XOXO,
Cassandre
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Happy Valentine's Day!
Happy Valentine's Day everyone... Instead of hearts and flowers I thought I'd share with you this amazing Ice Cream Sundae Bar by Eat Drink Chic
XOXO,
Cassandre
XOXO,
Cassandre
Monday, November 23, 2009
Pumpkin Bars
Today's post isn't wedding or event related at all. Last week I tweeted about pumpkin bars, and had quite a few inquires for the recipe, so I figured I would share it with my twitter peeps, fb family and my wonderful followers! If you haven't thought of a dessert dish for Thanksgiving yet, here is one that is not only easy to make, but tastes oh so good! ENJOY!
Ingredients:
For cake-
4 eggs
2 cups of sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 16 oz (2 cups) can pumpkin
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
For Frosting
8 oz. soft cream cheese
1/2 cup soft butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
* Beat the eggs, sugar, oil and pumpkin together in one bowl until fluffy.
* Sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon salt and baking soda in another bowl. Add this to the pumpkin mix.
* Place in ungreased pan and bake at 250 degrees for 25-30 minutes. (I use a square pan for this)
* Remove from the oven and cool completely before frosting.
Making frosting:
*Beat all the ingriedients together and frost.
*Cut into squares or "bars" and voila!
For an added dose of flavor, sprinkle with cinnamon before serving...
I didn't have a chance to take a picture before my husband and daughter devoured it, but here is a picture I found somewhere else.
Ingredients:
For cake-
4 eggs
2 cups of sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 16 oz (2 cups) can pumpkin
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
For Frosting
8 oz. soft cream cheese
1/2 cup soft butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
* Beat the eggs, sugar, oil and pumpkin together in one bowl until fluffy.
* Sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon salt and baking soda in another bowl. Add this to the pumpkin mix.
* Place in ungreased pan and bake at 250 degrees for 25-30 minutes. (I use a square pan for this)
* Remove from the oven and cool completely before frosting.
Making frosting:
*Beat all the ingriedients together and frost.
*Cut into squares or "bars" and voila!
For an added dose of flavor, sprinkle with cinnamon before serving...
I didn't have a chance to take a picture before my husband and daughter devoured it, but here is a picture I found somewhere else.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Mitzvahs
We've already booked 6 Bar/Bat Mitzvah's for 2010 and I am really quite excited that they are all totally different. The themes range from "My Favorite Things" to "Rockstar" to "Candyland" and all the kids are so exciting to work with. I really believe the My Super Sweet 16 hype that MTV has created has overflowed into all parties now, and Mitzvahs are definitely no exception. Even though they are only 12/13 year olds, my clients really do have vivid imaginations and they know what they want. This means, I have my work cut out for me! Needless to say, I started doing my research and, my oh my, some of the things I've discovered! From this beautiful cake made by Pink Cake Box.
To this amazing videography, no, cinematography, captured by Penny Lane Productions.
to Next Day Edit • Extreme Bat Mitzvah 10.3.2009
Posted using ShareThis
and these outstanding invites created by Lehr & Black
Mazel Tov!
To this amazing videography, no, cinematography, captured by Penny Lane Productions.
to Next Day Edit • Extreme Bat Mitzvah 10.3.2009
Posted using ShareThis
and these outstanding invites created by Lehr & Black
Mazel Tov!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Where have I been? Part 2
After my trip from Engage, I really had no down time to apply some of what I learned. It was back to business as usual with weddings and corporate events. One of my trips brought me to Atlanta, Georgia, where I got a dose of Southern Hospitality at it's finest. A trip to Atlanta was just what the doctor ordered.
On my last evening in Atlanta I had the honor of attending the Southern Weddings Magazine launch party at the Bridal Bar. Southern Weddings Magazine is the baby of Lara Casey.
The cover was shot by Jeremy Cowart , with hair and make-up by Scoobie West of H. S West Hair & Make-up. What can I say about this magazine? A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.. I read this magazine from cover-to-cover several times in 4 days. Lara and her crew did a fantastic job on this magazine. Giving readers EXACTLY what they were looking for. Not a magazine full of advertisements, but a magazine full of inspiration. The magazine is on newsstands now or you can purchase it here.
(Sharon pictured here with Lara Casey and the cake she created for the launch party)
The evening was a great success where I had the pleasure, once again of meeting some great people. Sharon Alexander of Sweet Sensations (sh also created the amazing cake posted above),Kristy Rice of Momental Designs, Caroline of Paloma's Nest, Eliana of By Your Side Events, to name a few, but I think I was most excited about meeting the photographers behind Mammothmen! We also got to let loose with a Smilebooth! from Our Labor of Love.
