Archive for the ‘Blog’ Category
D.I.F.Y. = Do It For Yourself – Cocoa Comfort
What better way to D.I.F.Y. on a cold, rainy Wednesday evening than to curl up on the couch with hot cocoa. We are loving this easy home-made hot cocoa recipe that is sure to warm you up for the night!
This hot cocoa recipe calls for two different kinds of chocolate and is whipped to frothy perfection with half and half cream for an extra rich cup of cocoa (marshmallows optional, but recommended for maximum tasty-ness):
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup half and half
- 8 tsp sugar
- 1 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped
- 1 tbs brown sugar
- 1/2 tbs vanilla
Preparation
1. Heat everything in a saucepan, except the vanilla, until the chocolate melts and the sugar dissolves
2. Pour half into a blender and mix until foamy
3. Return to the saucepan and add the vanilla
4. Stir briefly then serve (marshmallows optional)
5. Enjoy!
An Earth Day Love Story
With Earth Day coming up on April 22, what better time to reflect on our planet and how we can contribute to making a difference. We thought we’d share a couple of our loves for this wedding season that also happen to be Earth friendly.
Here comes the bride… aaand there goes her dress. British researchers have developed a wedding gown that can be dissolved in water to transform it into five new wearable pieces. The trick: Polyvinyl alcohol, an odorless nontoxic polymer that breaks down in water without harming the environment.
These flats are handmade from cotton fabrics and hemp with 0% chemical adhesives used. Flexible soles are durably formed from more than 25 layers of sustainable fabrics and hemp thread. These flats are so romantic and dreamy, not to mention vegan and really comfy.
We are in love with Bario-Neal, a small studio out of Philladelphia that specializes in re-claimed metals, ethically sourced stones and fluid designs that incorporate the best of contemporary and vintage style.
Who says eco-friendly can’t be fahsion-forward?
Fashion Forward Friday: Fashions for Freedom
We believe that supporting charitable organizations is always on-trend! Amani ya Juu, meaning “higher peace” in Swahili, is a project for marginalized women of Africa. The women learn practical skills (from sewing to marketing, purchasing, bookkeeping and more) as a way to improve their quality of life. Sara, one of our Fabulette’s, had the pleasure of attending this fabulous event last weekend, which combined a fashion runway show with music, dance and narrative to tell the powerful story of refugee women’s lives being transformed through the ministry of Amani. The 27-garment collection that was featured was created expressly for Amani Liberia by international designer and Bravo TV’s Project Runway Star, Korto Momolu.
If you would like to learn more and support the work of Amani, please visit www.amaniafrica.org. You can make a donation or purchase from their online boutique, where proceeds go directly back to the women of Amani, affording them a dignified, self-sustaining lifestyle. Go shopping for a good cause!
D.I.F.Y. = Do It For Yourself – Botanical Edition
With Spring here, what better way to enjoy a day off than taking a friend, loved one or entire family to visit the United States Botanic Garden (USBG). Steeped in history, rich with tradition, the United States Botanic Garden is one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America. The Garden highlights the diversity of plants worldwide, as well as their aesthetic, cultural, economic, therapeutic and ecological significance. The diversity of form, color, fruit, and fragrance reminds us that plants make our lives possible and enjoyable. So why not take a day and D.I.F.Y. and see what’s in bloom at the USBG!
Take the virtual tour to get a taste of what these grounds have in store for you!
A Passover Love Story
Max Yadin is a rabbinical student at the Jewish Theological Seminary, the intellectual center for Conservative Judaism in America. As a rabbi-in-training, Max loves making tradition accessible to Jews, and enjoys helping people of all (and no) faiths make spiritual connections. Max is excited to celebrate Passover with Something Fabulous by sharing a Passover love story…
This past Friday and Saturday night, Jewish people around the world gathered with friends and family to celebrate the first two nights of Passover. On each of the nights we hold Seders, festive meals, where we tell the story of the Jews’ emancipation from Egyptian slavery. Through this ritual retelling, Jewish people celebrate their own freedom, but also call attention to our fellow human beings who are still not free.
Every detail of the Passover Seder is meant to encourage questions and discussion around the holiday table. Traditionally, a Seder Plate is placed in the middle of the table; on it are different types of food that represent various aspects of the Jews’ enslavement in Egypt. A special cup, called Elijah’s Cup, is also placed on the table. An ancient Jewish tradition teaches that the biblical prophet Elijah will be the one to announce the arrival of universal peace and freedom on Earth. Whether or not we believe that this will actually happen, Elijah’s Cup is symbolic for the ideal of universal justice and peace that each of us long for.
One of my favorite Passover traditions is reclining. The “modern” Passover Seder was created in the time of the Roman Empire, when it was common for wealthy people to hold extravagant private banquets. Unlike today, people did not sit in chairs and eat at tables. Rather, those who could afford it ate reclining on dinner couches. In that time, reclining to eat was a symbol of luxury and privilege. By reclining at the Seder, Jews affirm that their ancestors were slaves, but that they are now free people. Reclining is also symbolic of the equality that we would like to realize in our world today. At the Seder we all recline despite differences in age, gender, religion, and socio-economic status. We all recline because despite all of these differences we each deserve to be free and live with dignity. Every Passover Jewish people gather with family and friends to tell a story about freedom, a story that I’ve fallen in love with.
