Dez and Tam - Orange County Photographers for your Holiday Photos

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If you are looking for the perfect photographers for your holiday family portraits, look no further.  Dez and Tam have a special deal for you but you better act fast!  In order to ensure that your cards can be printed and ordered, you must book your session for before Thanksgiving.  I have worked with Desi several times before and am truly amazed at his skills each time.  Remember when he shot my son's 5th bday party?   

Most recently, I got to hang out with him when I put together a little local blogger meet up/photo shoot. He is a consummate professional, fun guy and AMAZING photographer.  Tammy, his wife, is also a talented photographer.  They make a great team although you may not get to meet her at your family session as they just had their second baby boy!!!  Yeah for them!  

See Lauren leaping?  That is how comfortable Desi makes you feel.

I tagged along on the photo shoot to try to learn as much as I could about photography.  While I like to take photos, it is a hobby.  Some people just get it and Dez and Tam are a few of those people.  I can't wrap my head around lighting, but Desi just maneuvred around the park and knocked out amazing photos in no time at all. 

Desi knew how to work with each personality to get the best shots possible and used other resources to make the models feel comfortable (I may or may not have whipped out some tap dancing from when I was 8 to elicit some giggles).

This was a super fun afternoon.  My favorite part was when Desi would set up and take a shot and then share the image in the viewfinder.  It was always absolute magic.  Another reason Desi and Tammy are the best people to shoot your family photos is they are also parents.  They know how to handle crabby, fast moving children and get the shots, stunning shots of your little angels.  Here is a sneak peek at some of the shots taken of my local blogging friends:

by Dez and Tam

Kristin of Meringue Bake Shop - How gorgeous is this picture?!  That color is so amazing on Kristin!  

by Dez and Tam

Wendy of Wendy Will Blog - Wendy was an absolute natural and got her shots done in only a few frames.  I loved her pretty ease in front of the camera. 

by Dez and Tam

Lauren of A Fabulous Fete - Lauren's hair was magical in the light and did some really artsy shots with Desi throughout the shoot.  I can't wait to see all of them! 

So hurry and book your session with Dez and Tam!  Email Desi@dezandtam.com.

They are also available for weddings, parties, maternity and any other kind of shoots you can think of.  I was beyond impressed with the work he did at my son's party.  He captured the details that meant so much to me and our guests enjoying themselves.  They are memories that I will always cherish. 

I heart Dez and Tam!

Sharon

All images are mine except for the last 3 courtesy of Dez and Tam 

Guest Posting on Celebrations.com - Part 3 {Drink up!}

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I've really enjoyed sharing some tips with you guys over on Celebrations.com!  Today they are sharing my ways to keep bar costs down while entertaining.  Check it out here! 

In case you missed them, see all the posts here:

Part 1 {simple diys and ways to jazz up your decor with things you already own}

Part 2 {a dinner buffet, easy dishes that everyone will love}

Part 3 {A budget bar, how to stretch your drink dollar}

Sharon

photo is mine

Guest Posting on Celebrations.com! {Fall Entertaining}

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In case you hadn't heard about it over on Pizzazzerie, Sterling Vineyards is hosting the "Ultimate Hostess" contest.  The first challenge was to create a party for friends including the wine for no more than $75.  I love a challenge so I decided to see what I could put together.  I was super happy with the overall party I designed (note:  should there be a party girl episode of Hoarders I will surely be on it...). BUT  turns out that due to some dumb California law, I couldn't enter the contest!  So instead, I decided that I would share tips on entertaining on a budget with you via Celebrations.com.  Check out part 1 today and then check back there tomorrow for part 2!

Head over to Celebrations.com now to check out the post.  And let me know what you think of the party! 

Sharon

all photos are mine. 

Pink parties are the coolest

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Anyone out there sign up to host a dinner party through 1,000 Cooks for the Cure?  Did you know that it doesn't HAVE to be a dinner party?  Why not make it a fun girl's night out and do a dessert potluck with rose champagne.  The images above are from a styled shoot/tiny party Lauren and I hosted in December for New Year's Eve (how gorgeous are these images by Up Imagery!?!).  But I think it could be used throughout the year as well.  All these treats were provided by Kristin of Meringue Bake Shop for the shoot but her ideas are totally (for some - I am not one of those people) easy to DIY.  If a professional baker is not an option, I probably would buy store bought items and then jazz them up to make them cuter.  You can't go wrong with pink rock candy, pink tinted white chocolate "suckers", or a 3 layered strawberry shortcake cake.  Keep checking back for more recipes and entertaining ideas.  

Have you entered the contest yet? 

