Popping the Question

So you're engaged, now what? Where do you even begin with the

wedding planning process? Well, I think it would be wise to start by

ordering the BFP wedding planner to help you keep your thoughts,

to do lists and budget in check. From there, most brides jump in head

first and get the bridal party in line. 

So, how do you ask your besties to play a part in your big day? 

Make it short and sweet, but oh so special. There's been a huge trend in 

putting together a special box of goodies to pop the question to your maids. 

We've put together a few ideas of how to execute this important ask, all

centering around the most important part, the "Will You Be My Bridesmaid"

card. We also have something for the Maid and Matron of Honor. If you

want to keep it more generic, stick with the "Stand By Me" version (also

available in bridesmaid, maid of honor, and matron of honor).

If the card isn't enough, try using one of our Winks. Tie it on the outside of a cute

bag or around a bottle of champagne (available in bridesmaid, maid of honor, 

and matron of honor). There's also something for the flower girl.

No matter how you pop the question, the answer is sure to be a major YES! 

but first, champagne notepad  |  Bridesmaid greeting card  | white box  |  paper confetti

but first, champagne notepad  |  Stand by me card  |  white box  | paper confetti

tin box  |  Bridesmaid card  |  paper confetti  |  twine purchased from Home Depot

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Crafter

Who's gearing up for Spring DIY projects?? Not me. I will

always have the utmost admiration for those of you who have

the patience to tackle projects around the house instead of hiring

someone else to do them. This one is for you, my DIYers...

[ prints available here ]

Paper London

While I've never been an avid fan of pink and red (especially together) or 

Valentine's Day in general, I'm going all out this year. I can't stop with the 

festive decor (and candy) in my home; I can't stop posting pink and red flirty

illustrations (see our Valentine's-inspired print shop which will be up through

Feb. 14); I have plans made for the 14th with even better plans on the 16th with 

my best gals... it's a fun time to just enjoy and spread the love. Why not? Our 

world could use a little more love, a little less hate. 

All that to say, when I saw this Paper London dress, I saw an illustration come to

life before my eyes. Paired with a lower block heel (which is shaping up to be the 

shoe of spring), it's Vday approved...

dress: Paper London  |  shoes: J.Crew (similar versions here and here)

[ prints available here ]

You can see this illustration actually come to life on my Youtube

channel. Subscribe if you haven't already! 

2 Easy Holiday Cocktails

'Tis the season for eating, drinking and being merry!

Today we're bringing you two of the easiest cocktails that will surely make a splash 

with your guests. Whether you're the host or simply being a gracious guest by not showing 

up empty handed, these are two cocktails you'll want to have in your arsenal. Seriously, 

they're are so easy (translation: they take about 5 minutes to throw together and have about

 4 ingredients total). 

They pass the taste test, the time test, and most importantly, the short list of ingredients

test. I have been wanting an excuse to use my fresh rosemary plant, and both of these

cocktails called for a garnish of rosemary!

I came across the first one while flipping through the Favorite Things issue of the O Mag. 

Oprah always seems to kill it at all things Christmas, let's be serious. The only thing that

takes a little planning is freezing ice cubes in advance. They are what takes this one to the

ultra fancy (looking) Christmas punch level. I halfed the recipe below to simply make one

pitcher full.

pitcher: World Market  |  champagne flutes: World Market  |  tray: West Elm  |  "Eloise" notecards

Cran Rosemary Punch

2 bottles Prosecco (chilled)

3 C white cranberry juice (or white grape juice)

20 drops Angostura bitters

1 C fresh cranberries

Rosemary sprigs (for garnish)

In each section of a large ice cube tray, place a few cranberries and a cluster of rosemary leaves. 

Fill with water and freeze about 6 hours or overnight. In a punch bowl, combine Prosecco, juice, 

and bitters. Add prepared ice cubes and additional fresh cranberries to bowl just before guests arrive, and serve.

(recipe source)

The next one popped up on my instagram feed as a sponsored ad and instantly grabbed 

my attention. It screams cold weather with hints of maple syrup, a splash of something

sweet in the grapefruit juice and a Christmasy touch of rosemary as a finishing touch. 

wine glasses: Pier 1  |  "Mays" notecards  |  all photos: Catherine Truman Photography

Grey Goose Fireside

4 parts Vodka (Grey Goose)

1 part organic maple syrup

5 parts freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice

1 pinch of sale

1 sprig of rosemary

Add the maple syrup, a pinch of salt, and a sprig of rosemary to a glass. Mash

the rosemary to combine the flavors. Top with the vodka and fresh grapefruit juice. 

Serve over ice.

(recipe source)

Cheers to the holiday season! 