Fashion forward Friday: Splash Into Spring
As the old adage goes,”April showers bring May flowers,” so you might as well make the most of it. Get on your favorite rain gear and bring on the rain!
Top 5 trendy ways to enjoy the rain:
1. Hunter Rain Boots: Everyone needs a great pair of rain boots, this (rainy) season we are loving Hunter’s original rubber in tangerine.
2. Jean Paul Gaultier Striped Umbrella: This umbrella is the perfect combination of fashion and function and makes rocking stripes that much more fun!
3. Alexander McQueen Retro Vinyl Shopper: This pink vinyl shopper is no ordinary bag – not only will it keep your valuables dry but it is sure to make a bold fashion statement.
4. Burberry Raincoat: The classic yellow raincoat is a must-have this Spring, combined with tangerine boots and a retro-pink shopper this look is sure to make a splash.
5. Singing In The Rain Movie: This timeless classic will no doubt get you into the “rainy” spirit, and now that you have all your gear, why not go “singing in the rain”?
D.I.F.Y. = Do It For Yourself – Gratitude
With the Easter holiday coming up, it’s easy to get caught up in egg hunts, chocolate filled baskets and home decorating. In the midst of all the holiday fun, don’t forget to stop and do something for yourself! Holidays are a time of reflection, and what better way to be conscious of all that you have to be grateful for than with a gratitude journal. We’ve used this Catherine Price gratitude journal as a favor for our guests and for ourselves – it is the perfect gift for any occasion, even if the occasion is you. So don’t forget to take a moment and D.I.F.Y. (Do It For Yourself) this Easter!
An April Tradition Love Story
Weddings are naturally filled with traditions, from the white dress to the tossing of the bouquet and garter. This month we reflect on one of our favorite traditions from Dawn, a beautiful April bride. Dawn’s tradition started several generations ago and involves the eldest woman in the family transitioning the bride into her new role as a wife by removing her veil before the newlywed’s first dance. Upon Dawn and Will’s entrance to their wedding reception, Dawn’s veil was removed and her grandmother, escorted by Will, replaced the bridal veil with a flower. From blushing bride to blossoming wife, the flower symbolizes life as a married woman.
[Event Designed by Something Fabulous, Photography by SOTA]
If you incorporated a family tradition into your wedding day – or if you are looking for one – we’d love to hear from you!
Fashion Forward Friday: Giddy-Up!
For all you gals looking to combine trends, why not incorporate floral with country-chic. Lane Boots made this possible with their new Allie Boots, creating the perfect Springtime shoe. Wear it with short shorts, fun skirts or maxi dresses. One word: giddy-up!
Bridal Make-Up: Do You D.I.Y. or D.I.F.Y.?
To some brides, hiring a make-up artist for their wedding day seems like an unnecessary luxury. However, it’s important to weigh the benefits before making a final decision. To help answer the question of, “Do I need a make-up artist?” we asked Ana Buitrago, an established make-up artist who freelances for Mac and also owns her own company. Ana is always up on the current make-up trends and was kind enough to share a few tips for our readers. If you have an upcoming wedding and are conflicted about whether or not you want a make-up artist, here are a few tips from Ana to help you make your decision.
[Photo credit: Ana Buitrago, MAC]
Six reasons you should D.I.F.Y. (Do It For Yourself) and hire a make-up artist for your wedding day:
- A make-up artist uses application techniques and products to ensure that your makeup will look flawless all day long
- A make-up artist will make sure all blemishes are properly covered, and can add a little extra to your look, such as faux lashes to bring out your eyes
- Your wedding day is a day to be pampered, and getting your makeup done should be a relaxing (not stressful!) experience
- A make-up artist will help you choose colors that best suit your skin tone and a style that fits your needs for your big day
- A make-up artist will only use makeup that looks good in pictures and won’t make your skin look washed out or muddy
- You’ve got your dream dress and you’re getting your hair done, so why not make sure your face is picture perfect also!
Should you decide to forgo hiring a make-up artist, here are some great D.I.Y. tips on doing your own bridal make-up:
- Choose a long-wearing foundation with good coverage that also looks good in pictures
- Choose an eyeliner and mascara that are waterproof just in case of happy tears
- Stay away from trend makeup for your wedding. Instead choose neutral eye shadow colors like bronze and mauve tones that never go out of style
- Use a lip liner before applying your lip color to add definition and staying power
- Use primers before applying your foundation and eye shadow to keep your makeup flawless all day
Should you have any questions you’d like to ask Ana, feel free to let us know or contact her directly:
www.anabuitrago.com | ana@anabuitrago.com | Facebook | Twitter