GO HERE NOW! 

Sharon

All images by Up Imagery

All treats by Meringue Bakeshop

Styling by Myself and Lauren of A Fabulous Fete

Photo Shoots - Behind the scenes

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I like doing photo shoots.  You can really showcase your design aesthetic and get your ideas across.  The finished product is often refined and gorgeous (if you are lucky enough to work with a fantastic photographer).  But do you know what goes on behind the scenes during a photo shoot?  Let me share with you what my Easter shoot with Amy's Kitchen Table was like.  Here is a math equation for you...2 adults making all the food for an Easter brunch, decorating and taking photos + 4 children under 5 = ?????

First, you have to play defense.  The kids will constantly try to leave their mark on your design.  I have to say I am not completely against the blue truck.    

Watch your backgrounds.

Be willing to reset the table.  You turn around for one second and there is a toddler wielding cutlery.  

 Juice should probably be consumed in cups with lids. Keep the decorative straws for another time.

Kid's want to make their own centerpieces.  Styling must run in their blood. 

This is what our day looked like.  Our two sons wrestling feet from the buffet table.  Amy's darling daughter, who started the day in a fabulous Easter dress, only to ditch it VERY early on and rock a diaper with patent leather shoes.  And notice there is one child missing which probably led me to a brief panic and a search party. 

I'm so happy that Amy, of Amy's Kitchen Table asked me to be part of her Easter project.  I hope we get to work together again very soon.  Please support her as she is truly a talent in the kitchen and has so much to share with you and your family!  

Sharon

All photos are mine.

Easter - Kid's Waffle Bar and Crafts

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Kid's love to feel special so for Amy's, of Amy's Kitchen Table, Easter brunch, she wanted to set up a special waffle bar for the them to dress up their own delicious waffles.  I need to take a second right here and tell you that these waffles smelled AMAZING (and of course tasted that way too once I finally stole one).  The little bit of cinnamon that Amy added to the batter rocked my world.  Again, we kept the table really simple (and totally forgot to put the maple syrup on the table...)  And instead of blood orange mimosas for the kids, we kept out the champagne and replaced it with a little Sprite.  The kid's were crazy for them.  Super easy.   

I wanted to keep the yarn theme going on the kid's table so we added a yarn egg.  And I knew I wanted to do some kind of straw embellishment but didn't want the yarn to shed in to the drinks.  I took small lengths of yarn, taped them to a piece of paper and then scanned it to make my own yarn-like paper and created the flags from that.  

Amy wanted to have activities for the kids.  What is an Easter party without an egg hunt I ask you?!  Also, I found a free "font" on Da Font with Easter graphics and created this quick coloring book for the kids.

Amy put together this really cute butterfly craft.  She printed and cut out different butterflies, let the kids paint them with watercolors.  And when they were dry, she attached them to pieces of empty toilet paper roll which acts as a cuff for their arms.  The kids had a blast running around the yard with their butterflies.  Yes, that last picture is of my new 5 year old BOY.  He has made it clear that he will not be cutting his "rock star" hair for "100 years."  And it doesn't look this girly normally.  Only whilst frolicking.  

Be sure to check out Amy's post on the kid's food and activities! 

Tomorrow I will share some out-takes from this shoot.  

Sharon

All photos mine. 

Easter - Casual and Cool Yarn Chic

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Here is the set table for my Easter project with Amy's Kitchen Table.  With just a simple white tablecloth that Amy had and the easiest runner ever (thank you Glue Dots for the quick hem) this table can very easily be recreated.  Since it is Easter, we had to work in some traditional decor.  In keeping with the yarn theme, I thought creating some string eggs was totally appropriate (ton's of tutorials around the webosphere).  And again, the wood and succulents keep it casual and cool.

You have probably noticed the little Easter signs around as well as the food tags from my previous post.  As you all know I am graphic design challenged, I'll tell you my secret to getting them so cute.  I used a symbol found in illustrator (totally comes with it when you buy the program) modified the colors to fit the decor and added the text.  Boom.

Have you heard?  Succulents are SO in right now.  I still have one more post to do on this Easter set up.  Amy created a kid's waffle station and there are kid's crafts to share.

Sharon
All photos mine.

Easter - Casual, Cool and Extra Yummy

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Usually my posts are very wordy.  But as I am sure you will find what I am about to say shocking, I may have over done the details of my son's upcoming 5th birthday and it is consuming my life.  As I type, my eyes are trying to close, I've just finished cutting out 189 pieces of "space money" and I won't even get to my Friday night ritual of a glass of wine and US Weekly.  Too tired to declare who wore it best.  I'm going to let the pictures speak for themselves (for the most part).  I had been wanting to use yarn in a party setting for a while, simply because I hadn't yet, so when Amy, of Amy's Kitchen Table, asked me to be a part of this Easter project, I headed out to the local craft store to get some.  I found the perfect yarn in this graduated color pattern of purple, green, orange, and terra cotta.  While the colors are "spring-y" they aren't pastel and gross.

