Wall Art

Decorating your new home as newlyweds is an incredibly exciting process. You have the opportunity to start with a clean slate in design and have the freedom to be as innovative as you want. But sometimes, as a newlywed couple your funds may be limited. You may be purchasing your first starter home, condo or townhouse, renting an apartment or living in a friends basement. Whatever the case, you'll want to be creative in your design choices so that you can make the most of a small budget.

We have a solution to filling up empty walls without spending a lot of cash - and the results are nothing short of amazing.

Painting your walls is one of the least expensive methods of dressing up a room. And one way to add detail is through stenciling, murals or decals. We're not talking about the old fashion wall art either so stop picturing flowers and ribbons stenciled on your walls. New options in wall art are available to you in several styles including, mod, modern, traditional, classical, French provincial and more.

Here are some of our favorites!

It is what it is: a really really big tree stencil. And that's not all that exciting. Until you break out the paint and create a whole forest on your bedroom wall. And then it's the best thing ever! Easy to use and use again, let your creativity blossom! Retails for $125 at Urban Outfitters.


If you like your artwork to take up huge portions of your wall, but aren't interested in wall papering your space, try this easy to install and remove wall mural from Urban Outfitters. This nighttime city scene wall mural, as captured by Seattle photographer Aaron Morris, comes on heavy duty wet strength paper in 6 panels. Retails for $200.


Another option retailing for $140 is this stunning World Map Wall Mural. Also available at Urban Outfitters.


Another great way to dress up your wall is to paint it a bright base color and then add decals to the top. These little fellows are just like those old picture books where you could take decals and use them over and over again wherever you liked, only these are big and they go on your wall. Create a great design and leave it or change it every day. Retails for $38 and available at Urban Outfitters.


If you are renting a space and are not allowed to paint your walls, decals are a great way to add interest without changing the surface of the room. Check out this charming chandelier decal. You can create a great design by just sticking a few up and then leave it forever or change it every day. Retails for $48 and available at Urban Outfitters.


If you're really daring try these toilet decals to make your throne your very own. Choose Submarine, Crown, Stag, Heart or Plant designs. Retails for $18 and available at Urban Outfitters online store.

These Crepes Will Creep Up On You

Two new crepe restaurants have opened in Seattle you need to give a try.

The first crepe company is called Unicorn Crepes, named after the shape of the crepe cone. This Japanese craze comes by cooking the crepes on a French griddle and then filling the center with flavors and fillings you would never expect. Sure, everyone loves a sweet crepe filled with whipped cream, fruit or syrup, but how about a chili cheese dog crepe, or perhaps a pizza crepe? Sound interesting? We think so. Among the flavors mentioned you can also order teriyaki, tuna salad, or dessert crepes filled with cornflakes. Be daring, you never know what you might discover in your own neighborhood.

Visit Unicorn Crepes 421 Sixth Ave South Seattle, WA 206-652-0637






The second crepe restaurant you need to visit is called La Cote Creperie. Paris native, Laurent Gabrel has brought a piece of his French culture straight to Seattle. We suggest the buckwheat crepe filled with Yukon potatoes and proscuitto. Other fillings to indulge in include shrimp, homemade sauces, french cheeses and unique spreads like chestnut or lemon.

Visit La Cote Creperie and you'll instantly be transported (at least in your mind) from the Seattle streets straight to Paris.

Visit La Cote Creperie today at 2811 East Madison Street, Seattle 206-323-9800

Recipe For Love

At banquetevent.com we are all about personalization. We believe whole-heartedly, that the best weddings don't have to be the ones that spend thousands of dollars making sure each detail is perfect and extraordinary. Extraordinary things happen when you put your own touch on traditional wedding pieces. One way to do this best is through your wedding favors. Our favorite wedding favor of all time is to bake a delectable treat for your guests, include the recipe and neatly package a little taste in a charming box. This can be from your family recipe vault or it can be a new recipe, but either way, the personalization and thought that goes into it makes it special. You can even ask your family or bridesmaids to get involved and help you bake. It will be a wonderful bonding experience and you can eat the leftovers. (Always a plus!)

