Nominated for the Wedding Blog Awards

It was such a pleasant surprise right before the bank holiday weekend to receive a tweet from Wedding Magazine that I have been nominated for the Wedding Blog Awards 2015, yippee!  I have been nominated for the past two years and it truly was such a surprise this year.  I am beyond excited to be a part of this amazing group of wedding industry folks and to have the opportunity to attend such an amazing event at the Tower of London, very exciting! 

I have been nominated in the category of: Best Travel or Venues {UK and Overseas} Blog 

Please vote HERE and feel free to pass along the voting site to any of your friends! 

Honestly, having moved from the States three years ago, being nominated for this award has been so exciting! I still often think my mom is the only one reading my blog and then I receive an email or a tweet that someone says they found something from my site, it is very exciting. It would be very fun this year, to take the award home! Third times a charm? VOTE HERE

You can see what an amazing time I had at the awards in 2013 and 2014 by clicking the links. I have met some amazing people and can not be more excited to be attending again this year....please VOTE! 

xoxo - Rebecca

*As I am nominated in the travel/venues category, here are a few of my favorite posts in that category: London Wedding Welcome Bags | My Sister's Wedding | What to pack for your Amalfi Coast Honeymoon  

I Fancy Friday v. 49

YAY! Cheers to a three day weekend ahead! I FANCY FRIDAY! Here in the UK it is a bank holiday, the last three day weekend before Christmas and in the States it is Labor Day weekend. Both weekends mark the end of summer time. The weekend to take in some sunshine {please London!} and just relax, have fun and enjoy! I have a meeting for an upcoming wedding I am coordinating at a GORGEOUS venue in a few weeks and then Mr. Beau and I will be venturing out in London for a few adventures and indulgences {ummm, ice cream sandwiches, hello!}. I have so many amazingly wonderful exciting projects happening in the next few months that I am truly just going to to try and enjoy the weekend ahead, get rested and relaxed and inspired for the next few months ahead. Happy Friday! See you next Tuesday, ENJOY the weekend! 

xoxo - Becca 

1. 3/4 Sleeve Floral Dress - Something about this Flowery dress makes me long for summer to stay! It doesn't hurt that it is less then £25! Cute huh! 

2. Birchbox at Selfridges! - Friday, 28th of August {TODAY!} until the 27th of September there will be a pop up, build your own Birchbox at Selfridges! eeeekk! I know where I am making a stop tonight. You get to choose 6 deluxe samples for just £15 with some amazing brands, Bumble & Bumble, Stila, Origins, hello, a perfect stop to getting pretty for the long weekend;) And yes, this lady loves some little mini samples, they are the best! 

3. Spiced Vanilla- Coconut Pink Iced Tea Latte - Yep, this is one recipe I will be attempting this week. 

4. Homemade Infused Gins - So we may have infused our own gins for our wedding, however, I know that everyone isn't into the DIY methods of life;) How cute are these mini infused gin bottles! I'm loving them for a wedding or even my next cocktail party????

5. Together Is A Beautiful Place To Be - What a beautiful inspiration shoot, wow. The flowers area absolutely stunning and I am also so in love with this huge banner! 

6. Southern Weddings v.7 ONLINE - I was excited to see this as a free option to view online! I think that Southern Weddings is such a beautifully inspiring magazine and I wasn't able to get a hold of this year in the UK, so I am quite excited to sit down and read through it this weekend. 

7. Blu Top Ice Cream Sandwiches - So the question is, WHY DIDN'T I KNOW ABOUT THIS! An ice cream sandwich truck, oh my oh my. Amazing. How about you can make your own with toppings like caramel, pretzels, Lucky Charms! eeeekkk. I think Mr. Beau and I may be tracking down the truck this weekend at Druid Street Market in Bermondsey. Hello amazing. 

8. Serpentine Pavilion - I've been dying to get there to see the beautiful rainbow piece this year! Finally with an extra day off, Mr. Beau and I will be heading there for a drink and some amazing artwork. It ends mid October so get there soon!

9. New Items at Quill London  - Wow! Have you seen the new items over Quill! Personalized notebooks, gorgeous Sugar Paper Cards, hop on over and check out the site for so much loveliness. 

10. Gorgeous Hair - So I am on the hunt for one fabulous hair do for an upcoming shoot and this one, well, it may be a front runner. Isn't this GORGEOUS! 

Happy Weekend! xoxo 

Le Diner en Blanc London - THE BIG WHITE PARTY IN LONDON 2015!

You may remember a post I wrote a couple of years ago about a dinner all dressed in white in London? OK, I know two years ago seems forever ago, but this is what I am talking about; the night at Le Diner en Blanc London 2013. I am so excited to write and share that the fun, all white, pop-up picnic is back this year and I am sharing ALL the details below! 

WHEN: Thursday 3^rd September 2015, 7pm 

WHERE: it is a SURPRISE! Somewhere in central London. 

Guests meet at assigned departure location and are escorted by Dîner en Blanc volunteers.

