Stunning Sunset

Take a moment to appreciate nature and see this photo of the sunset I took from Del Mar outside of San Diego. Breathtaking!

C is for Cookie Studio

I am a cookie monster, what can I say? So when I was at the Atlanta Magazine "Best of Atlanta Party" last week and came upon The Cookie Studio's booth, I was in heaven. The problem was which one do I try? Chocolate Chip, Sugar, Oatmeal Raisin they all looked so delicious! My friend and I shared a few different varieties and they were to die for, now we see why they were named "Best cookie in Atlanta"

What is even sweeter? The cookies are made with only natural ingredients and a portion of the proceeds go to the Atlanta Day Shelter for Women and Children. 

The Cookies make a great client or thank-you gift or focal point at the dessert buffet at your next soiree. Be sure to drop by their store in Decatur or visit their website http://thecookiestudio.net/

And the Oscar goes to...

My dear friend Margie over at Concepts Remembered is doing the design and decor for Atlanta's official Oscar Night Party. Imagine my delight when she asked me to walk the red carpet and be a guest at her table! I can't wait to see the amazing decor I know she will create AND walk the red carpet in Atlanta while our favorite celebs do the same on the left coast. Stay tuned for details from the Academy Awards, Atlanta style!

But you can wear it again!

Cheers to my favorite bridesmaids dress of the season! I'd be giddy if I were asked to wear this cute little gem and I would definitely wear it again. It comes in 7 gorgeous hues, but I love this peacock tone. Thank you Melissa Sweet for this "sweet" little number and its less than $350.
Image courtesy of Brides.Com

My Damask Valentine's

I thought I'd share the fun tables I designed for a Valentine's event. We used a black and white damask/floral linen with favors and menu cards to coordinate. A splash of red was used in the napkins and flowers.
Vendors:

Favors/menu cards DecoMarj
Flowers: Andy Beach
Linens: Tabletoppers

Allie Awards

So at the eleventh hour my team decided to enter an award for this year's Allies. The Allie Awards is presented by the Atlanta Chapters of ISES and NACE for the best in the year's events. I'll be working like crazy to pull an entry together by Tuesday, but hope that the event will get chosen in its category, I'll keep you posted! I've been fortunate to be nominated three times and won once let's hope I get lucky in 09!

Give him the pink slip...

With Valentine’s day quickly approaching and most men yet to contemplate a gift, drop a hint with this adorable Little Pink Card.I saw this on Robyn of Mix Mingle Glow’s blog and just had to pass it on. You can personalize this business-card with all your favorite things AND sizes. You will never be gifted (and insulted) with a too-large sweater again! While the card may take away the romance that he actually remembered your favorite blooms are peonies, I assure you getting gifts you love will be well worth it!
Click HERE for more info!
Happy Valentine’s Day!

Going Bananas!

Good things come in pretty packages! The highlight of The Wedding Lunch for me is always looking at and tasting dessert, especially if its Wedding Cake! This year was far and beyond the best. I promised myself I'd just have a "teeny taste", of what was tucked behind the fondant.

Well low and behold if it wasn't two layers of Banana Bread, sandwiching chocolate ganache!

It was heaven, and what a genius idea!!! I'm dying to credit the pastry chef being this little gem so if you know who it is, please let me know. Each table got a different dessert and while the dessert companies were credited on the program, it didn't differentiate whose was whose. Needless to say, my "teeny taste" equaled an empty fondant shell by the end. I definitely went bananas for this fun twist on a wedding cake!

Fresh Picks!

I came across a great detail in this season's issue of Martha Stewart Weddings that is an inexpensive way to carry out your theme and leave no detail behind. These beaded picks come in a myriad of colors and can be used from everything to your passed hors d'oeuvres to your cocktail fruit or garnish. Pick on Us carries these in almost every color of the rainbow and will even custom blend a pick for your "Pomegranate and Pewter" themed wedding! Starting at only $10 per 100 and available in bulk, these are a budget savvy way to make the details shine. Be sure to ask your caterer if its ok to provide these items and be sure to order them enough in advance to get them to your caterer prior to your wedding. Enjoy!

All Packed and ready to go!

Being a "planner" for a living also means that you are a "planner" in all facets of your life. I love being organized and on top of things. One of the tools I have used for years to help me prepare for my many trips and getaways is my Packing Spreadsheet.

You probably just laughed out-loud when you read that, but my post today is to share with you the method to my madness.

1) When preparing a spreadsheet you essentially "pack before you pack". I take the template and run down all of the events that will occur on my trip and fill in outfits right down to accessories. Since you may fill out the sheet days prior to your trip, even at work or late at night it saves so much time when you actually go to put your clothes in your suitcase.

2) Once this is complete I take an inventory of the sheet and this is where I make changes. For instance if I see I'm only going to be gone for 4 days and I'm bringing 6 purses and 7 pairs of shoes I try to go back and condense the list a little to make for more space and less "stuff".

3) I usually start my list about a week before a trip so I can change it or update it. Sometimes if I fill it out at work I will get home and see something I forgot about in my closet so I can make updates accordingly.

4) The sheet is a built in check-list. You plan everything once then print it out and check things off as they go in the suitcase, that way you don't get to your destination missing your underwear!

5) You look put-together and fabulous your entire trip because you have thought everything out right down to your earrings.

If you are interested in a copy of my spreadsheet please feel free to email me and I'll get it right out to you!

Happy Trails!

Vote for Me!

TOAST was lucky enough to be featured in the debut issue of Southern Weddings Magazine. As part of their launch they asked readers to find a copy when it hit news stands and send in a photo of you with the mag. Take a look at all the entries and cast your vote for #25

VOTE HERE!!!!

Black and White and "Wed" All Over

The Wedding Lunch


The Special Event Show The Hard Rock Hotel, San Diego

One of the events I most look forward to every year is attending TSE tradewhow and conference. This year took me to Sunny San Diego. I learned so much and met some wonderful people. The highlight event for me is the Wedding Luncheon. This year's theme was Black and White and totally meshed with the vibe of the Hard Rock Hotel. The amazingly talented Kathy Wright & Co created all of the fabulous florals. My favorite part was the mix of high end florals with simple flowers such as carnations and mums and created so many elegant looks! Check out all the fun possiblities that are black and white and "wed" all over!

Did you notice the above image is an "X" and and "O"? I mean HOW cute is that? Not to mention the Gardenia on the "X" smelled grand!