Thursday, November 10, 2011

Found! DIY Hair Ties by Tera Rae Stephens!

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


I have been wanting to buy hair ties like these for about a year now.  Not sure why I can't just bring myself to spend the money and save myself from even more broken hairs and this lovely crown of frizz.  So I was super excited to see this tutorial on how to make your own by Tera Rae Stephens.    


Go Check it out here!  Tera is my hair stylist and is super awesome.  From getting to know her over the last year or so I know that she is a talented craftress, can throw a mean party and is pretty much a super amazing working mom.  I'm really hoping she shares more of those adventures on her blog.  We all stand to benefit from that.  Show her some love!  Oh!  And she's doing a giveaway!  So hop over and enter!  

Sharon
images via Tera Rae Stephens


Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Inspiration Board Challenge - November 2011

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


I don't even know how I "met" Amanda of I Go You Go.  I say "met" because although we have been trying to meet in person for a month, we still have not managed to do it. :(  If you know her blog, you know that she is a girl of many talents.  And although she talks about healthy living and foods on her site I know she can get down with me and some calorie packed dessert treats.  And that is why I like her.  She seems super fun loving and I hope we can make that meet up happen really soon.  For now, she is the next participant for my monthly Inspiration Board Challenge.    


In case you aren't familiar with her blog, I'm going to share some of the things I love about it.  One of the recurring posts that Amanda does is called Event Envy (under the "party" tag) where she shares awesome parties that she has found around the web.  She has such great taste.  I always look forward to seeing what new fab parties she will find.  I am going to be honest though and tell you I am not fond about her "Workout Wednesday" feature (found in "fitness").  It always reminds me that I'm not working out and then I feel bad and go eat a cookie.  But she always wins me back with her shoe love.     


And you have to check out this super fun trailer trash party Amanda threw for her husband. 

She also has tons of awesome recipes on the site that we should all try to cook our way through.  Go check I Go You Go out now!  

Follow her on Facebook.

photo via DVF

How gorgeous is this inspiration item? I first saw this Darla top in a DVF catalog and fell in love with the colors.  I wouldn't say that green is my favorite color but if you look around at my belongings, especially items to be worn, I sure do own a lot of green...But I love it mixed with a glittery bronze and of course a little black never hurts anything.  This color scheme would lend itself so well to any kind of event.  I can't wait to see what Amanda comes up with!!!  Check back near the end of the month to see what she shares. 

Who would like to participate next?  Email me, cupcakesandcutlery@gmail.com

Sharon

All photos except the DVF top via I Go You Go




Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Light up your next event with DPS and The Event Company {Orange County Resources}

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


Allow me to introduce you to some awesome companies, DPS and The Event Company.  Owned by Anthony Dever, DPS provides sound, lighting and production services which means they help put together some amazing fashion shows, concerts, large corporate parties, and most recently handled the cooking demos with our Queen Bee, Martha Stewart, at several Macy's locations.   They are local to Orange County but spread their amazingness to the surrounding counties as well.  Check out their blog to see some of the ridiculously cool things they've been up to recently.  A few months ago they moved their offices to a new location.  They decided to throw an open house for their clients, friends and family and I was lucky enough to attend with my husband.   


Sensing that their services would be perfect for the wedding and event industry, they rolled out The Event Company.  Providing lighting, cinematography and live music talent, they can totally take your private event to the next level.  Both companies work from their new offices in Irvine and the space is truly gorgeous!  Totally sleek and chic and just from walking in, you immediately want them to take over and produce your event (I mean, I don't really have any events to produce but you know how my head works, I started trying to come up with things...)  They had this gorgeous purple and white dessert table set up in the front room by Cookielicious.  It was the perfect, delicious welcome. 


The party, coordinated in part by Callie of The Event Company, was mainly held in the warehouse space at the back of the offices so there was this industrial, chic feel to the party.  The decor was handled by Larissa of Inviting Occasions and was GORGEOUS!  This picture does not do it justice.  It was simple, elegant, totally cool with just a few florals.  Simply stunning. 