One the main buffet table, I used simple terra cotta pots to match the cute two-tone polka dot fabric I found.  I also continued the yarn accents in different ways.  The succulents (which I stole from Lauren) look right at home on the rough cut wood blocks used to create levels and keep it totally casual and cool.

I mentioned the food in my teaser post but OH. MY. GOSH. Seriously, Amy is amazing.  I could go on all day about the blood orange mimosas but that is because I need a drink like crazy right now.  wink.  The ham,  BEST EVER.  The breakfast pizza, ridiculously delicious.  I would rather eat my own foot than eat a deviled egg but Amy assures me that they are the best ever invented.  And I believe her.  And while I didn't get a chance to try the Hummingbird Cake, those gosh dang pecan shortbread cookies with lemon glaze haunt me, in a good way.  Don't forget to check out the recipes on Amy's Kitchen Table.  Tomorrow I will post more details of the eating table.  I know that doesn't sound right at all, but my brain is done.

Sharon
All photos are mine.

A Cool and Casual Easter Get Together with Amy's Kitchen Table

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Have you guys seen Amy's Kitchen Table yet?  Hurry, go look.  I'll wait...Ok, you back now?  So Amy is this extraordinary cook.  Like, for reals.  She's one of those people who are so natural in the kitchen that she requires no recipes and doesn't even break a sweat if a meal contains multiple steps.  I'm lucky enough to have sampled many of her dishes including some phenomenal baked goods so trust me when I tell you that you should bookmark her new recipe site! She is just getting her blog started and she asked me to help her out with a little Easter set up she wanted to do.  I'm so excited that the posts are up and you can see a little bit of what turned out to be one of my favorite tables and buffets ever.  So simple, casual and inexpensive.

Rush on over to Amy's Kitchen Table to see a few other shots from the day and all of the fantastic recipes Amy put together like her pineapple bourbon glazed ham.  Best ham I've ever tasted - not exaggerating one bit. 

Amy's recipes for her Easter spread

Amy's Easter dessert recipes

The Easter decor and kid's activities

I'll be back early next week with a post full of decor details.

Thanks for asking me to be part of this Amy! 

Sharon

Like an entertaining mullet - photo shoot in the front, party in the back

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First, I want to thank all of you who have shared kind words with us about this photoshoot.  Choosing to do the shoot the weekend before Christmas might have been one of the worst ideas I've ever had but the stress was totally worth it.  I am in LOVE with how everything turned out, the vendors we got to work with and the fact that Lauren and I had an amazing time working together on it.  (If you haven't followed this project from the beginning, read this post first).  

    

I didn't know Lauren before this project but thought she might be the perfect partner.  And I was totally right.  I could not have guessed how well the planning and styling of this party could have gone.  We were on the same page the entire time down to the types of champagne glasses to use.  We complemented each other really well and I can't wait to work on our next project...

Although we originally set out to do a New Year's Eve party, I love that we kept it from being too themey and allowed it to shine as a girly shindig too.  The glittered jax and pink yo yo's lent a sense of whimsy and pink glass accents were subtle and sweet.  We used mostly rosey-gold tones to keep the look cohesive and grown up along with gold which added just the right sparkle without being over the top.  The gold cake stand that Lauren made (available on her Etsy shop) and the tiered plate stand (inspired by a silver one seen in the December issue of Real Simple Magazine) added a ton of interest and can be re-used in all kinds of other celebrations.

Both Lauren and I enjoy hitting the thrift stores for party pieces.  These glasses can be found in abundance and were such a great touch for the party.  To me, these glasses are really feminine and are fit for pink champagne.  Having a lot of guests and don't want to buy a ton?  Buy just a few and use them to serve candy, plop a big candle in it or turn it over and put a plate on it for a quick pedestal.    

I love the idea of serving a signature cocktail to keep from having to supply a full bar.  I have never been trained as a bartender so I don't know the first thing about mixology or even which brands are better than others.  When you are using mixers, you don't have to worry (as much) about the quality of the liquor and everyone loves something new.  How freaking adorable are those labels?  Can you believe that Lauren did those by hand?!  Traditional calligraphy can take a hike.  For those of us less than blessed in the writing department, there are various free girly fonts we could use instead like Champignon, Loopi, Gruenewold, and the unfortunately named Breast Bomb.