Here's how to make this favor extra special. First, find the right recipe. Remember, you probably don't want to bake anything that can melt or spoil, so choosing something that won't loose its taste or texture is ultra important. Some great treats to consider would be Italian biscottis, hard candies, crispy cookies like gingersnaps or meringue.


If you need some inspiration for a recipe, visit foodnetwork.com for hundreds of great free recipes. One of our favorites we found were these Meringue Smooches.


Next find the right packages. There are thousands of options available to you and at an affordable price. You can find beautiful boxes in all colors and shapes. Check out these options we found at Beau Coup.


Lastly, to add the extra touch of personalization, have a custom rubber stamp made. They range from $12-$20 and can used over and over again. We found these at etsy.com from Sweet Papery. Also available through Sweet Papery are custom save the date, address, and other charming custom stamps.

We Think You'll Love...

We have no doubt you'll fall in love with these whimsical and handcrafted cake toppers from Chapeau de Gateau. Each Chapeau de Gateau topper is individually created and handmade from the finest quality Mokuba ribbon, and is delivered in a keepsake box as a reminder of your special occasion. Each topper can be customized to suit your theme, color, or personal style. Owner and designer, Alison Dawson started her career as a jewelry, fashion and accessories designer, She expanded her talent by founding Chapeau de Gateau (meaning cake hat in French).

Check out her designs below...






Cake toppers ship from Toronto, Canada.

It’s all about the Cake. Do yourself a favor and get a close look at what it means to the baker/cake designer. Click here to learn more.

Happy Memorial Day

We'd like to take this time to say thank you to the troops serving or who have served our country. For those who are missing their loved ones, we send out a special prayer for you today too.

"Although no sculptured marble should rise to their memory, nor engraved stone bear record of their deeds, yet will their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored."
~Daniel Webster

We Think You'll Love...

We think you'll love this new nail polish from Nicole by OPI. This innovative nail polish packaging makes painting your own nails so very easy. Rather than a typical polish bottle and separate brush, this "Nic Stick" works much like lip gloss because the paint and brush are all in one tube. All you do is shake, pump, and paint. So the next time you're in a hurry for a touch up, give the "Nic Stick" a try. Plus it comes in tons of great colors. Our favorite is "Date Night Red."

Pick yours up at your local Walmart or Target Stores.

Prepare For Your Sizzling Hot Honeymoon

The hot summer sun isn't the only thing that will be sizzling this year. You are getting married and that means your honeymoon is just around the corner. During this spring, its pretty hard to concentrate on anything else but your romantic honeymoon following all the upcoming festivities. So what if your wedding isn't until August! Start planning for your getaway now!

We've collected some of the hottest honeymoon items for your trip. If you are like most Northwest brides and grooms, and opting to honeymoon in a sunny climate, we've got just the items you need to cool down from the summer heat.

Most people love to read a good book while sitting poolside or lounging on the beach. But, how often have you left your book sitting on your towel while you take a dip in the water only to return to find your book has been drenched by a nearby cannonballing kid? We found a great solution! Check out the waterproof easy reads from Durabooks (below). These books are a collection of short stories, perfect for honeymoons since you'll be easily distracted by your new hubby. And the best part is, these books are completely waterproof from start to finish. So now when you take a dip in the pool, take your book with you. Available at Amazon.com.


Cool down with homemade ice-kabobs. With this nifty ice-cube tray all you have to do is add water or your favorite flavored juice and, voila, you'll have homemade Popsicles to keep you cool and refreshed all summer long. Available at Patina Stores.

Beach toys are certainly not just for kids. Grab these fabulous beach balls and swim tubes and head to the beach in style (below). Find these ultra stylish beach accessories at Design Room.