The food and bar were done by 24 Carrots Catering and I was blown away.  For a hearty appetizer/meal, they had a create your own slider bar.  There were bunches of toppings and at least 8 different sauces for you to choose from.  This would be a totally fun idea to recreate at home.  And for desserts they dazzled with some molecular gastronomy.  I'm a wanna be foodie and adore the Top Chef franchise but this was the first time getting to actually try some.  You all should have this at your next party!!!!!!  So fun!  For one dish, they did some sort of an inside out cheesecake pop.  Forgive my lack of knowledge on what was actually happening but here is my take.  They had some dough balls, dipped them in a cream cheesey/whipped creamy mixture then dipped it some super scientific solution (maybe just dry ice?  I'm not a scientist.  I just don't know).  They came out all frozen and fun.  And were quite delicious as well.  But my absolute favorite was the Dragon's Breathe Caramel Corn.  They dipped a ladle of caramel corn into a very mysterious foggy mixture and then served it in these adorable wood dishes (similar dishes can be found here).  Watch the video below of my husband eating it to see why they called it Dragon's Breath Caramel Corn:




Not only was this super fun to eat, it tasted amazing.  I wanted to eat gallons and gallons of the stuff but was minorly self conscious of the smoke coming out of my face.  They also had a signature cocktail that was super yummy which tasted like and orange creamsicle.      

images are mine

I didn't bring a legit camera to the event so these are the photos taken with my husband's iphone.  I was absolutely mesmerized by this light ring hanging over the stage.  For real.  It was perfectly timed to the music and was like nothing I have ever seen.  In talking to other party goers I learned that the strings can actually be hung in a number of ways including straight down as a curtain which can then be programmed to display words!  Oh the possibilities!  DPS seems to be on the cutting edge of not only what is advanced, technologically speaking, but also what is crazy cool.  


Anthony had this insanely good recording artist play the party.  His name is Jasper Sawyer and I'm so grateful to have been introduced to his music.  Everyone on stage was so talented and it was a really great show!  


Check out this DJ booth created by DPS.  I wish there was video of it, the totally unique ways that it could be customized for an event are crazy.  From the colors, words, etc. it can totally sync up with the music and create a really cool vibe for your event.  And DJ Kevin Scott could be the best DJ ever.  He played a cool mix of music that appealed to everyone at the party.  That can be really hard to do when you've got the too cool for school, an older generation and those just looking to dance.  But he killed it!    


I love when good humans give birth to good humans.  We met Anthony's parents at a birthday party for him a while back and they were awesome.  You can tell that Anthony gets his love of music from his mom who my husband and I bonded with over new wave music.  I adore his sister, Nicole (in the middle in blue) she is absolutely the life of every party.  And his wife Courtney (on the end) is such a sweetie (Oh and a talented interior designer.  I'm guessing she had a hand in the pretty new office.)  Anthony is the real deal.  He is so good at what he does, his happiness is infectious and he is a good person.  In talking to some clients at the party, they all echoed those sentiments and raved about working with both companies.  While some of their services might be too large for your next home party, keep them in mind for your company holiday parties and for the next time you need to throw a concert in your back yard. 

Check out the DPS blog for the cool things they have been a part of recently.
Check out The Event Company's blog and lighting gallergy to see some of their wedding work.  

Social Media Details:
DPS {Facebook} {Twitter}
The Event Company {Facebook} {Twitter}

Sharon
All images are by Reza Allah-bakhski except the crappy ones noted as mine






Monday, November 7, 2011

Dez and Tam - Orange County Photographers for your Holiday Photos

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


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 






Friday, November 4, 2011

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

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


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

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Guest Posting - Fashion Inspo Boards!

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



I'm so excited!  I was asked to put together my first fashion inspiration board based on a fictitious (well, fictitious for me anyway) High School Reunion at a local bar by Amanda of I Go You Go.  It was certainly a challenge but I think I picked looks that I would actually wear and that fit my style (although I am not sure that comes through in my standard issue jeans and oversize t-shirts that I wear on a day to day basis...)  Go check out my two looks here! 

Sharon
image courtesy of I Go You Go

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