Because we were focused on creating the decor from the pages of a magazine, were were able to introduce a few other subtle colors through the various garlands we hung.  To make this even more girly, you could easily use a variety of coordinating scrapbook paper for the garlands.  There are also some great wrapping papers out right now (thank you Valentine's Day...) that could be used.  

To mimic the jagged edges of the starbursts we used throughout the decor, I found these opaque white star lights at Ikea and we made a quick "lantern" with them for the table.  Although I like the idea of candlelight, I have an irrational fear of open flame and sometimes there is more drama with a harder light.  Shadows can keep a pink party in check.  

Noisemakers scream New Year's Eve, but with the right color glitter, they become a girly accessory.  To all those about to get married, we salute you.  But we also implore your bridal party to leave the male anatomy doodads at home for your bachelorette party.  Want to be noticed?  Pass out glittered noisemakers.  That will cause an entrance that won't go unnoticed.  Just be sure to appoint one person noisemaker collector so as the drinks start flowing the noisemakers won't turn in to the cause of a bar brawl. 

These fancy little numbers in the champagne flutes didn't come out until much later in the night, after the photographers were long nestled in their beds.  But they were a super fun touch and totally girly.  I liked the idea of a non-baked dessert and came across this recipe by Donna Hay for basically a fancy jello shot.  They are made with cranberry juice, gelatin, vanilla beans, and vodka (I used raspberry vodka) and poured over sliced strawberries to set.  A dollop of whipped cream and they are ready.  If you know me at all you know my motto is "can't leave well enough alone" so I wanted to add some "bubbles" to the top since they would be served in a champagne flute.  I basically made a krispy treat but substituted Kix cereal and used a few pink marshmallows to give it a hint of pink.  I think they added a nice touch.  

So whether you like this party for New Year's or any girl get together we thank you for coming back each day to see more of the project.  The project wouldn't have happened with Real Simple Magazine having such lovely pages so I'm just going to give you a quick little run down of all the items we were able to make with them:

-paper jewelry

-all kinds of different garlands

-placemats

-placecards (see them above, the actual names were made with letters cut out of the magazines gift guide.  Each section of the guide had a title and I was able to find all the letters for each girl's name there)

-Signs

-Photo props

-Calendar favors

-Ribbon decoration 

-Chandelier

-Drink Labels

-Napkin Rings

Lauren has some photos up today as well.  Hop on over to see her wrap up!!  

And a huge thank you to our vendors and sponsors who collaborated with us on this very fun project:

-Meringue Bake Shop - The most fabulous desserts ever!  Kristin, thank you, as always, for your willingness to participate in my crazy adventures.  You never hesitate and always come up with unique ideas.  You are truly an artist and so much better then anyone knows yet.  Seriously, your PushCakes are IT for me.  I love that you are always trying new things and pushing bakery boundaries.   I look forward to you getting the attention you deserve and I will help you to do that in any way I can. 

  

-Up Imagery - Ed and Desi MADE this shoot.  Given a time crunch, (ok huge underestimation of the time set up would take on our part) they styled some of the detail shots themselves and they came out amazing.  Big thanks to Eva for matching us up!  Their excitement about the project from the very start kept me going.  I love their shooting style and they were a joy to work with.  Can't wait to work with them again and look forward to keeping up on their blogs to see their work!     

-Lucid Absinthe - Thank you for working with me on a recipe for the signature cocktail.  I NEVER would have come up with that on my own!  Thank you also for the product sample! 

-Freixinet and Segura Viudas - Thank you for the samples you sent for the shoot.  Both were delightful and fit the party perfectly.    

-Glue Dots - Thank you for supplying all the adhesive we could ever need for the paper crafting we did on this project.  The ease of use of your products and versatility were perfect for this crafty party decor.  You were on board with us from day one and we appreciate your generosity. 

photo by Up Imagery

-Amy - In the midst of packing up your old house and preparing to move in to your new one (as well as preparing for Christmas) you offered to make a full meal for us.  Not only did it look good but it tasted amazing.  I thank you for your friendship and appreciate all the support you have given me in this project and in others.  I look forward to seeing what the new year has in store for you (hint - it involves food and Amy becoming a star...)

-Taryn - Thank you for letting us take over your house for the day to shoot the party and then actually have a little party.  The fact that you let us invade your space was so generous and the fact that you are about 20 months pregnant is even more mind blowing.  You are an amazing friend to me and giving beyond belief and I adore you.  