It truly is so fun. You are in an area in city surrounded by hundreds of people in white, dancing, drink bubbly, a night to remember! 

WHAT TO BRING: A table for two, two white chairs, white tablecloth. A picnic basket of fine food, proper stemware and white dinnerware. Champagne, water and wine. {see my suggestions below!} 

WHAT TO WEAR: White. Dressy. Sparkle. Fun. {see my suggestions below!} 

A bit about the event for those of you who are thinking, "WHAT! Meet at a disclosed location, bring all my own stuff for dinner, even my table? And dress all in white, wtf!". Trust me, its fun! 

Le Dîner en Blanc was founded in Paris over 25 years ago, it is attended by over 100,000 people in over 60 cities around the world including Sydney, Shanghai and New York.  

This is the 3^rd time that that Le Diner in Blanc has returned to London For the 2013 edition, Le Dîner en Blanc - London attracted close to 700 cultural enthusiasts for a memorable evening at the Trinity Buoy Wharf. 

Visually breath-taking moments during the event include the waving of a cloth napkin to mark the beginning of the dinner, as well as the lighting of sparklers before the dancing kicks off. At the end of the evening, guests pack up their crystal, dinnerware and tables; pick up all their litter; and head into the night, leaving no sign of their revelry behind.

{In 2013 we went ALL out. Bring some flowers for the table, we had pretty china and cutlery and TONS of food which was great the more bubbly we consumed as the night went on! Ok, I know the flowers should have been white, it was a las minute addition.eek. ;) See my 2013 post here.} 

 About Le Dîner en Blanc 

Launched in Paris in 1988 by François Pasquier and a handful of friends, Le Dîner en Blanc has become a worldwide epicurean phenomenon. Le Dîner en Blanc - Paris now attracts nearly 15,000 people each year, crazy right! What was a “friends and word-of-mouth only” event has grown into an international sensation celebrated on five continents. The same things apply now that applied when it first begin; guests continue to gather at a secret location for the sole purpose of sharing a gourmet meal with good friends in one of their city’s most beautiful public spaces.  Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Dîner en Blanc International is responsible for developing this secret posh picnic in over 60 cities in more than 25 countries around the world. Each event is headed by passionate local organizers who fell in love with the concept and wanted to bring it to their city, giving this rendezvous a local flair.

What To Wear : YOU MUST WEAR WHITE! 

Dress to impress! Elegant and white. Stylish and white. I saw a few girls in their wedding dresses, no joke, now they went ALL out on the white dress code;) Here are a few of my suggestions if you are looking for a LWD {little white dress!}. 

Beauty Blogger: My Skincare Routine

So I may not be an actual "beauty blogger" by any means, however, it is no secret that I love a few products. Makeup, hair products, nail polish, I love a little bit of beauty products. It hasn't been until these past few years where I have really started to get more interested into my skincare routine and invest in some good products. I've tried different three step series like Clinique and Proactiv after a little breakout, I have used something as simple as Dove or Cetaphil, but truly not until this past year {knock on wood} I have actually started to feel like the mix of products in my bathroom cabinet, are the ones that are actually working. I love seeing what other people use, love and recommend so I thought I would share my favs today.... my daily routine. 

I always always wash my face before I head to bed! It is a key to nice clean skin. You read it in every magazine but the truth is...nothing is good about sleeping in your makeup. I remove my makeup with either a cleansing water or with a makeup remover towelette. I switch between two face cleaners. If I have gotten sweaty, out for a long run, the gym, etc. I go for a sudsy Kiehl'sBlue Herbal Gel Cleanser. It is good if you have breakouts and in my mind the sudsy feel really cleans away the sweat and dirt. I've been using it for months and so far it hasn't dried me out, I just like it. I do not use it twice a day however, once is enough. 

In the evening before bed I use Eve Lom Cleanser sometimes using the muslin cloth step and sometimes using my Clarisonic Mia. At first I was a bit hesitant about both items since they are over my Boots budget, however, they both last a long time and, they both work great. The cleanser is great for removing traces of makeup, Vogue says its the best cleanser, so OK!;) Really, in the winter it doesn't dry out my skin, the large pot lasts me for way over a month, really, a little goes a long way! Twice a week I like to use the brush with it to really feel like I get a deeper clean and get all the dirty city air out of my skin! 

Travel Tuesday : A Weekend In Paris

Bonjour! I have been meaning to write this post for a couple months now! Phew! Our one year wedding anniversary was this June and we decided to book a romantic weekend away in no other but the most romantic city in the world, Paris. It was sunny, beautiful, romantic and a weekend to remember. Are you ready for photo overload? We decided to leave our nice fancy camera at home and rely on my iPhone for pics and honestly, I'm OK that we did. Here are A LOT of photos from our trip and a few tips if you are heading to the lovely city of Paris! 

