Modern Mehendi

If you are hosting an Indian theme wedding, you might want to include a Mehendi as one of your pre-wedding ceremonies. The mehendi ceremony usually takes place one or two days before the wedding at the bride's place.

The Mughals brought Mehendi to India as lately as the 12th century AD. As the use of Mehendi spread, its application methods and designs became more intricate and sophisticated. The Mehendi ceremony is considered so sacred in some religions that unless the mother-in-law has applied the first dot of Mehendi to the bride's hand, the painting cannot go ahead. The Mehendi dot is considered to be a symbolic blessing, bestowal of which permits the new daughter-in-law to beautify herself for the groom.



Ladies and unmarried girls from both sides (bride and groom) gather in advance at a chosen venue, where the bride's hands and feet are gorgeously adorned by the artist. Guests often take this opportunity to get intricate mehendi designs on their hands also.



Traditionally, the future mother-in-law's responsible for sending the Mehendi artist to adorn the bride's hands. In the punjabi community, it's believed that if the henna leaves a dark eye on the bride's hands, she's sure to enjoy great affection from her mother-in-law.

For the best and richest mehendi's, artist start with the best Mehendi power. Usually, powder Sorjatt in Rajasthan is used, as it is considered the purest.




To find a Mehendi artist in your area, click here

Be Inspired by the exotic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Costa Rica - Honeymoon on the Rich Coast

Costa Rica, my birth place, is among the top ten honeymoon destinations. Stay at an eco-friendly rainforest lodge or in a villa on one of Costa Rica's many pristine beaches.

Parrot Bay Village

Parrot Bay Village is located on Costa Rica's Southern Pacific Osa Peninsula. It is a unique eco-lodge and host to world-class Costa Rican Sport fishing and Eco-tourism!

You can chose to relax, sport fish, or explore the jungle. Parrot bay overlooks a calm sunny beach, walking distance to a small sleepy pueblo called Puerto Jimenez, and it is a the tip of a virgin rainforest.

On any given morning you can wake up to fresh fruit, coffee, and wild scarlet macaws flying overhead. Birders, Hikers and Naturalists gear up to explore the Osa Peninsula, quoted as one of the most biologically intense places on the planet.

For more on Parrot Bay Village, click here.

Four Seasons Resort

The Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica is located on Peninsula Papagayo. Spilling down a coastal hillside to an isthmus of golden sand, the Four Seasons creates an ambiance of simple luxury in this pristine natural setting. With two unspoiled beaches, an indigenous spa, championship golf and the magic of the tropical dry forest. Ready for a relaxing Costa Rican vacation, click here.





Hotel Punta Islita - Nicoya Peninsula

Hotel Punta Islita is located in Guanacaste. As a child I took vacations to Guanacaste, although my accommodations were far from what you will find at Hotel Punta Islita. Hotel Punta Islita is a secluded paradise of spectacular ocean views, charming luxury, and exciting activities underscored by a genuine commitment to responsible tourism. For more information on this beautiful piece of the Nicoya Peninsula, click here.



Consider Costa Rica your honeymoon destination, you will not regret it.

Be Inspired by this Central American Gem!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wedding Dresses Under $500

We are all looking for ways to save in different areas. Saving money when planning a wedding does not mean you have to sacrifice style and beauty. Take a look at these gorgeous wedding dresses for under $500.

 

Dolly Couture 50's Short Wedding Dress - "Milan" $495.00


Platinum Brides Boutique _ STELLA $449.00


This gown is made with satin, chiffon, taffeta and organza dress is quite elegant. The beading, embroidery and sequins adds such style that it is just right for a platinum bride!

Gorgeous Mermaid Gown $399.00


Platinum Brides Boutique ADRIANNA - $425.00


Simone $399.00

Be Inspired by beauty even when you are trying to save!!!!!!!!!

Here is my Chocolate inspiration board



Create your own inspiration board at BridalCanvas.com

Fabulous Finds around the web

I am always in search of unique favor ideas. I found some on Le Wedding Favors. Not only did they have great favors, but they are having my favorite type of event......a SALE!!!

This is a great wine topper, with its multi colored crystal, this will make a great favor.

Sale $3.00


I love these servers, they will be unexpected favors at your wedding

Sale $4.00


Sale $3.00


This wood box would make a great gift for an attendant who is a wine lover. I love to personalize gifts.

Sale $8.00

This a unique Salt and Pepper set, great favor choice


Sale $2.50

Every time your guests have their coffee, they will think of you. This Creamer Set will also make an unexpected and practical favor choice.


Sale $4.00

Be Inspired by unique finds!!!!!!!!

Great Style after the wedding

I received this catalog in the mail and I loved the the items that I found, so I had to find the online store. I thought of a young urban couple who wanted to dress up their new space together. Or maybe a "not so urban" couple who simply likes urban decor.

CB2.com has great items, from dishes to furniture to art. Now I know a young couple starting out may not have all the funds they would like however, I found the prices very reasonable. There were some pricier items , however knowing which pieces to buy can allow you to have a great look for less. I also discovered that they have a gift registry, so put CB2 on your list of places to register. Here are a few of my favorites.