-Lindsey - Thank you for picking up the pink rock candy for us.  It may seem like a little task, but the party would have felt undone to me without it.  And that just lets you know how crazy I am but that really helped us out!  You did whatever little jobs we gave you and were just plain fun to hang out with. Thank you for everything!  

Lauren - Seriously, you are awesome.  I am beyond impressed by your talents and am so happy that you are mere minutes from me.  I am so glad that we were able to meet, create an amazing project and become friends.  This would not have been possible without you and I am truly grateful that you were willing to work around my schedule with the kids to get everything done.  Cheers to 2011!!!

Sharon

All photos, except group photo, taken by me

DIY - Pretty party ideas for your next celebration

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We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

If you haven't see my post from yesterday about the food and drinks from our Real Simple inspired photoshoot you are going to want to take a look.  Once you are done, head over to A Fabulous Fete to see all the DIY work we did to make the party gloriously glam.  Lauren is a crafty genius! 

Sharon

Glitzy and Girly, a Real Simple New Year's Eve Celebration

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Wow.  This is cutting it close.  Posting our New Year's Eve project on New Year's Eve... But Lauren and I think it is pretty special and we are so excited to finally be sharing it with you.  Here is how the project came to be...

I read my Real Simple Magazine cover to cover as soon as it arrives each month (to be honest, I skip over anything plant or garden related due to my black thumb).  I tear out the items I want to keep (mainly recipes) and then walk to my recycle bin.  And each month I think there must be something better I can do with this magazine.  Do I do this with all magazines?  Nope.  Us Weekly...wham, bam, thank you ma'am.  Food and Wine...Sayonara.  But there is something about the ink colors used to print the Real Simple pages.  It is so vivid and rich and the texture of the paper is so delightful.  And then it hit me.  I would create a full party from the pages.  But since my two small boys keep me quite busy and I am still have my craft training wheels on, I pushed the thought aside.  Then one day I read an interview with Lauren.  Everything she said told me that she was my Real Simple party soul mate.  I contacted her and without hesitating she became my partner in crime.  That was mid November.  And now we are pleased to finally be sharing this very special project with you all.  Happy New Year!  

What started out as a styled shoot ended up becoming a small party.  And it was a blast.  Although Lauren and I met a month and a half ago, we are on the same page with everything we do without even talking about it.  We knew that we wanted to create a New Year's themed party but as we don't like to be too "themey" with our celebrations, there are only a few nod's to traditional New Year's icons.  Since I have two little boys (who don't let me decorate their birthday parties in pink) and Lauren is a girly girl we were drawn to add girl's night elements as well.  And if you know me at all, you know I like dessert.  Like, a lot.  The idea of a dessert and champagne party was a no brainer.  But we wanted to break away from the structured, symmetrical, military-like precise dessert tables we've been seeing all over the place.  Dessert anarchy!   

Next week we will go in to detail on all the really cool elements of this party and show you all the ways we used Real Simple magazine to put together this gorgeous party! 

Quick side note:  Lauren lent me this fab fur vest and I totally felt like Rachel Zoe.  I die.

I can't leave well enough alone when it comes to parties and entertaining.  This project is proof!   The whole reason I started blogging was for the creative outlet and I have come to learn, over the last few years, that I have too much creativity for my own good.  I really crave sharing it with you and I aim to do just that in the new year.  Maybe Lauren and I will work together again (foreshadow) because we make a great team.  Lauren is crazy creative, a master crafter, super cool, totally sweet and ambitious.  I am so glad that this project brought us together.    

We could not have done this party without a few amazingly talented vendors.  I am so grateful to be part of such a creative community of truly generous artists willing to collaborate for the sake of creating something special.  These amazing photographs were taken by Ed of Up Imagery and Desi Mendoza and I am blown away with what they did.  It was a low light situation and they rocked it.  I love their shooting style and I can't wait to work with them again.  My baking angel, Kristin of Meringue Bake Shop, provided tons of baked treats (full food and drink details next week) that aren't only visually perfect but taste absolutely amazing!  She is amazingly talented!!! Big thank you to Glue Dots for supplying all the adhesive for this project.  From the minute I spoke to them about our idea, they were totally supportive and willing to help us out with our paper crafting.  They sent both Lauren and I pretty much all of their products to use and they really held this party together (pun intended).  Thank you to Lucid Absinthe, Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut and Segura Viudas Brut Reserva for sending product for this party which in turn lead to lots of giggles.  And of course Real Simple for having such beautiful pages! 

GUESS WHAT?!  Lauren has even more photos from the party on her blog today too.  Go see!!!!!

So be sure to come back next week to see even more from this party!  We sure hope you like this as much as we do!   

Sharon