Winter Bolero Round-Up

Tulle bolero: Eve of Milady, $995, Bridal Reflections; Beaded bolero: Monique Lhuillier for Kleinfeld, $2,500, Kleinfeld

Here we are, well into the months of dreaded Vancouver weather. It feels like yesterday that spring was just starting to break through....and now we're right back to long dark days and frigid windy nights. Just because the weather isn't very happy right now doesn't mean there aren't tons of lovely couples choosing to have their big day in the Winter. There is something very whimsical and romantic about a winter wedding (any Twilight lovers will see the romance in dreary grey and endless rain).

Although it's totally acceptable to wear a strapless gown at any time of the year, I love finding options for those who want the look of a strapless with a little bit more coverage. These daring and fashion forward boleros are just that find. I stumbled upon these on the incredible blog Classic Bride, and just had to share them with you! A bit out of your price range? Yes, I know- these do cost a pretty penny. But take the inspiration and head on over to etsy, where you can get alot more bang for your buck, and get a unique, hand-crafted bolero to boot. There are plenty of pre-designed options to choose from, or you can commission a custom designed bolero through etsy's Alchemy (don't you just love that word "commision"? I wish I could commission a lot more things in life, like a hand carved cameo, or perhaps an original painting!).

Boleros from top left, clockwise: Tocatta, $178/ Bonzie, $145/ Toccata $185/ Trendy Knitting $159

Rum and Eggnog Cupcakes: The Recipe

Mmmm mmmm good.

These tasty little holiday treats were actually born from my in-the-making Christmas Bella Bash (consider this a sneak peak). Although I probably won't be throwing my own Christmas party this year (shocking, I know), I wanted to make my Bella Bash photo shoot realistic so I brainstormed some festive goodies I would have served were I to have played hostess. Well, lets just say the photo shoot is days away, and the cupcakes are ready right now. Thank goodness it was my mom's birthday tonight, because it definitely saved me from eating them all (and I didn't have to bake her a birthday cake- yay!)

Why rum and eggnog cupcakes? Rum cake is a family birthday staple in my household, and well, eggnog is eggnog, it doesn't need any explanation because it's just that good. The rum cake all started with my dad, who likes a little bit more rum than cake, but got us all hooked after requesting this moist and delicious treat for every one of his birthdays. My mom makes the best rum cake, and for those who have tasted Tortuga Rum Cake from the Caribbean, well, her's puts it to shame. She just uses boxed cake mix, putting a little spin on it by adding vanilla pudding powder and substituting rum for some of the water in the directions. She uses a rum/sugar glaze for the actual bundt cake, but for cupcakes, we'll stick with the eggnog buttercream.

To make the rum cupcake batter:

• 1 package yellow cake mix
• 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup dark rum
• 
  

Follow instructions on cake box and spoon into cupcake cups.

To make the eggnog buttercream icing:

1 C. room temp. butter

6-8 C. powdered sugar

2 t. vanilla

1/2 C. eggnog

1-2 t. nutmeg

(for an extra punch, add a few drops of rum flavoured extract. If you find your buttercream too thin, add more icing sugar, or a little meringue powder to stiffin it).

Cream the butter for 30 seconds until smooth. Add the rest of the ingredients. Mix until combined. Use a pastry bag and round tip to pipe onto cupcakes, and sprinkle with a bit more nutmeg.

Because of the eggnog in the icing, the buttercream will expire so make sure to use it up quick (like that will be a problem). Also, the cupcakes are best served chilled, straight out of the fridge. The icing will get fairly soft if left at room temp because of the amount of liquid and butter in it ;)

Enjoy!

Classic Bridal Shower on the Bella Bash Boutique

Here is the third and final party from my premiere collection. It's classic and simple, and was inspired by the elegance of traditional wedding stationery. I love cerulean blue and figured it would be a great palette to work with for those wanting to host a very non-themed, elegant bridal shower for a like minded bride to be. I'm all for uber girly, but not everyone else is! I actually think this set would be perfect for a high tea shower. Have the girls wear white gloves and a fancy chapeau, toss in some petit fours, mini scones and little sandwiches, and you're set to go!

The Classic Bride Party includes:

Invitation & Envelope
Thank You Card & Envelope
Cupcake Wraps (for Regular and mini cupcakes)
Cupcake Pick Toppers
Napkin Wraps
Candle Wraps
Favor Box
Favor Bag
Gift Tags/ Place Cards/ Labels
Gift Log
Patterned Paper

Check out my etsy shop The Bella Bash Boutique!

Western Baby Shower on the Bella Bash Boutique

Cupcake wraps for both mini and regular size cupcakes!

Cupcake picks

Favor box and napkin wrap used on a water bottle

My second party from my premiere collection is probably my fave (might have something to do with the principle color?).I kinda have a thing for pink, and a pretty major crush on western fonts, so this theme was a no-brainer for me. I've got this party ready to go for a baby shower (or baby birthday) but it can also be used for a bridal shower or birthday party.