OK, you knew I had to get in my orange, this flashback bedding is bright and cheery for your spring and summer bedroom looks.



I love the Lotus dinner ware. Great for a couples first dinner with mom and dad or another newlywed couple.



This Piazza Sofa looks really cozy, imagine you and your new hubby cuddling with some popcorn and a great movie. Also, if you are living in a "space challenged" apartment, this comfy couch could double as a "guest sofa". Although as comfy as it looks, you might not want to invite too many people over.




Cocktails anyone? I loved these colorful Gem Martini glasses and the Tokyo 4-part server. These would be great for entertaining, the vibrant colors would make a bold statement.







This bongo dining table is a great space saving table for the "space challenged" apartments. It would double as a great buffet table for entertaining. Love multi functional pieces!!!!



There are so many great things, so I suggest you stop by CB2 for more great looks.

Soap delight!!!!

OK , as I mentioned before I love Orange and the various earthy colors that you can associate orange with. Anything with Orange gets my attention, so you could imagine that when I say this beautiful soap it took my breath away.

When I looked at this soap, I saw art. The artistry in this soap is phenomenal and I could only imagine the hard work that went into to making this handmade soap. Intentions handmade soaps are a true piece of art.

I thought that this soap nicely wrapped could be a great presentation to your bridesmaids. Possibly included in a spa basket. Here are a few of the other Intentions creations. Each of them exquisite. I will be placing my order today.

Spotlight on Whiteflash Jewelry

Jewelry is an important part of the wedding from the engagement ring to the wedding bands. WhiteFlash.com serves your every need. I am extremely excited to spotlight this company as the excersice eco-friendly options. All diamonds at Whiteflash are certified conflict-free, secured through legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict and in compliance with United Nations Resolutions, in accordance with the Kimberly Process and the USA Patriot Act.

Whiteflash.com is also the Internet's premium designer and provider of custom diamond jewelry creations and offers an exquisite designer collection of diamond engagement rings and platinum and gold settings. You can shop on this site for engagement rings, wedding bands, gifts to exchange with your future spouse, anniversary gifts...it is always a good time for jewelry.




When you either refer someone to Whiteflash or become a repeat customer yourself, they give you $100. They will. They take pride in the process of design, and are happy to create a wedding band to match any design that was created for the engagement rings. They enjoy coming up with original, patented designer diamond bracelets, settings and other fine diamond jewelry. To view their extensive collection check out whiteflash.com









Be Inspired by beautiful, responsible jewelry!!

Bridal Shoes under $150.00

Trying to finish shopping for your wedding attire, let's not forget the shoes. Bellissima Bridal Shoes is the perfect location for great looks at any price. Here are some looks for less than $150.00:

 

Click below and search these and other looks under $150.00:

Great and Tasty finds

Although I just got my WII Fit and should be focusing on exercises, I found myself thinking about edible favors. I think my waistline will be OK since I am only sharing information.

I found these great Brownie Pops.

You will find an intricate, eye-catching chocolate coating and a fresh baked delicious brownie or blondie center. I find this unique favor to be both whimsical and elegant.

There are five designs to choose from: bride, groom, filigree, scrolls and vintage. The bride is dressed in white chocolate with candy pearls and a delicate lace bodice made of white nonpareils; the groom is resplendent in a milk chocolate tux and tie with a white chocolate shirt. For a glamorous, old-Hollywood look, pair the filigree and vintage pops. This favors come ready for presentation,these candy wedding favors arrive wrapped in a cellophane bag with an organza bow (packaged either individually or as a pair). You will have a choice of five ribbon styles: white, ivory, white with gold trim, white with silver trim or ivory with gold trim.

Personalized Caramel Corn

Personalized caramel corn favors, sounds delicious.

Within each snack-sized bag, you'll find fresh, irresistible caramel corn in your choice of flavors: original caramel corn, white chocolate cinnamon (lightly coated with white chocolate and dusted with a hint of cinnamon) and sweet and salty triple treat (includes original caramel corn, cheesy cheddar and lightly salted white corn). You can take pick from various customized label designs! or you can submit your own photo for the photo dots and photo floral designs.



Gourmet muffin mix or personalized muffin mix favors

I love to bake and I could imaging taking home this favor and recalling the beautiful wedding details. These personalized muffin mixes make marvelous bridal shower favors, wedding favors or holiday party favors. They come in a glossy white bag of muffin mix comes with a personalized label. Designs available in one of three themes: classic, fall, and winter (labels packaged separately; some assembly required). Just pick a design and add your own special message with up to three lines of text (maximum of 36 characters for the first line, 24 characters for the second line, and 24 characters for the third line).

Adding an optional heart handle wire whisk and bow will make this a really unique favor.










maple syrup favors

How about this great breakfast condiment. Next to a favorite breakfast choice, this warm amber colored syrup will make for a perfect favor. It's leaf-shaped glass containers will be a great accent to a fall wedding. Personalize each bottle with a hang tag or tie personalized ribbon around the neck of the bottle to make it your own.



Be Inspired by tasty and unique favors.