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Top Beauty Buys

The 2016 Gift Guide launched just in time for those last minute shoppers 

(hint hint: Christmas is less than 20 days away!!).

Today I'm expanding it to include my favorites in the Beauty category.

From the Tweexy Nail Polish holder to the Spa Tower (hello, perfect for 

moms and grandmothers), the people that created these items are pretty much 

geniuses. I've included some of my absolute must-haves that I use on a daily basis 

from the contoured eye mask to Drybar's Triple Sec texture spray (and let's not 

forget the St. Tropez gradual tan to help fight the winter blues). But one of my favorite 

finds this year has to be the Spatty Datty... get every last drop out of those narrow makeup 

bottles with these reusable mini spatulas (for lack of a better term). 

See the full Gift Guide here and the latest addition, my Top Beauty Buys.

I'm excited to share another one of my latest additions to the beauty counter...

the Quantum Switch by Theorie. The set includes 4 different sized barrels to

create the perfect look for every occasion. I prefer to use a larger barrel to create beachy 

waves, but if you're wanting a tighter curl, there are options! It also includes a glove

so you won't burn your hand and comes in a perfectly sized travel bag. This one is

a must-have! 

Catherine Truman Photography

Shop the Quantum Switch and other products by Theorie here.

DIY Circus Performer Halloween Costumes

While I've never been an avid fan of Halloween, there is one thing I look forward to each year

and that is to see what crafty DIY costume Lauren Conrad & co. will come up with. This

year did not disappoint... she created easy circus performer costumes that can even be done

by the non DIYer. See her full tutorial here. She manages to create costumes that are

cute, non-scandalous and always have a touch of the latest trends (notice the velvet 

bodysuit on LC herself). She's the Halloween DIY costume queen. 

How To Make Custom Wedding Favors

I recently volunteered to help my mom take food to a bride-to-be on her 

big day. Wedding day food has become almost like hosting a shower. 

Every detail must be thought out. The colors have to match. There needs

to be personal details. The water needs to be room temperature as to not

have condensation that will drip on freshly steamed dresses. I mean...

the things we do. 

Everyone at some point in their lives will be a bride, bridesmaid, 

maid of honor, delivery team for day-of food, bridal shower hostess,

etc. So, listen up...

Here's an easy way to make a statement with a personal touch for 

the bride to be on her big day. 

We ordered these cookies from a local Nashville girl. She's cute as

a button and her cookies are literally a slice of heaven. We paired 

them with a pack of notecards from the bridal section of my website. 

We picked up clear bags at a local party store and a spool of gold ribbon

to complete the look! 

You will need:

-wedding-themed cookies

-clear bags

-BFP notecards

-scissors

-hole punch

-ribbon

-black ink pen

Step 1: trim notecards to just the illustration

Step 2: punch one hole in top corner of the notecard

Step 3: add the couple's wedding #

Step 4: insert cookies into clear bags

Step 5: loop ribbon through single hole and tie around bags

There you have it. A quick and easy way to add personal touches to the day-of food

delivery. Don't forget to arrange them in a basket (one that you will most likely not

see again, so don't give away your favorite!) for a cute sweet treat. 

How to Wear Sweaters in September

The temperatures are starting to drop at night, fall fashion is in stores, and it's time to start transitioning your wardrobe for the new season. 

Since it can still get pretty warm during the day, one of my favorite looks right now is the sleeveless sweater. Pair it with this pencil skirt, these culottes or these wide-leg trousers for work; these flared jeans for the weekend and for the adventurous, this fringed skirt for a fashion forward look. Throw a silk blouse under it in the coming months to stay warm.

sweater: ASTR  |  skirt: Intermix  |  bag: Tory Burch  |  shoes: Tory Burch

[ prints available here ]

Images borrowed from:  1  |  2

Shop the look:

How to Wear Plaid This Fall

With all the emerging trends for fall, one thing you can still fall back on is your favorite flannel as plaid is still very much a do. Pair it with an updated version of your favorite jeans (preferably a flare-leg or broken in boyfriend cut) or tuck it into this fab fitted skirt for the office.

Taking inspiration from Olivia Palermo, belt your Thakoon long-line vest and wear it as a dress for now. Ditch the belt and keep it open over warmer clothes when the temps get more frigid. 

(Don't miss the rest of the Thakoon for DesigNation collection available at Kohl's).

sunglasses: Illesteva  |  vest: Thakoon for DesigNation  |  shirt: Urban Outfitters  |  belt: Forever 21  |

(similar) bag: Chloe  |  shoes: Jimmy Choo

[ prints available here ]

Images borrowed from:  1  |  2

Shop more of my favorite flannels: