Amazing!

i found this picture on the washingtonian.com. the centerpiece is done by michele hodges and I think it is fabulous!

happy planning

{k}

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Plaid Weddings in 2010?

i have heard that palid is making its way into the trends for 2010. personally i love it! anything that stands out and makes people remember your wedding over others they attend each year, is a love for me!

what do you think???

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bye bye 2009 chubbs!

the past few weeks my world has consisted of cookies, fudge, cake, cupcakes and everything else that tastes so yummy but adds to your waist pretty quickly.

in order to loose some weight but still eat, i discovered a new diet on the web. not that it is new to everyone but it is new to me!

the negative calorie diet. basically you mostly eat foods that your body needs more calories to digest then what is in the food. for example, if a piece of cake is 450 calories and it takes 200 calories off while your body is digesting you still had an addition of 250 calories to your diet.

by eating foods with lower calorie counts that make the body work harder you can burn fat and in essence loose weight.

negative calorie vegetables:

asparagus

beet root

broccoli

cabbage

carrot

cauliflower

celery

chicory

hot chili

cucumber

garden cress

garlic

green beans

lettuce

onion

radish

spinach

turnip

zucchini

negative calorie fruits

apple

blueberries

cantaloupe

cranberry

grapefruit

honeydew

lemon/lime

mango

orange

papaya

peach

pineapple

raspberry
strawberry

tomato

tangerine

watermelon

now you don't want to limit your entire diet to only these foods. you will want to add meat and dairy in as well to get your essential vitamins.

have any of you tried this? were you successful? i will starting it on january 1st! who's with me????

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Merry Christmas

thank you so much to those of you who read and follow this blog. if you read but don't follow, please follow so we know who you are! hope you all have a great holiday and merry christmas to you all.

enjoy a little light show to carol of the bells!!

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best holiday ads on tv

ok so i am a total tv junkie and i love commericals. ever since i was young and wanted to be in advertising and have my commerical shown during the superbowl. well now i do marketing full time for my day job and i market my side business lilly lynn events.

this year a couple commericals have caught my attention every time they come on.

one of the companies that have caught my attention is the gap ads. i found a site talking about how gap's latest commercial for the 2009 Holiday season ad campaign is being boycotted by the (AFA) for apparently not mentioning 'Christmas' in the TV-spot. The AFA issued a fatwa against Gap Inc., calling for a "two-month boycott over the company's failure to use the word 'Christmas' in its advertising to Christmas shoppers." But get this, in the commercial they do, in fact, mention 'Christmas'; it's actually the first Holiday mentioned! (link)



i also really like the one with the little girls "talk to the moose".



and now for the one that makes me laugh out loud everytime i see it.... drum roll please.......



the boogaly boo part at the end gets me everytime!! what are your favorite commericals this season??

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diy:: holiday

if you're on a tight budget this holiday, don't spend it on decorations...especially when we found some great ideas on apartmenttherepy.com., offers a few fabulous diy decorating ideas to celebrate the holidays. this is their top six favorite ideas that won't hit your wallet too hard (if at all, depending on how many decorations you've collected from previous years!)...

we don't have a fireplace, so i like this idea a lot! find a branch, spray paint it white (or leave it natural), and hang it in near the tree. this woodsy "mantel" can not only hang stockings, but it can also be decorated further by twining holiday lights around it.

another alternative stockings hanging over the fireplace: tying cups and mugs near the bottom of stair banister rungs with bright, cheery ribbons.

need a centerpiece? clementines are in season right now, and their vibrant orange skin is a perfect and affordable way to brighten up a table.

if you can't get enough of tree branches, here's a decorating idea that would make a statement in the dining room: hang a branch above the dining table and decorate it with ornaments.

this year we only have a garland strung under the tv with lights on it, our wreath on the front door, and some silver ornament hanging in my kitchen window from silver ribbon. no tree this year as we moved into a smaller house and the dogs like to attack the ornaments. maybe next year, they will be calmer so we can get a tree!

happy holidays and happy planning

{k}

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don't forget to enter our giveaway

don't forget to enter the current giveaway of free day of coordination from lilly lynn events!

click here to enter, contest runs until january 3rd!!!!

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Yum Yum

i wanted to take a minute and post a few of my favorite cakes and cupcakes from the last year of weddings and birthdays. i had a great time working with all my clients and helping them choose their tasty event desserts. even a better time tasting them all!

top foods cupcakes for a surprise 40th tiki themed birthday party

cupcake royale red velvet cupcakes with raspberries for a wedding
mini cupcakes on a desert table with a stand made by the bride

cake by kellies cake creations for a wedding at a golf course

single layer cake for a reception on the water in seattle

5 layer cake by kellies cake creations, each layer is a different flavor.

cake for a wedding i was the maid of honor and planner for in tacoma

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Simple Centerpieces

there is no rule that says your centerpieces have to be mind blowing or super expensive. here are a few ideas for those of you who want to put more money in a different part of your budget. whether it is to use simple brush or wheat like below or using different height vases with submerged flowers, the most important thing is to make sure every aspect of your wedding reflects you!

do what you feel is in your budget and what fits both of your personalities. if you need help some planners and florists will do an hour consultation just to brainstorm. if you are interested in a brainstorming consultation, feel free to contact us kim@lillylynnevents.com

happy planning {k}

also be sure to enter ourday of wedding coordination giveaway!!!