For those snorkeling trips or boat rides, what do you do with your cell phone and wallet? Check out the Waterproof Store for great water-friendly packs to keep your valuables dry. What's great about these items is that they allow you to use your electronics without even removing them from their protective cases. Check out our picks below including waterproof wallet cases and waterproof cases for your MP3, cell phones, cameras, and pdas.

Planning The Ultimate Bachelorette Party

We recently got an inside tip on a web article titled, "Maid Of Honor’s Bachelorette Party Guide: 50 Ideas and Resources." That's right, 50 ways to entertain your best friends and pamper the bride before her big day.

Here's a taste of some of the ideas featured in the article...

Wine Tour: Going on a tour of local wineries combines lots of interest into one. First, there’s great wine; second, there’s a road trip; third, there’s beautiful scenery. And did we mention great wine? Not all bridesmaids will have this option readily available, since not every state has a booming wine region, but you would be surprised at how many do exist outside of California. Just plan around the driving – hire a limo or stay in a quaint bed and breakfast in the region.

Road Trip: It’s a big occasion for your friend, so consider even taking a few days off of work and taking an old-fashioned road trip. Look into camping in the woods, staying at the beach, or just aimlessly driving lesser-known roads and ending up where the road takes you. Road trips are both adventurous and relaxing at the same time. See some new surroundings, meet some salty locals, rent a cabin in the woods, or bond around a campfire. Whatever you decide, it will definitely be a trip your friend will remember forever.

Champagne Brunch to Slumber Party: A bachelorette party is one of the better excuses out there to get a little tipsy in the a.m. And to make it even more fun – and to eliminate the possibility of any tipsy driving – extend the party into the night with a full-on slumber party. Start off by cooking a gourmet brunch, play games and open gifts in the afternoon, and cap it off by baking cookies and watching girly flicks in the evening.

Click here to read all 50 ideas

Special thanks to Customized Girl for this tip.
Customized Girl offers personalized clothes in their online store. Design your own t-shirts, tanks and more.

Top 10 NEW and UNIQUE Wedding Songs For Your Slideshow

Many couples today are including slideshows of their favorite photos as part of their ceremony or reception. Choosing the right music for your slideshow can be a difficult task, especially if you want something new and unique. We've compiled a list of our favorite newly released songs in several genres. We're hoping this will make the process of picking music a little easier for you. Some of these may not be your style, but we've included a wide variety and we know you'll find something you'll love.

10. Lucky By Jason Mraz with Cobie Caillet
Album: We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.
Lyrics to make you melt: Lucky I'm in love with my best friend; lucky to have been where I have been; lucky to be coming home again; lucky we're in love in every way
Why we love this song and you will too: This song is light and cheerful. It's the perfect song for anyone who has been in a long distance relationship for any period of time.

9. We Belong Together by Gavin DeGraw
Album: Gavin DeGraw
Lyrics to make you melt: We belong together; like the open seas and shores; wedded by the planet force; we've all been spoken for.
Why we love this song and you will too: For anyone who loves to rock, We Belong Together is a classic example of how even rockers know how to sing about love. This song certainly isn't for the faint of heart, but sometimes the best things don't always come in pretty little packages.

8. Never Find A Love Like This by Natasha Bedingfield
Album: Pocket Full of Sunshine
Lyrics to make you melt: You’re the only one that knows me; Love it when you hold me; Never find a love like this. Let me hear you say; Now I’ll never be lonely; Look at what you’ve shown me; Never find a love like this
We we love this song and you will too: This is the perfect song for all you high school sweethearts out there finally tying the knot. Listen to the song for the complete lyrics that will have you remembering what you felt like when you first met.

7. Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You by Lady Antebellum
Album: Lady Antebellum
Lyrics to make you melt: I love when you tell me that I'm pretty when I just woke up; And I love how you tease me when I'm moody but its never too much. I'm falling fast, and the truth is I'm not scared at all; You climbed my walls.
Why we love this song and you will too: It's simple melodic sound makes it romantic and sweet. Plus, if you are a fan of country music, this song contains sounds you'll be drawn too. This would make a very good song for your first dance.

6. Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman
Album: This Moment
Lyrics to make you melt: Well, she came home today; With a ring on her hand; Just glowin' and tellin' us all they had planned; She says "Dad, the wedding's due six months away; And I need to practice my dancin'"; "Oh please, daddy please!"
Why we love this song and you will too: Remember the song "Butterfly Kisses" that came out a few years ago and was used in almost every wedding for the father-daughter dance? Here is its replacement. This song is for any "Daddy's Girl." Just be sure to pack the kleen-x.

5. Angel by Jack Johnson
Album: Sleep Through The Static
Lyrics to make you melt: I’ve got an angel; She doesn’t wear any wings; She wears a heart that could melt my own; She wears a smile that could make me want to sing
Why we love this song and you will too: This song has almost a lullaby quality to it. It's sweet and simple, and terribly romantic. This is an excellent first dance song.

4. Oh Love by Brad Paisley featuring Carrie Underwood
Album: 5th Gear
Lyrics to make you melt: You can break a heart in pieces; Put it back together again; You can break down sweet forgiveness; You’re the one that never ends
Why we love this song and you will too: Beautiful doesn't begin to describe this gentle ode to love that is tender and honest. This song could work for anyone who loves country music, but is not so "twangy" that it would turn off non-country lovers.

3. Say It Again by Marie Digby
Album: Unfold
Lyrics to make you melt: And it feels like it’s the first time; That anybody's ever brought the sun without the rain; And never in my whole life; Have I heard words as beautiful as when you say my name
Why we love this song and you will too: Marie Digby is a crossover between pop and folk. This upbeat and cheerful song describes how love can creep on you by surprise. The song is certainly not complicated in any way, but we dare you to keep from tapping your toes.

2. Until You by Dave Barnes
Album: Me and You and The World
Lyrics to make you melt: There's a silent celebration for; Every breath you breathe; Now this all makes sense; With you as company; I left all I knew and found; A better part of me
Why we love this song and you will too: Anyone who has ever been in love knows what it feels like to find the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. It's almost as if your life finally starts. And this song describes the feeling perfectly without being sappy.

1. Make You Feel My Love by Adele
Album: 19
Lyrics to make you melt: When the rain is blowing in your face; And the whole world is on your case; I would offer you a warm embrace; To make you feel my love
Why we love this song and you will too: This song was originally recorded by Garth Brooks, but Adele offers a modern version. If you like Amy Winehouse, you'll love Adele and this ultra romantic song. The words are incredible and will melt your heart. There is no doubt, this song is a winner.

Lucky In Love's Color Guide: Yummy Yellow

Of all the colors we've discussed over the last week, yellow is by far the most trendy color for 2009. And it's easy to see why. For some reason, although yellow is considered to be a light color, those who wear it seem to stand out in a crowd. After all, yellow is the color of sunshine, so perhaps wearing it makes you like one big ray of light in a dark room. Whatever the reason, yellow is hot color for this upcoming year.

If you are drawn to the bright, bold hues of yellow, here is what color analyst Leatrice Eiseman of MoreAliveWithColor.com says about you: you tend to be very outgoing and always have a positive attitude. You're likely to be innovative and idealistic, which means you're probably very daring and a true trendsetter.

So if this sounds like you, yellow just may be the color of choice for your upcoming wedding. And if so, follow our guide to help you choose the right shade.

COLOR: YELLOW

Women with dark skin, hair and eyes look incredible in metallic yellow tones like gold and bronze. Because their skin and hair already have dramatic features, wearing colors in these rich shades won't make them look over-the-top because they can stand up against them. Remember, you need to wear your clothes, you're clothes should never wear you.

Women with very light to medium hair and dark eyes should gravitate toward the lighter more natural colors of yellow like lemon and buttercup. Your light hair and skin already shine so pairing it with similar light colors will add natural radiance. Women with darker hair should try even lighter shades like pineapple, butter or cream.

