Toppers With Glitz!

While browsing the internet for the latest trends and super chic finds (all events related of course), I located this fabulous company called Toppers with Glitz. What is a Topper with Glitz? Well, it is a cake topper, but not your ordinary bride and groom cake topper…these toppers come with bling, or as the owner, Sari Watkins, would say…GLITZ!

I had the opportunity to chat with Sari recently about her fabulous cake toppers. Here is a bit of our chat:

Denice: What was your inspiration for taking on Toppers with Glitz?
Sari: Finding something that you're both passionate about, and that you can make a living from, is rare. When I found it, I didn't let it go. Making the toppers suits my personality to a "T". It is tedious work and each one adds a challenge like to putting a puzzle together - I love it!

D: What is the philosophy behind Toppers with Glitz?
S: Quality, quality, quality! From the materials used to the craftsmanship in my work, my products are top of the line. And not just materials -- customer service is a phrase heard all too often these days that is rarely backed with integrity. As a consumer myself I know how frustrating this can be and vow to be different.

D: Can you tell me about a cake topper that you especially enjoyed creating?
S: I am a sucker for romance and love when there is a story behind the design of one of my toppers. Some might find a handcuff chained to an apple an odd choice for a cake topper but if you were a teacher marrying a police officer the topper becomes a personalized symbol of the bride and groom. It's always fun to be part of something clever and creative and to give these brides opportunities that will set their day apart.

D: Do you have any suggestions on ways to preserve and display the monogrammed letters after the big day?
S: The greatest ideas are always from the brides themselves and I have a "Keepsakes" page on my website which is a collection of the best I've heard. Personally, I love the holiday season so using the monogram as a Christmas tree ornament is my favorite!

D: I read in your website that each topper is created by you. Do youfind that this becomes very demanding on your time?
S: The wedding industry is somewhat unique in that you become responsible for a day that someone will remember for the rest of their life. Once I commit to being a part of that, it's not something I take lightly. Summer vacations are a thing of the past so instead I take some time off at the end of the year -- It's a small trade off for doing something I love. Now I just have to figure out how I'm going to fit in starting a family :)

D: Does the design of the cake influence the creation of the topper?
S: This very much depends on the bride. For some brides the topper is the most important piece, and the cake is designed to match it. For others,the cake is to be the focus, and the topper is designed as an accent. Still other brides channel their inner designer and are able to tell meand their baker exactly what they envision. In any situation I'm always interested in hearing about the design of the cake. I love seeing what bakers can do -- to me; a well decorated cake is a more impressive piece of art than a Picasso!

Are you looking for a fabulous cake topper? CALL Sari at Toppers with Glitz, She will give you a cake topper you will never forget! Thank you so much Sari for chatting with me!

Photo credit: Sari Exclusives! (thanks for sharing them!)


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[wedding]

Beauty Chat Fab Freebie Giveaway!

Since Beauty Chat is turning one, we are hosting a fabulous giveaway valued at approximately $350. Check out the amazing products you can receive:



iQ Derma (Gorgeous Skin) + Redpoint (Flawless Makeup)
*iQ Derma Daily Renew Refreshing Cleanser
*iQ Derma Flawless Face System – SkinTensive xCel High Potency Anti-Wrinkle Serum + iQ Derma RestorEyes
*iQ Derma Lip Quench
*Redpoint Blush Whip in “Glow”
*Redpoint Eye liner in “Conga”
*Redpoint NOC-Out Cover Up Compact
*Redpoint MegaLash Mascara

Hurry and enter on over to Beauty Chat to enter!!

Photo Credit: Beauty Chat


[beauty]

Wedding Question Wednesday - Remembering Loved One's

Everyone wants to believe that their loved ones are going to be ever present. Unfortunately, there God has a different agenda and calls on our loved ones before we are ready. It is not a pleasant emotion to deal with on you wedding day, but it is a blessing to be able to do so.

Today’s question is a hard one to deal with, “How do I honor my mother, who recently passed away, at my upcoming wedding?”

I have seen this done many times in a few different ways. You want it to be a subtle, but caring way, of honoring the ones you loved. Whether it is a grandparent, parent, sibling or friend, you want them and your guest to know they are loved and missed.

* One way is a bell chime for each lost loved one with a moment of silence.

* Another way is to have an open seat with a rose or other type of flower noting their place in your ceremony.

* I have even see couples display the photos of the loved ones at the reception by a memory board or the head table.

Any way you choose to remember your loved one, it will truly be up to you. To be able to include their memory in your special day is all that really matters.

I hope I was able to help anyone dealing with the sadness of losing a loved one. If you have witnessed another form of memory, please share.

Photo Credit: Denice's wedding


[weddings]

Wedding...Las Vegas Style!

A friend of mine just got hitched in Las Vegas. This is a trend we are seeing more and more of...the destination wedding. I had a chance to ask her a few questions about her, her finance Jamie, and their Vegas Experience.