 Living in London allows us to be able to hop on a train and be in Paris in less then three hours, it is pretty amazing, thank you Eurostar! Both Mr. Beau and I have both been to Paris a few times but never together. We thought a quick trip away from London was just what we wanted. We didn't want to jam pack the weekend with a 101 things to do, so instead we did a lot of wandering and visited places as we wanted, it was wonderful! I found some great suggestions on other bloggers sites : Aspiring Kennedy, Oh Happy Day and Pret a Voyager, all which I HIGHLY recommend! I love getting tips from people who have been and have discovered small little spots and not just big tourist destinations. Here goes....our weekend in Paris! 

Where We Stayed

Hotel Edgar - located in the 2nd Arrondissement. We were recommended this very small and funky boutique hotel from a friend who had visited the bar & restaurant during fashion week in Paris. There are less then twenty rooms in the hotel and each room is decorated completely differently. We loved staying here. It was pretty affordable, easy to find, a quick walk to many different metros and the bar was FAB for a late night drink. Tucked away on a little square, I would recommend it. The hotel is not fancy and romantic in the traditional pretty Parisian way, but more funky and hipster, loved it. 

 Hi fab tiled floors! 

 

I Fancy Friday v. 48

Well you know, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, whatever, two days late with the post and hey, I fancy the weekend right!!!! What a week we had, what a weekend its been. I figured I found so many neat things over the week that I fancied that I still needed to share with you, happy reading! Enjoy your weekend! xoxo

1. Post It Note Background - how amazing is this idea and how simple. This colorful amazing photo backdrop is made of POST IT NOTES!!!

2. Green Arrangements - I am loving this very green wedding. I am having a green moment, less pink, lots of greens, I just love it! Isn't this wedding stunning. 

3. Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio - Yep, me and Mr. Beau went to Harry Potter world yesterday. It was amazing. SO many details and behind the scenes sets to see, it truly was something. I drank Butterbeer and felt like a big kid, it truly was magical! The movie industry is amazing and the tour left me wanting to be a prop stylist, SO fun!  

Happy Hour : Rhubarb Lime Strawberry Popsicle Fizz Cocktail

With summer getting a bit shorter, I thought it was the perfect time to share a very perfect in season cocktail. It is Thursday and I don't know about you, but I am ready for the week to come to an end and toast with some bubbly! Fresh strawberries, lime and rhubarb made into a popsicle and topped with processo, this cocktail is girly, summery, refreshing and fizzy, I love it. I paired up with Tea America to create some desserts that paired with the cocktail and Maxeen Kim to shoot the images and was left with some prettiness below! 

April creates miniature American classic desserts that fit perfect for an afternoon tea. She created the rhubarb and pineapple cream layered cakes that were not only so beautiful to look at but also delicious to eat. Are they not so pretty, like a pretty little rainbow! 

I created a popsicle from a recipe I found on She Likes Food. Using a mix of fresh lime juice, fresh rhubarb and fresh pureed strawberries, mixed in with sugar, these popsicles are easy and delicious. 

 I made a mix of popsicles and ice cubes that fit perfectly in my french vintage pink champagne flutes. Top the glasses with a bit of rose sparkling and, voila, a delicious cocktail! 

Wedding Welcome Bag : London

If you are planning your wedding with guests coming in from all other areas of the world, what better way to welcome them to your wedding weekend then by a sweet bag filled with local goodies. I am starting off this series of local wedding welcome bag ideas with one themed around the city I live in, the city I created welcome bags for my wedding in, London! Even a little cookie and a handwritten note to your guests up arrival can be the sweetest personalized touch. Here are a few of my favorite ideas to add to a little London welcome! 

1. Emma Block London Postcard - Why not write your guests a handwritten welcome on a beautifully illustrated postcard of London. I think I would frame this mini print/postcard! 

2. Mini G&T set - Yes, a Gin & Tonic is a pretty delicious British classic cocktail. I would mix in my favorite gin, Hendricks, with a local UK made tonic in their delicious Elderflower flavor. Who needs a hotel mini bar when you are giving them one. 

3. Bonjour London Map - I so love this map! It shows your guests some different off the beaten path tourist spots to see while they here and they happen to be gorgeously illustrated. 

4. Gold London Landmark Keychains - tie a little ribbon on it and voila, fancy new hotel room key chain! Who doesn't love a little bit of touristy gold souvenirs. 

5. Tea & Biscuits - Fancy handmade biscuits from the amazing Biscuiteers with your name painted on them paired with the delicious and beautifully packaged fancy Royal Wedding Breakfast Tea would be the perfect match. 

6. Anges de Sucre Gourmet Chocolate Digestive Marshmallow - Homemade marshmallows made in Kensington covered in chocolate and amazingly yummy digestives {these things are a British classic and they rock!}, what guest wouldn't love opening these on their arrival! 

7. Traditional British Rock Candy - I will be honest, the Brits do have some amazing sweets! How cool are these that you can get your name put into the sweets, awesome. 

8. Liberty London Bag - Now this is a bag that none of your guests would throw away! From the iconic London department store Liberty, this bag is anything but a silly tote bag. 

Happy planning! Cheers! 

 xoxo Rebecca