Of course no party is complete without an after party. So after a great evening at Bridal Bar we high tailed it over to Whiskey Park at The W Midtown. This is where we got to see the true side of Mammothmen and their partying ways. To see some images of the night check out our facebook fan page.
What a wonderful way to end the week in Atlanta. I can't wait to go back!
On my last evening in Atlanta I had the honor of attending the Southern Weddings Magazine launch party at the Bridal Bar. Southern Weddings Magazine is the baby of Lara Casey.
The cover was shot by Jeremy Cowart , with hair and make-up by Scoobie West of H. S West Hair & Make-up. What can I say about this magazine? A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.. I read this magazine from cover-to-cover several times in 4 days. Lara and her crew did a fantastic job on this magazine. Giving readers EXACTLY what they were looking for. Not a magazine full of advertisements, but a magazine full of inspiration. The magazine is on newsstands now or you can purchase it here.
(Sharon pictured here with Lara Casey and the cake she created for the launch party)
The evening was a great success where I had the pleasure, once again of meeting some great people. Sharon Alexander of Sweet Sensations (sh also created the amazing cake posted above),Kristy Rice of Momental Designs, Caroline of Paloma's Nest, Eliana of By Your Side Events, to name a few, but I think I was most excited about meeting the photographers behind Mammothmen! We also got to let loose with a Smilebooth! from Our Labor of Love.
Of course no party is complete without an after party. So after a great evening at Bridal Bar we high tailed it over to Whiskey Park at The W Midtown. This is where we got to see the true side of Mammothmen and their partying ways. To see some images of the night check out our facebook fan page.
What a wonderful way to end the week in Atlanta. I can't wait to go back!
Where have I been? Part 1
So I know I haven't blogged in a while, and as I stated last week, I am working on some really exciting things that I can't wait to share with you. But in the meantime I wanted to share some of my recent travels with you.
Last month I had the pleasure of taking not one, but TWO trips to the fabulous Encore Hotel in Las Vegas. My first trip was for Engage!09 The Encore, A Luxury Wedding Business Intensive, put together by the wonderful & amazing talent behind Engaging Concepts, Rebecca Grinnals & Kathryn Arce.
Prior to arriving at the hotel, I had the honor of running into Randy Fenoli, the Fashion Director at Kleinfeld Bridal in NY. Randy was gracious enough to offer me a ride to the hotel, where we were able to talk some about Engage! 09 Something Blue in the Grand Caymans and how it changed his life. This made me really excited for the day to come. He also shared his new business venture, Randy Fenoli Men's collection. Not only was I grateful for the ride, but for 20 minute conversation one on one with such a fabulous person!
(Sylvia & Randy working the dance floor)
First up was Rebecca Grinnals, if you aren't 100% sure on who Rebecca Grinnals is, then you should really take some time to find out. She, along with Kathryn Arce, is the driving force behind Engaging Concepts. They consult some of the best of the best in the wedding industry. Rebecca spoke on the state of the wedding industry, the loss of 2 major publications - Elegant Bride & Modern Bride, where we are, where we are going and shared some of her valuable insights with us.
(Photo Courtesy of Kristy Rice of Momental Designs)
Next up, Simon T. Bailey, author of Release your Brilliance, among other books, shared with us his brilliance. His thought process, how he sees us, how we should see ourselves and helped us to realize what we need to do to get to the point we want to be. I walked away from his exercise with a whole new look on me & how I run my business, deal with my family and handle the everyday pressures that come along with family & business. For me, personally, this exercise has changed my life and business.
After an amazing lunch we were greeted with smiles by the amazingly witty, Marcy Blum. Marcy's infectious humor and insights were just what we needed, a dose of reality in the luxury wedding business.
Following Marcy, was Sean Low, again, AMAZING..... Sean spoke to us about the business of being creative. His insights from years of working with Preston Bailey proved to be some of the most valuable words of the day for me. Again walking away with more knowledge of myself and my business.
Our last speaker of the day was Todd-Avery Lenahan, the incredible mind behind ABA and designer of wonderfully decorated Encore Las Vegas. He shared with us his thoughts and how each space came to reality.
The evening of course ended with a bang! A party at Blush nightclub located in the Wynn. Here, we were able to let our hair down, and just get to know one another. Love Life Images installed a photo booth that Randy took over for the night.
I met some truly amazing people on this trip, people that I can now call friends. I was lucky enough to get to meet the Cake Diva herself, Ms. Sylvia Weinstock and her wonderful husband Ben, Lara Casey, the super brain behind Bliss Events, Southern Weddings Magazine and now Lara Casey Reps, and countless other people that I can go on and on about all day.