Erin, is a 31 year old, Director of Sales and Education for Belli Skin Care (skincare for the mom to be). She is a California Native, but moved to Seattle two years ago. Jamie, is a 36 year old, world-renowned “mixologist” although he prefers the word “bartender”. Jamie is currently consulting for a number of projects, and working on a plan for his own bar in Seattle. He is Canadian, born in Montreal, but calls Vancouver his home. He moved to Seattle two years ago, and the rest is history! Here are some of Erin’s highlights:

Denice: Why did you decide to do a Vegas Wedding?
Erin: We wanted to do something fun, but painless. I’ve never had the “bride gene”, and wanted as little hassle as possible.

(Jamie and his Beautiful Bride, Erin)

D: What was it about Las Vegas that enticed you to have your wedding there?
E: Vegas has never been my favorite place, but you just have to go every once in a while. With it still raining here in Seattle, it was the perfect excuse to get to some 100+ degree weather! And there has always been something about the novelty of a Vegas-Chapel wedding! There’s a kitsch-factor there that I love.

D: What type of wedding ceremony did you have?
E: It was a short civil ceremony at the Graceland Chapel (where Jon Bon Jovi got married!). The pastor was French, and had such a comical accent, that I almost thought he was putting on a character. My husband speaks a bit of French, so he was able to use a little of it with him. We had 10 guests.

(Jamie aka Elvis)

D: Was Elvis there?
E: I wish. The Graceland Chapel is the home of the “original” Elvis wedding. I almost regret not choosing the Elvis package. They have one package that gives you TWO Elvis’s (or Elvi?). You get the young, gold lamè Elvis, and then older white-jumpsuit Elvis. And they sing of course…

D: Was it nice not to have to plan a traditional wedding?
E: YES, just thinking about it gives me a headache.

D: What was your favorite part of the ceremony?
E: It was probably the ring-exchange. We recited the traditional vows, which I always thought were kind of hokey, but it was nice.

D: Did you elope?
E: Yes and No. We like to think that we eloped, but just had a few people tag along with us. We had it on a Wednesday night, so we knew we wouldn’t get too many people out to Vegas-but were surprised at the number of people who DID come.

(Jamie and Erin)

D: All in all, was it fun and memorable?
E: DEFINITELY. It was perfect-I wouldn’t change a thing. I just wish I could have stayed pool-side at the Bellagio for a few more days…

Thanks so much for sharing Erin, that was fun!

Please be sure to check out Erin's blog: Belli Cosmetics and Jamie's blog SpiritsandCocktails.com.

Photo Credit: Erin and Jamie



[wedding]

New KDC Logo!

We have a new LOGO, thanks to Melissa of Roark Design Studio.

We could not be happier with our classy little logo and we just wanted to share it with you! We have no idea what we are going to do with it just yet, but I am sure we will think of something!

Thanks Melissa! You ROCK!!!!

Wedding Question Wednesday- Bridesmaid Gifts

Today's questions: "What type of gift, if any should I get my bridesmaids?"

This is a fabulous question! YES, you should get your bridesmaids gifts. They are spending quite a bit of money to participate in your big day. It does not have to be an expensive gift by any means, just something that says, "Thanks for being in my wedding and for being a great friend."

(Denice and her bridesmaids 2001)

We all know how brides can be the closer it gets to there wedding, and our friends are great at acting like we are still the nice, sweet, girl who has been their friend for years, when in actuality they become nasty bridezillas!

So your bridesmaids deserve your thanks and appreciation. Here are a few ideas that are nice:

- Shoes! If you want them all to match for the wedding, you can buy them.
- Jewelry set for the wedding day (try House of Raquel)
- Nice slippers
- Gift certificate for a manicure or pedicure
- Make up (like Bobbi Browns Beautiful Bride Kit)

These are just a few ideas I thought I would like if I were a bridesmaid.

Have any ideas or gifts you have received? Let us know!

Photo Credit: Denice's Wedding 2001 (photographer Stephanie Kano)



[wedding]

Not your ordinary invitations!

As I was browsing the world wide web the other day, I came across a great site, Wedding Paper Divas. This site offers invitations for those of you who are not your every day couple. If you are looking to express your geeky side, you need to check them out!

Here are a few of my favs in the "Geeky" section:

Card found at WeddingPaper Divas.com ~ Card by: Color Rebellion

Card found at WeddingPaper Divas.com ~ Card by: Neurotic Neologisms

Hope this was fun! Have a great weekend!



[invitations]
Undergoing MyBlogLog Verification

I've been tagged again!

The fabulous Jennifer over at Beauty in Real Life tagged yours truly to answer six questions about myself, abiding by the following rules:

*Post rules at the beginning of the post.* Answer all the questions.

* Tag 6 people, and go to their blog and leave a comment to inform them that they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

* Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer.

Got that? Ok...here goes...