Lastly, women with red hair and rosy skin should try a warm shade of yellow with honey undertones like caramel. Most people can't pull off a color like honey or caramel because their features are too contradictory for the shade, but women with red hair are able to carry off the color without looking washed out.


Top Left: Ava Collection: 495 Satin from MoriLee
Top Center: Yellow Ombre Satin Halter Gown with Rhinestone Detail from Cache
Bottom Left: Jim Hjelm Occasions Style #JH5715
Bottom Center: Jim Hjelm Occasions Style #JH5804T
Right: Aria Bridesmaids


Top Left: Yellow sunflower table setting from Brides
Bottom Left: ball-shaped scabiosa yellow boutonnieres from Brides
Right: Yellow Pom Poms from Martha Stewart Weddings
Bottom Right: Kate Spade Wedding Invitation
Bottom Center: Yellow florals in black and white vases from Brides


Top Left & Center: Tasha Skinny Headband with Enamel Flowers available at Nordstrom
Top Right: Judith Ripka 'Fontaine' Ring available at Nordstrom
Center: Kenneth Jay Lane Large Enamel Flower Ring available at Nordstrom
Center Right: Tasha 'Cracked Glass' Mosaic Bangle available at Nordstrom
Bottom Left: Via Spiga 'Kathy' Sandal available at Nordstrom
Bottom Center: Stuart Weitzman 'Hotspots' Pump available at Nordstrom
Bottom Right: BP. 'Fabulous' Pump available at Nordstrom


Top Left: Tuxedo from the Men's Wearhouse with yellow vest and tie
Top Center: Joseph & Feiss Gold Satin Tie available at the Men's Wearhouse
Top Right: Campia Moda Silk Tie available at the Men's Wearhouse
Bottom Left: Buttercup yellow suit available at the Tux Shop
Bottom Center: Citrine Gemstone Cufflinks available at Cufflinks.com
Bottom Right: Yellow quilted cufflinks from Cufflinks.com

Lucky In Love's Color Guide: Orange U Glad?

Talk about making a statement. There is a reason they use orange as the color for traffic cones. Orange is one of the most eye-catching colors you can choose for your wedding. It's bright hues make it an excellent color choice for a spring and summer wedding. Typically people who are drawn to the color orange are extroverts, and are as outgoing as they are personable, which is why orange-lovers typically have a million and one friends. They crave social environments and are typically charming, happy and magnetic people. Sound like you?

If you are drawn to the color orange, here's how to choose the right hue for your wedding.

COLOR: ORANGE

Those with rosy complexions and medium hair look amazing in lighter more pastel versions of orange like peach and apricot. These orange hues with undertones of pinks and reds usually bring out your already warm features.

For those with olive and pigments of yellow in your skin with dark hair and eyes should try stronger shades of orange like tangerine and mango. People with olive skintones tend to look washed out if they accent their accessories with pastel or muted tones. So, don't shy away from these strong, bold colors.

Women with very dark skin, hair and eyes should try oranges with yellow undertones like melon and carrot. Like women with olive skin, you too need a bold color to pop against your skin. The yellow tints in these types of orange shades will warm your features and add a sunkissed glow to your face.


Above: Gowns by Lula Kate Bridal


Top Left: Orange flowered cake from BridesTop Center: Orange frosted cake from Brides
Top Right: Fancy fruitcake from Brides
Bottom Right: Caramel apples from Brides
Bottom Center: Spiced cider from Brides
Bottom Right: Chocolate and orange and fig cake from Brides


Top Left: Linens available through Aria Style
Top Right: Bouquet by Ravenna Bloom
Bottom Left: Table setting from Brides
Bottom Center: Bridal bouquet from Brides
Bottom Right: Orange and beaded calla lily bouquet from Wedding Style Magazine


Top Left: Favor ideas from Brides
Top Right: Fruit on display from Brides
Bottom Left: Orange chair cover from Brides
Bottom Center: Orange lanterns from Brides
Bottom Right: Orange boutonniere from Brides