The dates for Engage! 10 have been posted, so if you haven't had the opportunity to attend, you must make it your business to do so. Now, I am not saying it will change your business overnight, but, if you listen carefully, you should be able to walk away with some invaluable insight that will transform your business.
Last month I had the pleasure of taking not one, but TWO trips to the fabulous Encore Hotel in Las Vegas. My first trip was for Engage!09 The Encore, A Luxury Wedding Business Intensive, put together by the wonderful & amazing talent behind Engaging Concepts, Rebecca Grinnals & Kathryn Arce.
Prior to arriving at the hotel, I had the honor of running into Randy Fenoli, the Fashion Director at Kleinfeld Bridal in NY. Randy was gracious enough to offer me a ride to the hotel, where we were able to talk some about Engage! 09 Something Blue in the Grand Caymans and how it changed his life. This made me really excited for the day to come. He also shared his new business venture, Randy Fenoli Men's collection. Not only was I grateful for the ride, but for 20 minute conversation one on one with such a fabulous person!
(Sylvia & Randy working the dance floor)
First up was Rebecca Grinnals, if you aren't 100% sure on who Rebecca Grinnals is, then you should really take some time to find out. She, along with Kathryn Arce, is the driving force behind Engaging Concepts. They consult some of the best of the best in the wedding industry. Rebecca spoke on the state of the wedding industry, the loss of 2 major publications - Elegant Bride & Modern Bride, where we are, where we are going and shared some of her valuable insights with us.
(Photo Courtesy of Kristy Rice of Momental Designs)
Next up, Simon T. Bailey, author of Release your Brilliance, among other books, shared with us his brilliance. His thought process, how he sees us, how we should see ourselves and helped us to realize what we need to do to get to the point we want to be. I walked away from his exercise with a whole new look on me & how I run my business, deal with my family and handle the everyday pressures that come along with family & business. For me, personally, this exercise has changed my life and business.
After an amazing lunch we were greeted with smiles by the amazingly witty, Marcy Blum. Marcy's infectious humor and insights were just what we needed, a dose of reality in the luxury wedding business.
Following Marcy, was Sean Low, again, AMAZING..... Sean spoke to us about the business of being creative. His insights from years of working with Preston Bailey proved to be some of the most valuable words of the day for me. Again walking away with more knowledge of myself and my business.
Our last speaker of the day was Todd-Avery Lenahan, the incredible mind behind ABA and designer of wonderfully decorated Encore Las Vegas. He shared with us his thoughts and how each space came to reality.
The evening of course ended with a bang! A party at Blush nightclub located in the Wynn. Here, we were able to let our hair down, and just get to know one another. Love Life Images installed a photo booth that Randy took over for the night.
I met some truly amazing people on this trip, people that I can now call friends. I was lucky enough to get to meet the Cake Diva herself, Ms. Sylvia Weinstock and her wonderful husband Ben, Lara Casey, the super brain behind Bliss Events, Southern Weddings Magazine and now Lara Casey Reps, and countless other people that I can go on and on about all day.
The dates for Engage! 10 have been posted, so if you haven't had the opportunity to attend, you must make it your business to do so. Now, I am not saying it will change your business overnight, but, if you listen carefully, you should be able to walk away with some invaluable insight that will transform your business.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Creative New Guestbooks.....
If you’re looking for a unique, yet sophisticated guest book, look no more. I first saw this guest book on GetMarried TV and I was amazed on how the details of each guest book were so unique to each couple and their wedding. WELL, needless to say, I was able to convince one of my brides to purchase the book, and I am so excited to see the book in person. What makes the guest book so unique is that it looks like an ordinary book, for keepsakes and what have you, but it opens up to an accordion style guest book that allows guest to not only sign there names, but also leave pictures or write messages on cards. These books come to us form The Honour of Your Presence in Boonton, NJ. But you can make a purchase through www.getmarried.com. The book comes complete with mini cards for signatures, as well as cards for messages and a table sign to let people know what it is, and what to do! The pictures truly do them no justice... If you are looking for something unique, creative and elegant..look no more!!!
You can also watch this video for more details about this guest book.
You can also watch this video for more details about this guest book.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
New Wedding Trends
Years ago, when a woman was getting married, she went out and bought her white dress, her accessories and her WHITE SHOES!!! These days, weddings are no longer about white on white on white. Most women are going for an off-white dress, and I LOVE that they are incorporating their wedding colors into their shoes. I recommend colors to all my brides, it is just something else that will stand out in your pictures. I know this look may not sit well with a more conservative bride. But I urge all brides to give it a try. If you know your colors, and you can go out and find a shoe in that exact color, bring it to your dress shopping or fittings - you will fall in love with the look - I guarantee it.
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