Tuesday Blues-day: Love letters

via source

^^Who said that a bride's "something blue" had to be somehting she wore?  I love the idea of the future Mrs. embroidering (or writing!) their groom's a special message on the back of his tie in blue.  Her "something blue" consists of so much more than a color, but her love and affection that will put a smile on his face.^^

via source

via source

via source

^^See the monograms sneaking in there too!^^

via source

Crafty enough to sew him a few words?  Or do you like the idea of a blue sharpie better?  This tie would certainly stand out in his closet and bring fond memories every time worn after the wedding!

xo, Elissa

Monogram Monday: A Royal Affair

via source

^^Recognize that monogram above?  Happy Anniversary Wills & Kate!^^

via source

^^In honor of such occasion, Monogram Monday is being taken over to commemorate the Royal Wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.  We’ve referenced it before here, slightly alluding to, but to put it plainly- I'm a royal fanatic.  Two years ago, I woke up before the sun rose to have tea and scones (had to do it British style!) and watched the event live with my mom.^^  

 

via source

^^I'll never forget the anticipation of waiting to see that first view of Kate when she was leaving the hotel to get into the car with her father.  That first view of the future princess!^^

    via source

via source                    

^^Everyone had been waiting to see what Kate’s dress would look like (and find out who designed it—Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen).  Pippa equally stunned as well, in that formfitting dress that made her an international icon!  Queen Elizabeth, Carole Middleton, and other such attendees (Victoria Beckham! Elton John!) looked their best as well, although I wasn't a fan of Princess Beatrice & Eugenie's attire.^^

via source

^^From Harry’s “She looks beautiful” whisper that , to their first public kiss on the balcony and William driving their getaway car out of the palace… little moments that reminded us while they are the future King &Queen, they are just like any other couple having the best day of their life.^^

via source

^^Her last wave as a single gal and commoner!  I mean her name is Catherine Elizabeth—so royal sounding from the beginning!^^

via source

^^Their first carriage ride was in the same carriage that William's parents, Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, used on their wedding day.  Where do I get me one of these?^^

via source

^^She had a second dress for the reception portion of the wedding later that night.  I loved the belt which added some glamour and her fur bolero to combat that chilly British weather^^

via source

^^The commemorative memorabilia!^^

via source

^^I re-watched the entire event over and over again that day (and probably the next week let's be real).  I'm not scared to admit I own it on DVD and easily call it the wedding of my generation.  I have eagerly been following the news about the future prince/princess that will come this summer, although my guess is still in the air about boy or girl!^^

via source

^^I'd love to throw an anniversary party of this occasion in the next few years, have my girlfriends over in awesome hats for tea and a viewing of the wedding again!  Maybe when I'm not flying cross country (Hello from somewhere between Portland and Phoenix!).^^

via source

^^And couldn’t forget their engagement portraits.  Could these be any cuter?!^^

What about you- did you watch the royal wedding?  Any crazies out there wake up to see it live like I did?  Feeling the royal fever?

xo, Elissa

Fab Pic Friday

source

I can't even put my thoughts into words about this photo- just so much love and that magical feeling!

I hope your weekend is filled with the same effect :)

xo, Elissa

Thematic Thursday: All Ruffled Up

source

Anyone else loving the ruffle trend?  It's very feminine while being able to employ a traditional or modern sense-- I just can't get enough.  Here are some of my favorite ideas for how to incorporate ruffles into your next soirée! 

source

source

source

source

source

source

source

source

source

source

source

source

source

Per usual, check out my Pinterest board for more inspiration.

xo, Elissa

We Do Wednesday: Bogus Burgers

^^I love cheeseburgers.  I could probably eat them everyday for the rest of my life.  I also love cupcakes,  so this merger is one of my favorites.  I first made it years ago for my family on Father's Day and everyone loved it!  With summer coming around, I couldn't wait to whip these out again!^^

 

^^Here are all my tools.  Since I'm in Oregon, I had to improvise on my cookie cutter (an aerosol cap!) and just used ziploc's instead of icing bags.  Feel free to use any brownie or cake recipe!  I didn't use cupcake liners  since I wanted to mimic the texture of a bun, but I left them in a little too long and the edges got a little brown.  I'd recommend watching them the last 5-10 minutes to prevent this!^^

^^Use your cookie cutter to cut out brownies around the same size as your cupcakes^^

^^I recommend using a 7x11 (or 9x13!) pan for the brownies.  I used a 8x8 square and thought they were a bit too thick.  I love how the top of the brownies mimic the surface of a real burger!

^^Slice your cupcakes in half and brush the tops with water and sprinkle on some sesame seeds^^

^^Put a brownie burger in your bun--^^

^^And you got a plain hamburger!  But we can do better^^

^^Separate your icing into 3 separate bowls and mix the partioned icings to yellow, green and red accordingly.  Spoon them into icing (or plastic!) bags and cut the tip off for easy application^^

^^Since I wanted the yellow to mimic cheese, I tried to copy the shape of a slice of cheese.  Since the outsides are what will be showing, I didn't put a lot of icing on the inside of the square^^

^^Next, green was my lettuce.  Again, I tried to mimic the lettuce shape with my squiggles!^^

^^Last, the ketchup/tomato. I just tried to stick this in a place that would still show outside of the other two colors!  I also placed a nice dollup in the middle to even out the icing for the topper.^^

^^Sandwich together and you're done!^^

Mhmm these are making me hungry!  Besides Father's Day, I think they'd be adorable for any BBQ cookout, sporting event, or on something like 4th of July.  They are pretty easy to make and über festive-- people always go crazy for them!  I hope you get a similar reaction!

xo, Elissa

Tuesday Blues-day: Neck Candy

source

What about wearing that something blue on you?  Lately I'm totally into brides putting on statement necklaces for the reception to change up their look-- why not make the jewelry that that lovely blue color? 

source

As you can see, turquoise is very trendy right now and provides a beautiful pop of color!  But all shades all the perfect touch to your bridal reception look.

source

source

source

source

source

source

source

 As you can see, there are endless options!  Who's changing (or adding!) accessories and jewelry to transform their look?

xo, Elissa