Champagne on Pretty Ice

My very favorite drink is a bubbly glass of Wilson Creek Winery Almond Champagne.  Should you come to my house for a party or pre-event gathering, you are greeted by a bottle of my beloved Almond Champagne chilling in a silver champagne bucket.  Until yesterday, I thought this lovely presentation was classy & fancy.

Then I spied champagne chilling on beautiful pink rose-filled ice cubes & I realized I need to step up my champagne game.  How pretty is this?  & so simple too.  You could fill your cubes with herbs, rose petals, violets, fake spiders (for Halloween), etc to match the color scheme or theme of your party.  The possibilities are as endless as your creativity.  No matter what you chose for your ice cubes, it's guaranteed to be a hit.   

Helpful hint: Use cupcake/muffin trays to make your decorated ice cubes.  The larger ice cube "tray" is easier to fill with flowers & makes a big impact upon serving.

I can't wait to give this easy entertaining idea a whirl at my next party!  Cheers~ 

Photography via

Ready, Set, GO!

Our sweet boy Bailey before he was sent to doggie day care

Red roses from my fiance!

My wedding dress: I wish I could wear it again & again!

Me & My Gorgeous Bridesmaids

I'm going to the chapel & I'm going to get married!
(Above photos were taken by friends)

The night before our wedding, my cousin/bridesmaid & I stayed up until 4am packing up the wedding items, cleaning the condo, finishing DIY projects & gossiping. It was a little crazy & I wouldn't recommend it to everyone but it enabled me to wake up on our wedding day without a single care or worry. Everything was done! I noted the sunshine & blue skies & immediately text RZ to say, "It is our beautiful wedding day!" From that moment on, I was on Cloud Nine.

My getting ready crew consisted of my fabulous bridesmaids, my lovely Mom & RZ's great Mom, plus the make-up artist, the hair stylist, the wedding planner & the photographers. Our condo quickly transformed into a dressing room. I had an open house policy so my crew showed up throughout the morning in various stages of hair, make-up & dress. My heart warmed at the sight of each girl's bright, happy, shiny face.

I have to say, I did little more than relax in the hours before our ceremony. My biggest task was walking Bailey & taking him to his doggie daycare/hotel. Then I was able to chill & eat (seriously, Brides-to-be- eating is important!!) while everyone buzzed around me. The hair stylist & make-up artist worked their magic. The beautiful flowers were delivered. Red roses & a sweet note from my fiance arrived. Candid photos were snapped. Girls dashed here & there. It was shaping up to be a wonderful wedding day!

Of course, I was the last lady to get ready. The bridesmaids & Moms were dressed & they looked stunning!! I had my "Classic Bride" make-up done, then had my side chignon styled & my chiffon flower placed. At last, it was time to put on my wedding dress!!! I had waited for this moment for so long & I savored every second. The gorgeous dress. The simple veil. The sparkly shoes. The pearl earrings & the pearl/rhinestone bracelet. The calla lily bouquet. I had carefully chosen every last detail to transform me into my ideal version of a Bride. I've never felt more beautiful!!

Before we left for the church, we had an almond champagne toast & it was my very favorite part of getting ready. Here I was with my favorite women in the world. We looked beautiful & we were pumped: we were on the brink of my marriage ceremony! It doesn't get more special than this (a true understatement). We huddled in the living room & cheered the wedding day. Cheers!

Welcome 2011!

RZ and I had simple New Year's Eve plans: Ring in 2011 with our brother, sister-in-law and baby niece. Life had other plans. I was sidelined with a high fever, sore throat & general yuck. By the time the sun set, I was feeling better but there was no way I could risk getting the baby sick. Our plans became even simpler: Ring in 2011 at home with our Bailey.

RZ, being the fabulous guy he is, was determined to make our simple night special. And he did!

First, we had wine, shrimp cocktail & brie with crackers:


Notice the shrimp cocktail beautifully served in margarita glasses:


Then a yummy, yummy steak with mashed potatoes & broccoli:


And our official almond champagne toast to ring in 2011:


Bailey puts on his sweetest face in anticipation of his first 2011 treat:


Our last night of 2010 was filled with my favorite things: RZ, Bailey & delicious food & good drinks. I couldn't have asked for a better night!

Now it's 2011! We're getting married SOON!