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Microwave Peanut Brittle

growing up i remember making peanut brittle with my mom every year. as i got older and her ms started getting worse we switched to the microwave version below. it is actually easier and tastes oh so yummy! if you try this out or have used the microwave recipe before, let me know if you agree that it tastes the same if not better than the store brands!
peanut brittle recipe
1 c raw peanuts
1 c granulated sugar
1/2 c white corn syrup
1/8 t salt (omit if you use salted peanuts)
1t butter or margarine
1t vanilla
1t baking soda

stir together peanuts, sugar, syrup and salt in 1 1/2 quart microwave dish. Microwave 7-8 minutes, stirring after 4 minutes. Add butter & vanilla - microwave 2 mins. Add soda and gently stir until light and foamy. Pour onto lightly greased cookie sheet. Let cool 1/2-1 hour. break into small pieces. Store in airtight container.

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L*O*V*E THIS

someday when i get married i want it too look like this!! i love the yellow and navy look. don't know when or where, but i know it will be navy and yellow and to die for!!

found on the partydress blog

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2010 Peacock Trend

the jury in my head is still out on whether i love the peacock look or find it overwhelming. i found this inspiration board and i love that it isn't over the top and still looks classy. what do you think??

{Image Link}

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FREE Day Of Coordinator!!!! Ends Dec 18th!

Be sure to enter to win below..... it's a great thing for those brides who need the stress releived or is on a tight budget!!

{k}

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Some of My Favorite 2009 Celebrity Weddings

I normally don't write about celebrity weddings but these were some of my favorites this past year! Who was your favorite wedding this past year?

Justin Guarini & Reina Capodici

Jaime Pressly & Simran Singh

Tom Arnold & Ashley Groussman

Khloé Kardashian & Lamar Odom

Ivanka Trump & Jared Kushner

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Winter Wedding

Growing up and thinking about the day I would get married ( like most young girls) I always thought I would get married in the winter. My love of Christmas and the ideals of wintertime made it seem so appealing. Whether you go with the traditional red or green, or go with a cooler blue and silver there are a few things to remember when planning a wedding this time of year.



Attire for Your Winter Wedding
Think about you and your sweetie in the elegant look of old Hollywood; the groom in tails, and the bride in a white long silk dress with a white fur or faux fur wrap. Evoke the season with "ice" –diamond or diamond-like jewelry. 90% of wedding dresses are strapless or sleeveless, but that's not so practical for a bride who wants to take pictures outside, or needs to walk any distance. Look for wraps, shrugs, and capes, or dramatic coats. I've always loved the look of a bride in a white dress and a large red shawl, huddled against her groom who has a red boutonnière. And don't forget your bridesmaids! An attractive wrap to wear on the day of your wedding and beyond makes a great bridesmaid present.

Where to Have a Winter Wedding
Look for an inn with a fireplace for an intimate winter wedding. For a larger affair, you may be able to use a historic mansion or private club that will still have intimate warmth. Unless you're getting married in a state that will have guaranteed snow during your wedding date, avoid a room that has a large picture window. You may imagine drifts of beautiful snow, and end up with a grey rainy day. Be sure to ask what seasonal decorations they use – you'll save money as many sites are already heavily decorated. Also, check to make sure your site will be adequately heated during the winter months; old churches can be especially drafty.

Planning the Menu
You can have all of your favorite food but add some winter touches like a squash dish, or warm pumpkin soup. Consider serving eggnog, spiced wine, or hot chocolate (alcoholic or non-) as special treats. Look for an all-white cake, decorated with snowflake patterns, silver embellishments, or sugar sculptures. Ask your caterer about using a decorative snow globe as a cake topper

Winter Wedding Flowers
Decide whether you want to go for a silver and white elegant look, or celebrate the season with reds and greens. For those who like silver, look for dusty miller, silver-dollar eucalyptus, and baby blue eucalyptus, mixed with white flowers such as roses, football mums, crocus, lilies and stephanotis. If you're looking for a brighter bouquet, consider red roses with holly and pine-tree greenery. In season flowers such as tulips, roses, and ornamental berries generally will be less expensive choices. (Talk to your florist, as your region may have different availability)

The Décor for Your Winter Wedding
Decorate your tables with simple and inexpensive white poinsettias, or fill the room with light by arranging pillar candles on a bed of pine branches At the after-Christmas sales, stock up on strands of small white lights, then string them decoratively around doorways, over tables and on archways. Bright red cranberries in a bowl surrounding floating candles make an easy and inexpensive centerpiece.

Favors
If you and most of your guests celebrate Christmas, an ornament makes a perfect favor. An inexpensive homemade favor is a pretty tin ofspiced hot chocolate mix or hot cocoa mix with marshmallows. Also consider a snow globe, with a bride and groom inside, or a holiday cookie cutter with a cookie recipe attached that says your names, wedding date, and "truly cut out for each other".

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Top 50 Wedding Songs for 2009

50. A Whole New World ~ Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle
49. Love Of My Life ~ Jim Brickman & Michael W. Smith
48. Groovy Kind Of Love ~ Phil Collins
47. The Prayer ~ Celine Dion & Andrea Bocelli
46. I Could Not Ask For More ~ Edwin McCain
45. On The Wings Of Love ~ Jeffrey Osbourne
44. More ~ Harry Connick, Jr.
43. I Knew I Loved You ~ Savage Garden
42. My Little Girl ~ Tim McGraw (father/daughter dance)
41. Never Alone ~ Jim Brickman & Hillary Scott (mother/son dance)
40. You Are So Beautiful ~ Joe Cocker
39. Give Me Forever (I Do) ~ John Tesh
38. Always ~ Atlantic Starr
37. Beautiful ~ Gordon Lightfoot
36. The Look Of Love ~ Diana Krall
35. Truly ~ Lionel Richie
34. Lost In This Moment ~ Big & Rich
33. Tonight I Celebrate My Love ~ Roberta Flack & Peabo Bryson
32. Lady ~ Kenny Rogers
31. Love Never Fails ~ Jim Brickman & Amy Sky
30. My Everything ~ 98 Degrees
29. Suddenly ~ Billy Ocean
28. Truly Madly Deeply ~ Savage Garden
27. All My Life ~ Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville
26. Longer ~ Dan Fogelberg
25. Could I Have This Kiss Forever ~ Enrique Iglesias & Whitney Houston
24. Here And Now ~ Luther Vandrosss
23. You And I ~ Eddie Rabbitt & Crystal Gayle
22. It Had To Be You ~ Rod Stewart
21. Butterfly Kisses ~ Bob Carlisle (father/daughter dance)
20. A Song For Mama ~ Boyz II Men (mother/son dance)
19. Valentine ~ Jim Brickman & Martina McBride
18. Endless Love ~ Diana Ross & Lionel Richie
17. I Do (Cherish You) ~ 98 Degrees
16. Amazed ~ Lonestar
15. I Swear ~ All-4-One
14. Grow Old With Me ~ Mary-Chapin Carpenter
13. Always And Forever ~ Heatwave
12. Beautiful In My Eyes ~ Joshua Kadison
11. We've Only Just Begun ~ The Carpenters
10. On Bended Knee ~ Boyz II Men
9. Wedding Song (There Is Love) ~ Noel Paul Stookey
8. Only You ~ Harry Connick, Jr.
7. This I Promise You ~ 'N Sync
6. Unchained Melody ~ Righteous Brothers
5. From This Moment On ~ Shania Twain
4. The Way You Look Tonight ~ Frank Sinatra
3. At Last ~ Etta James
2. Now And Forever ~ Richard Marx
1. Unforgettable ~ Natalie Cole & Nat King Cole

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Enter To WIN FREE Wedding Day of Coordination!

Calling ALL Seattle Area Brides!!

Your read that right! Lilly Lynn Events is giving away 1 FREE Wedding Day of Coordination to a lucky bride who enters by posting a comment to this post with why they need a Wedding Day Coordinator.

What you get if you win:
1. 1 hour consultation to go over your wedding so we are on the same page
2. Help with your day of schedule
3. 1 hour rehearsal time - I will come for one hour the night before and run your bridal party through the rehearsal
4.Up to 8 hours on the wedding day making sure everyone goes down the aisle in the right order and your reception schedule has been completed. ( toasts, cake cutting, first dance...ect)

You can only enter once. Information to include in your comment.... Your name, why you need Wedding Day Coordination, the date of your wedding, and your email address so we can contact you if you win!

You have until Sunday January 3rd to enter. The winner will be announced on Monday January 4th!

Good Luck to you All!!!

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My day on the Santa Train

So I know this isn't an event I planned or even needed to have a planner but I had so much fun I wanted to share it!

Check out my post on my personal blog about Cassie's 4th birthday in Snoqualmie this last weekend for her 1st party. 2nd party is this weekend!

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Birthday Cake

I am currently planning a 90th birthday and started to look online for cake ideas to send my friend Laura who is making the cake for the event in January. While looking I found some super cute cakes that I wanted to share with you!

The first picture is the robot cake Laura made for a baby shower I went to not too long ago.

cakechannel.com

Cake by Pink Cake Box

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Winter Wedding

Brrr... it's starting to get colder here in Seattle. Due to the chill I feel walking to my car in the morning I thought I would do a post on some winter wedding wear...

http://www.okbbaru.com/

http://www.bridalwave.tv/

http://www.bridalwave.tv/

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