For those who may still not quite get this printable party concept (like my mom), I've included an example template to check out. Feel free to save it, print it, and test it out for yourself (make sure it fills the page completely so you don't get a teeny tiny little favor bag). Score the folds first with a ruler and knife and it will fold much easier and prettier!

The Western Party Includes:

Invitation & Envelope
Thank You Card & Envelope
Cupcake Wraps (for Regular and mini cupcakes)
Cupcake Pick Toppers
"Oh Baby Shower" Banner OR "Bride To Be" Banner
Napkin Wraps
Candle Wraps
Favor Box
Favor Bag
Gift Tags/ Place Cards/ Labels
Bingo Cards & Bingo Markers
Gift Log
Patterned Paper

Some DIY ideas for your Western Party:

1) Instead of using the favor bags for favors, try filling with snacks and treats like popcorn, nuts and bolts, chips etc.

2) Playing baby shower games, like chugging the juice out of the baby bottle? Use a napkin wrap to customize your baby bottles.

3) Make yourself some pretty, fluffy tissue paper pom poms. Hang from the ceiling, extending the string down through the pom so that you have a piece of string that hangs about 6 to 10 inches underneath. Attach a star label to the string hanging from the pom. Once you have a bunch of them done it will look like a pretty mobile or baby chandelier.

Check out my Western Party on etsy right here!

Introducing... the Bella Bash Boutique!

I am so excited to announce to opening of Hello Bella's very own Etsy shop! As many of you may know, I love etsy, and I love paper, so it seems only natural to open up a shop selling printable paper party wares!

Some may already know what a printable party is, but for those of you who don't, well here's the low-down. You purchase a party from the Bella Bash Boutique, decide if you want it customized with a monogram (free for November!), and then wait. For customized parties, you will receive an email in your inbox within 48 hours (non-custom parties it's just 24 hours). This email will include all of the pdf files you need to print off your very own party. For best results, I suggest emailing the files to your local Office Depot print shop and getting them printed on a minimum of 80lb white cardstock (18 cents a piece), but you are also welcome to use your printer at home. Once you print as many copies as you need, you cut, assemble, and party! Every party is accompanied by easy to follow directions and a supply list.

Why a DIY printable party you may ask? Well, as an event planner I am well aware that not every one can hire a designer or planner for parties such as birthdays and showers. People have come to accept that custom and stylish event design is just for a wedding (or for a host with mad graphic design skills or an enviable budget). My goal with the Bella Bash Boutique is to make sure you never have to walk down that craft/party aisle again to buy over-priced, over-used, and often tacky party wares for the event that you're hosting.

What do you get in your party? Everything from invitations, to favor boxes and bags, to cupcake wrappers and more. Essentially, add the food and treats and you've got yourself a party!

Currently I've got 3 parties created and ready to go, which I will be rolling out on my blog over the next few days (complete with fun DIY projects to compliment each party). Also expect to see custom digital invitation design for weddings and more!

I have more parties in the works, but I want to hear from YOU what themes you think I should create for my next collections? Please leave your feedback, and I will select one poster at random to receive a free party of their choosing!

Pretty Pillows... Perfect Repurposing

I love handmade, and I love pretty. But sometimes pretty handmade things come with a price tag. When you buy an original, a one of a kind, or anything that someone has toiled over for hours, you're going to pay for it. So what to do when you fall in love with something that you might not be able to justify in your budget? Repurpose! Repurposing your wedding things after your big day achieves two ends: the investment you made on your wedding accessories aren't just one-day throw aways, AND you can fill your home and life with things from your wedding that are filled with memories and emotion.

This is why I am IN LOVE with these stunning ring pillows from MaiharDesign. The designs are absolutely incredible, and by going for a more unique, bespoke pillow over a tradional ring pillow, you can actually USE it for something other than a ring pillow. Where, you may ask? Well, how about for your baby's nursery?

I personally used my table number frames to house my wedding pictures around my home, and I use my bouquet bling for pretty much anything that needs a little sparkle. Almost everything you buy for your wedding can find a home in your home afterwards (much to many husbands dismay!), and anything extra (multiple vases, frames etc) make great momentos to give to your close family or friends. What special event items have YOU (or will you) repurpose after your wedding or event (grad, birthday, party)? Leave a little blog love with your ideas!

Etsy Love: Stunning Devine Deco Necklace

I am just LOVING this gorgeous Devine Deco Edwina necklace from EMBridal. The perfect accessory to add a little glam to a simple bridal gown.

Pink Party for Breast Cancer Awareness: etsy Tuesday

Another week has come and gone, and here I am again with an etsy Tuesday post and nothing else to show for the last week! The "rush" of my wedding season has come to a close, and blogging daily is back at the top of my list! I can't make any promises, but at least I can try.

