it's gender neutral, so if the couple has decided to not find out the sex of the baby you're still good to go. If you want to take the green theme to another level, try making it a "sweet pea" bash. How cute would it be to have pea pods everywhere? And a must for a baby shower, decorating little onsies for the sweet pea to come. I'm sure the little one will go through them like crazy! 

Happy Weekend! xo

Delightful Dining {Grilled Veggie Sandwich}

A couple of weeks ago on my little venture to the farmer's market, I picked up an eggplant. Never having cooked an eggplant before, I left a little lost as to what to do with it, and confused as to why I even purchased it in the first place. So, I did what I do with anything I don't know what to do with. Grilled it. Since clearly I can't eat just eggplant for dinner, I got a little hearty and made a sandwich with some squash I also had from the farmer's market, onions and chicken. And let me tell you, for being thrown together on the fly, this was a damn good sandwich. And super filling! Here's what you'll need...

Ingredients
{1} An eggplant sliced
{2} 3 squash sliced length wise
{3} An onion sliced
{4} Chicken breast
{5} Hoagie rolls
{6} Olive oil, butter, teriyaki, salt and pepper

{Step 1} Marinate your chicken in teriyaki sauce. (This is my personal favorite, but I don't think it really matters.)
{Step 2} Slice your eggplant and squash, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper
{Step 3} Slice your onion and saute until translucent
{Step 4} Grill your chicken, eggplant and squash until done
{Step 5} Slice and butter your bread. Grill butter side down to heat (about 1 minute)
{Step 6} Assemble sandwich with veggies, sliced chicken, and onions.
{Step 7} Enjoy!

All Wrapped Up {Burlap Wine Bags}

Now that Halloween has passed, it's time to finally start thinking about my favorite holiday, Christmas. I know technically the Christmas season doesn't really start till after Thanksgiving, but it's never to early to start planning. And one of the things I always start thinking about first is Christmas gifts. What do I get for my parents, my sisters, my brother, etc.? Well, for friends one of my favorite things to do is a nice bottle of wine. But, you can't just hand someone a bottle, just like every other gift, it should be wrapped! And this Christmas, I'm loving the idea of wrapping bottles in burlap sacks like these. What's great is they add a little hand made touch that shows the person you put a little effort in. Stencil them with all sorts of sayings for the season like love, joy, or peace. I think I'm going to stencil mine with "uncork". Appropriate for the type of gift and that way it can be reused all year and not just at Christmas! 

xo

I Will Survive!

I know it's hard to believe that you could actually forget something on your wedding day, but trust me, you will. I'm not saying it's going to be something big you forget. It's probably something small like your toothbrush or Kleenex. And it's not because you're forgetful, it's just because it's the small things that you take for granite every day and naturally assume will be around you on your big day. Well, no worries. I have prepped a Bridal Survival Kit for you! A kit of all the things you never thought you would need or be without on your wedding day. Here's what you'll need...

{1} Chalk: Chalk is actually perfect for covering up blemishes on your gown. Obviously the ideal would be that nothing get on it, but that rarely happens. Chalk is perfect for cases like this.

{2} Breath Mints: Listen, you don't want your significant other's only memory of your first kiss as a married couple to be of your bad breath.

{3} Tissues: Because even with waterproof mascara and eyeliner, you still don't want tears to be running down your face.

{4} Band-Aids: Just incase those incredibly gorgeous heels you are wearing decide to give you blisters.

{5} Deodorant: For obvious reasons of course. No one likes a smelly bride.

{6} Lip Gloss: Just so you have soft, luscious looking lips that scream kiss me!

{7} Mini Sewing Kit: Always handy for fixing a quick seam, sewing on a fallen bead, or maybe even fixing that bridesmaid's broken dress strap.

{8} Safety Pins: For the same reasons you have that mini sewing kit. Except safety pins are much quicker and can pin up a groomsman's pants when the tux place gives him the wrong size!

{9} Bobby Pins: It's hot. Your bangs are falling in your face. You have that one strand of hair that just won't stay in place. Trust me, you always need a bobby pin.

{10} Advil: This is more for the day after. Or maybe for that headache that won't go away because your mother or future mother-in-law won't stay away from you...

Interested in purchasing an Events Uncorked "Bridal Survival Kit" for $30? Send me an email and I'd be happy to send one you're way!