What were you doing ten years ago?

I was celebrating my 21st birthday…yes, I am that old!

What are five things on your to-do list today?

1. work

2. work

3. gold canyon candle meeting (I sell these fabulous candles!)

4. buy fathers day cards

5. sleep

Snacks you enjoy?

I love M&M’s too Jennifer!! I am also big on 100 calorie snack packs: grasshopper, popcorn, crackers…Love them all.

Places you've lived?

Nevada and good old So Cal!

What are 5 things you would do if you were a billionaire?

1. Quit my day job!

2. Travel the world

3. Pay off every house and car for my parents and sister…and BFF’s Katie & Cindy

4. Handbags and shoes…LOTS

5. Give to charity and less fortunate people

People you want to know more about?

Hmmmm this one is tough! If I want to know something about someone, I usually ask them!

There you have it! Thanks Jennifer for tagging me, that was fun!
I have tagged: Gwendolyns Gate, ebeauty blog. Tammi at White Iris Designs, La Bliss Weddings, House of Raquel, Leeann of Join the Gossip

Beauty in Real Life's GIVEAWAY!!!

Our friends over at Beauty in Real Life are having a HUGE giveaway! I highly recommend checking it out. Here is a sneak peak...

"5 of you...yes...that's right...5 of you will be receiving a gift bag stuffed with the goodies you see here!The good folks over at Sally Hansen have provided the chance for five of our readers to each walk away with a gift bag worth $243!!!Yes...that's right...each bag is worth $243!!"

Can you stand it? I sure can't! Hurry on over to Beauty in Real Life and enter to win!

Each winner will receive...
- Line Fix Lip Repair
- Lip Blush Plumping Lip Balm
- Prep and Perfect Lipcare
- Overnight Lip Recovery
- PM Lip Plumper
- Gentle Plumping Lip Treatment in each of the following colors: Tickle, Tease, Playful, Happy, Tender, Seren
- Lipnotic Gem Gloss in each of the following colors: Precious, Treasure, Bejeweled, Bling Bling, Rich, Embellished, Lavish, Sumptuous, Sparkling, Glitz
- Satin Effects Lip Gloss in each of the following colors: Glamorous, Romantic, Pleasure, Delightful, Tempting, Seduction, Intrigue, Attraction, Sexy, SensualFor


All you have to do is visit Beauty in Real Life and enter your name and email, that's it! A winner will be chosen June 20th!

Good Luck, and by the way, you will LOVE Jennifer and Christine's blog, its fabulous!

Wedding Question Wednesday- Gift for the Groom?

Today's question is, "What do I get my groom as a gift on our wedding day?"

Well, there are a lot of nice gifts out there, but what you need to do is ask yourself...What would my new hubby really like? The answer...something that reminds him of you. What better way then with a sassy photo of you in your *special* wedding attire.

Our friends over at Beauty Chat just did a fabulous review on this type of photography called Boudoir Photography, it gives the groom a glimpse of your sensual side!

Check out Beauty Chat, Jennifer has listed some great tips on how to pick your photographer. Some wedding photographers will even include this as part of your wedding package, so if you are interested, be sure to check with them.

Is this something you would do? Let us know!

Photo credit: Back of bride/veil


[bridal]

The Enchanted Tiki Room For Frankie

Katie and Cindy transformed Katie's back yard in to the Enchanted Tiki Room...well sort of. It by no means, looked like the party of a 3 year old, but it was. There were colorful birds, tropical palms and tiki gods (handmade by Katie and Cindy).

The kids danced to the sounds of the Enchanted Tiki Room, watched the volcano explode, played limbo and feasted on yummy hotdogs and chicken skewers.

Complete with a festive bar for the mommy's and daddy's, this party was a hit! Katie even made a tiki god fountain, complete with candles, flowers and tropical flare!

Check back for more on this event later! I am going to nag Katie until she writes something on it, so you can get the inside scoop on creating your own Tiki Room!

Come on Katie...we all want to hear!

Great Foot Care Find

I just want to quickly share a GREAT find (good for pre-event foot prep). I recently tried the best foot scrub ever! You all know I am a huge pedi-snob, and I will do anything to make my feet, happier and prettier. So, I found this whipped peppermint foot scrub by Gwendolyn's Gate. According to her website, it is: "A delicious delectable blend of cleansers with sea salt and peppermint essential oil. After using this blend, you will want to 'Dance The Night Away' as your feet are cooled and refreshed."

I would have to agree. Wendy Goudie, the owner, told me that it would smell good enough to eat, and she was right. It is amazing. The smell is wonderful and it massages your feet so nicely. After I had used it, my feet were so smooth and touchable.

I highly recommend checking out Gwendolyn's Gate, it is a fabulous line of body care products! Thanks Wendy for sharing with me! Good luck this week with the opening of your shop!

PS: Check out Wendy's blog

Photo Credit: Gwendolyn's Gate