For those of you who've read my blog for a while may remember another feature I did on Paper and Cake. I absolutely LOVE this company, and I think it's ingenious that they sell their designs electronically and allow you to print your own party ware. It's not QUITE homemade, but at least you'll feel a bit more creative than if you had walked into a store and bought everything premade. And who doesn't like to feel a little bit Martha Stewart every once in a while?

This pink partyware is designed in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month which is right around the corner, but would be perfect for a bridesmaids luncheon, shower or tea party. Compliment your tablescape with gorgeous white candle holders (these ones look like they're from Ikea), some pastel blooms and pretty stands to hold your treats, and you're good to go!

For $8, you get ALL of this :

Invitation + Envelope

Notecard + Envelope
Door Sign “Welcome”
Pennant Banner “Pink Party”
Placemat
Napkin Rings (vase & candle wrappers)
Menu Card
Wine Glass Tags
Cupcake Wrappers
Cupcake Toppers
Party Food Labels (name tags / gift tags / place cards)
Handbag Style Favor Box
Bag Topper for Pink Lapel Ribbons
Full Sheet Patterned paper

Find the pink party printables from Paper and Cake here.

Gorgeous Papercuts: etsy find

Papercuts bu Julene

I realize I missed etsy Tuesday AGAIN...for the second week in a row! I have a feeling, however, that this delightful find will appease you! Really, I can't think of a more unique, crafty creation than this incredibly detailed papercut. It looks great on it's own, or frame it with a funky fabric or paper behind it. Use one (or many) to add a personal touch to your ceremony or reception decor!

Beautiful Bows: Etsy... Thursday?

Necklace from Sandra Webster Jewelry

Silk clutch from ViaBella

Headband from the Sleepy Albatross

Bow Invitation My Lady Dye

Dress from kissedjewelry

Garter set from Woomi

Bow crystal earrings from sdvintagecollection

Dupioni silk ring bearer pillow from belles and crystals

Silver Bow Pendant Necklace from lime green modern

Bowtie Groomsmen Notecard from BeanTown Homemade

After receiving a threatening text from a friend regarding my lack of an etsy Tuesday post, I have decided better late than never! This weeks collection was inspired by my penchant for bows. Where this affection comes from I have yet to determine (Hello Kitty?), but I do know that I am drawn to anything with a bow, and can often be found (I'd say at least 60% of the time) donning one in my hair. There's just something about a bow that is at once both innocent and outrageous. You never know whether it's to be taken seriously, or whether it's supposed to be fun... I guess the appeal is all in the mystery.

Let them eat cake! But only on a pretty stand...

Above: Clara French

Above: Whitney Smith Pottery

Above: Rosanna Inc

Above: Country Living

Above: Found this on a "wanted" etsy listing. Let me know if you know where these are from, because I LOVE THEM!

Above: Spice and Lore

Above: Butter Sugar Flour

DIY Cake stands from Once Wed

Above: The Knot

Above: The Tea Pot Shoppe

Above: Cottage Chic Shop

If there's one thing I can't get enough of (really, we all know it's far more than just one thing) it would be cake stands. I'm not quite sure what it is about them, but if I see one, I buy it. Cake stands are to me as shoes are to a fashionista. I feel like they are my babies, my sacred collection, and I promise you one day they WILL be displayed on some gorgeous shelf in my office. I love single tiered ones, ones that stack in graduated sizes; I love cupcake towers, and I especially love individual glass cupcake stands. There's something about a cake or cupcake stand that completely transforms any baking, candy, or everyday item from mundane to magical. Must be the pedestal!

The collection of pretty stands above range from low to high prices, and for those of you looking for a shabby chic way to present your creations, here's a fab diy project over at Once Wed that uses terra cotta pots! Ingenious idea. Any style, any colour, and size- cake stands WILL improve you event, whether you're using for your wedding cake, or to hold cookies on a dessert table for a baby shower. And by all means, if you happen to see some pretty stands while out and about, feel free to think of me!

Cupcake Flags: etsy Tuesday

Above: TomKatStudio

Above: GoAgainstTheGrain

Above: TheCupcakeGirl

Above: KioKreations

Above: Cupcakesocia

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Above: Cake flag from prettysmitten

Above seller: cupcakesocial

Above seller: inkwinkdesign

Above seller: SevenCupcakes

I didn't forget, don't you worry! I've got 43 minutes until etsy Tuesday becomes "you're late" wednesday, so here's my last minute post full of fun etsy finds! I'm always inspired by the fabulous weddings over at Martha Stewart, and one of my favourite details of this year's wedding features has been cupcake flags. They can be cute and elegant, fun and whimsical, and I can't think of an easier way to dress up your cupcakes! Beyond wedding cupcakes, these flags can be used for all occasions! Think Halloween, birthdays, showers, engagement parties etc. They would also be a great DIY project, or save yourself the hard work head on over to the fabulous sellers at etsy and get them shipped straight to your door.