Top Left: Nordstrom Enamel Bracelet with Pavé Crystals
Top Right: MAXX NEW YORK 'Thompson - Dégradé' Pleated Clutch available at Nordstrom
Center Left: Alexis Bittar Medium Rose Quartz Baguette Ring available at Nordstrom
Center Right: Lodis 'Bubble Diva' Clutch Wallet available at Nordstrom
Bottom Left: Dabby Reid Ltd. Drop Earrings available at Nordstrom
Bottom Center: Martinez Valero 'Camila' Sandal available at Nordstrom
Bottom Right: Alexis Bittar Large Donut Necklace with Swarovski Crystal available at Nordstrom


Check back Monday for...

Lucky In Love's Color Guide: Something Blue

Feeling the blues? According to color analyst, Leatrice Eiseman of MoreAliveWithColor.com, those who love the shade of blue are typically gentle, loyal and discreet individuals. Much like a clear blue sky or the peaceful waves of the ocean, the color blue brings a sense of peace and tranquility to any setting, which makes blue an ideal shade for your wedding. Leatrice also says that people drawn to the color blue also form strong attachments. And what attachment is stronger than the vow of marriage?

Like the other colors we've already analyzed, blue also comes in many shades and tones. So if you choose to go blue, follow our guide to picking the right shade for you. (Hey, that rhymed).

COLOR: BLUE

For those of you with light hair and skin tones, light blue shades like sky blue or periwinkle are the right tones for you. This light shade of blue will make blue eyes look even bluer as they twinkle next to the soft and sweet color. This shade also pairs extremely well with crystals and rhinestone jewelry pieces.

Women with golden brown hair and hazel eyes look amazing in teal or peacock shades of blue. Plus this particular shade of blue pairs well with bright florals in complementary jewel tones like deep purple, magenta, royal blue, and chartreuse green.

Royal blue is an excellent color for women with varying skin tones. If you have bridesmaids who cover the gamut of skin complexions, royal blue is a great basic color that looks good on most women. Plus it's a great evening shade because it can stand out in against dark lighting.

Navy is a fantastic color for anyone who thinks black is their most complementary color. You may not want black as your wedding color, especially if you are planning a daytime wedding so navy offers the perfect alternative and looks especially good on women with light skin and raven hair.



Left: Acetate Jersey Gown from BCBG
Top Center: Maggy London Cutaway Silk Dress from Nordstrom
Top Right: Satin One-Shoulder Gown with Beading from Cache
Bottom Center Left: Jim Hjelm Occasions Style: #JH5731
Bottom Center Right: Jim Hjelm Occasions Style: #JH5679
Bottom Right: Jim Hjelm Occasions gown Style: #JH5718


Top Left: Bouquet made of hydrangeas, tweedia, larkspur, thistle and dusty miller from Brides
Top Right: Blue tablesetting from Brides
Bottom Right: Grape hyacinth boutonniere from Brides
Bottom Left: Blue glass vase from Brides
Bottom Center Left: Blue Martini from Brides
Bottom Center Right: Nautical cake from Brides

Top Left: Turquoise vases from Plum Party
Top Right: Napkins
Bottom Left: Gumball Dispenser from Estilo Weddings
Bottom Center Left: Magnolia mosaic hurricane lamp from Plum Party
Bottom Right: Lanterns from Plum Party
Bottom Center Right: Metal Boats from Estilo Weddings


Top Left: Marble cake from Martha Stewart Weddings
Top Right: Asian cake from Martha Stewart Weddings
Bottom Left: Turquoise cupcakes from Martha Stewart Weddings
Bottom Center: Ornate white trimmed baby blue cake from Martha Stewart Weddings
Bottom Right: Polkadot blue and white cake from Martha Stewart Weddings


Top Left: Glass coasters from Estilo Weddings
Top Right: Starfish Glass Candle Holders/Dishes from Estilo Weddings
Bottom: Chocolate truffles from Beau-Coup

Check back tomorrow as we explore...