You Light Up My Days

Are you planning on burning candles at your event? Actually, as a 'typical woman' I love candles just around the house. Something about candlelight makes everything look better ... softer even.

What many people don't know is there is actually a more planet-responsible candles everyone can buy. The average candles most people buy can contain nasties like soot, formaldehyde and lead. Any way you slice it, those things aren't good for us to be inhaling over a romantic dinner! But don't fear ... there are some simple things you can do ...
To keep soot emissions to a minimum, keep your wicks trimmed and place the candle away from any kind of draft. To cut down on possible chemicals, avoid buying any scented and gelatinous petroleum candles. And with the lead dilemma, here's a tip from Health Canada ... test your wick by peeling apart any fibre in the wick and seeing if it has a metallic core. If it does, rub it on white paper. If you see a gray smudge, it's probably lead so you're best to toss it.

This may leave you wondering what to buy!

North American-made candles normally do not contain lead nor do products from IKEA. If you want to be really safe though, look at replacing your candles with those made of beeswax or soy. Not only are they better for you but they're often longer-lasting! You can find many of these products in stores now (in Toronto check out places like Organic Lifestyle and Grassroots) and even online.

Happy hunting,

Susan

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Look at that Green

Woohoo! I stumbled upon the news of this book tonight and can't wait for December! Check out the description ...


The Green Bride Guide is a comprehensive, easy-to-access resource for anyone interested in planning a green wedding. It provides readers with general advice and specific eco-friendly ideas for making their wedding more beautiful and more sustainable. The Green Bride Guide emphasizes elegance, ease, individual taste, and the sense that there’s no need to give up a treasured ideal of a wedding in order to lessen its impact on the Earth.

Using a simple chronological structure, The Green Bride Guide makes planning a green wedding easy. Chapter topics include: Engagement, Location, The Eco-Chic Bride, Greening the Groom and Bridal Party, Green Save-the-Dates, Invitations & Wedding Websites, Sustainable Flowers, Transportation, Guest Comfort, The Green Ceremony, The Green Reception, Green Food & Drink, Green Music & Memories, Green Gift Giving and Receiving, and Green Honeymoons. Each section offers low, medium and high end ideas, with resources and web links in each category to help you plan a green wedding on any budget. The Green Bride Guide is an invaluable reference tool for any environmentally conscious pair looking to start their lives together in a way that is consistent with their values and beliefs.

Available in December 2008.

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On the Boulevard

My first purchase from Etsy has arrived!!!!!!! Many thanks to the wonderful peartreeri in making it a fabulous experience that has since addicted me ;)

To view what I bought, keep reading ...

My husband and I recently bought the home we had been renting for a couple years (long story). It's funny because as soon as the papers were signed, we immediately saw all of those little things we wanted to change. Our house number was one of those things. It used to be one of those boring faux-gold things that just didn't let people know anything about our style as soon as they pull up in the driveway. Well, now with our purchase, I think guests will be greeted beautifully!

Oh ... and if you ever come over to my place, the number below isn't my actual address number ... this picture was just better ;)

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Like a Blank Cheque Already Signed

Decided to do an Etsy find tonight. I think I'll make this a recurring topic because it's just too much fun! Without further ado, here are the goodies I'd be snapping up if I were you ;)


Birch Ring Cushion by EasterYu


Custom Wedding Dress Painting by empresstodesign ... a great way to preserve your wedding dress!


Just Married Magnetic Car Sign by tonyabug ... instead of going with a limo, why not dress up your own car?!


To ease your guests' minds, why not tell them what direction your celebration is in? This Reception Sign is by Funkifolkart


Recycled Poppy Hair Pins by foundling ... imagine your bridal party all wearing these funky y pieces!

And my favourite find of the night ...


Does your man roll his eyes at the thought of wearing a flower? How about this Music Boutonierre by frittsrosenow?!

I'll be back with more soon! :)

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Pulling Weeds in the Later Afternoon Sun - Part Deux

Moving on to Autumn Flowers!!!!!

Once again, please check availability in your area as these are not all grown in Ontario. The whole point to my posts in this arena is to make you a bit more conscious of local goods :)

Amaryllis


Anemones

Aster

Bittersweet

Calla Lily

Celosia

Chinese Lantern

Chrysanthemum

Cock's Comb

Dahlia


Delphinium

Fuchsia

Hydrangea

Liatris

Lisianthus

Narcissus

Marigold

Montbretia

Protea

Snapdragon

Star of Bethlehem

Sunflower

Tuberose

Zinnia


The possibilities in autumn are endless ... get creative!

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I Take My Leads From You

Slowly getting caught up with pictures from past weddings! The above is a shot of Sophie & James' whimsical cake. James is a bit of a fan of those little blue singing creatures and they made an appearance throughout the day. Oh, and the cake was delicious to boot!

The two of them are on their whirl-wind European honeymoon at the moment ...

This past weekend was a true delight. When Japan and Pakistan meet to celebrate, colour is everywhere. The day started off with a traditional Buddist ceremony performed by the bride's mother. A couple hours and an outfit change later, the couple adjourned to their sweetheart table for the reception. The venue was spectacular, the meal scrumptious and the entertainment ... well, entertaining!

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Running to the Future

I'm very excited for 'work' this weekend. I'm witnessing a celebration of one of those storybook loves. And this one has been a LONG time coming! At the same time I have the incredible pleasure of watching Judy Cormier in action with her camera ...



Yoko & Khalid have promised everyone quite the colourful wedding. It will be a traditional Buddist ceremony followed by a western reception ... with many Japanese and Pakistani flavours in between. Samosas and sushi, anyone?

When we visited the site earlier this week I snapped a few photos. Don't mind the quality of some ... I was trying to be quick and discreet ... next time I'll actually look at them before I leave!

The ceremony site *because the weather WILL hold up*

But in case of rain it will be here ...

The reception room is here. You can't tell but there are beautiful high ceilings and such a regal yet warm feel ...

The head table will be sweetheart style placed on this side of the room ...

Guests will be dancing the night away in here :)

And I can't wait to see what the venue displays in the foyer after seeing this arrangement!


Best of luck, Yoko and Khalid! We're all looking forward to the smiles :)

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Velvet Dreams and a Candy Prize

Are you a do-it-yourself bride? Maybe you love crafts in general. Perhaps, just perhaps, you have a strange attraction to ribbon like I do. Whatever the case, I found a cool site with vintage materials, ribbons, notions and other goodies.Reprodepot Fabrics has a fun selection of vintage reproductions and retro fabrics. They even have bunny buttons!!!





Go through the site and find your own favourites!

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