What's New at So Chic?!

What's new...hmmm that's a loaded question. It's probably easier to tell you what's NOT new! When I first logged onto my blog this morning I realized I needed to do a little housekeeping, it was a bit dusty! I have been doing a LOT of brainstorming over the last 5 months about my business, where I'd like it to go, where my true passion lies...the list could go on. I LOVE being creative, absolutely love it in all it's forms. If you were to come over and see my studio you'd see what I mean. Over the last 5 months I have dusted off (apparently doing a lot of that!) my sewing machine and my embroidery machine. I have more cardstock, stamp sets, embossing powder, embellishments, ribbon and fabric than a lot of people. I've also discovered the fun of applique (after a few tries) and I'm working on a certificate in graphic design which I'm hoping to have complete by the end of this year. There isn't just one creative outlet that I enjoy, I enjoy many, I feel like I'm a power strip I have so many outlets!

Ok, so where am I going with this? Since I started this business I've always offered some custom designs, although I've discovered a lot of people that didn't know this, but I've decided to expand on those designs quite a bit. For awhile now I've wanted to get more products in my etsy store and it's finally happening. Last night I listed several ring pillows and bridal bags and I'll be adding other items in the coming weeks. Many of the items I posted (the red prints and the cream/black damask) were created with fabric that I purchased from Venezie Fabrics. I'm a visual person, I like to see things in person and now that Karen opened up a storefront close by I stop in often to check out what fabrics she has (which is a lot by the way!). And since I'm sewing quite a bit my new super cute pear shaped pin cushion is quite handy!

I have a lot of ideas and projects in the works and my ultimate goal is to create a variety of items for all types of events. Here are a few things on that list (some of which I've always offered): Banners & signs, labels & tags for favors, chair backs, candy buffets etc, monograms & logos, invitations & other stationery items, runners, ring pillows & bridal bags. All of the craft supplies I mentioned above? Those will all be put to good use!

If you have something you'd like for your next event, give me a shout! I'd love to create something just for you. So stay tuned, there's lots of good things coming to So Chic!

Here are pictures of a few of the pillows I listed on etsy last night, visit my store to see all of them.

Graduation Party Success!

My niece Meredith graduated from high school a couple weeks ago and I had a blast planning her graduation party. Plotting it all out, going through tons of pictures and pulling it all together I felt many emotions, shed some tears and laughed so hard it hurt. Mere was born on my 14th birthday and she's always been very special to me. She's brilliant, beautiful and so very funny. As I watched her walk across the stage to get her diploma I was so very proud of her.

I really wanted this party to be special for her. The school colors, gerbera daisies (one of her favorites) and photos were weaved throughout the party. Everyone had a fabulous time dancing and singing karaoke. Here are some pictures from the party, if you'd like to see the rest you can see them on our Facebook Page.

Card box from For the Modern Bride

Cookies by Doodlebug Cookies

Flowers by Mendon Greenhouse

Graduation cap created by So Chic Events

This sign created by So Chic Events, helped guide the guests to the path that led to the party.

 Closeup picture of the "Congratulations Meredith" banner created by So Chic

The tent looked so pretty lit up at night.

Expo was a Success!

The expo went great, as well as I hoped it would. I spent hours setting up on Saturday and put the finishing touches on everything Sunday morning. Now that I have some pictures of my table and the candy buffet I'm ready to write about the show.

As some of you know I was supposed to be a part of the show at the Hynes Convention Center which was also supposed to be last weekend, however it was a scam. I was beyond upset by this not only because I was duped and out money but also because I was really excited to decorate my booth for that show. I had put a lot of time and energy into it and when I realized it wouldn't happen I was pretty bummed out. I wanted to create that booth! So after the shock of the situation wore off I decided I'd work it into my show by incorporating a candy buffet w/ the decor I already had planned out. I had to act quick as this was only a week before my show and I didn't have much time to pull it all together so I ordered up a bunch of candy and nearly choked on the shipping cost (but in the end it was worth it).

My ultimate goal was for the candy buffet to be the first thing the guests saw and for them to say "wow". I wanted them to enjoy it as much as I did creating it and I wanted it to be a little thank you from me to them. I really love how it came out...and I'm pretty sure everyone else did too. So below are pictures of the candy buffet and also the table for So Chic Events. I'll be posting all of the pictures from the expo on the website within a couple weeks.

Special thanks to the following vendors for their help with the fashion show - Bridals By Rochelle for providing the dresses and models, 77 Blossom Shop & Mendon Greenhouse for the flowers, Salon Colour for the hair and make-up and DJ Ron Auger for providing the music. I'd also like to thank Shooting Star Photography & Morin's Studio for taking pictures of the expo. I really appreciate ALL your help! I'm so lucky to have such amazing vendors!

Classy Damask

I absolutely LOVE damask prints! I think it's just so elegant and adds such a classy touch to basically anything and everything. That being said, imagine how giddy I became when I came across this blog post by Always Fabulous Events. It's fabulous! My favorite two photos were the first one with the fuschia and the last one with the lime green, absolutely fabulous! If you're a fan of damask, this is a must read blog post!

Thank you Always Fabulous Events for sharing this wonderful post!

A Christmas to Remember

I can't believe that 2010 will be here in just a few days! I'm actually a bit sad that Christmas is already over as it's my favorite time of year. There’s just a magic about Christmas and for me that magic has only gotten better since becoming a mom. It’s all the little elements that when they come together make it magical. For me it’s the lights, the songs, the decorations, the food giving gifts, and most of all being in the company of family and friends. It just seemed to go by so fast this year!

Although it's over, I can say that we had a wonderful Christmas! As always, I hosted Christmas day dinner, this year with 15 guests. I truly enjoy hosting parties of all kinds because it allows me to do all the things I love – going a little overboard with the décor, making all sorts of yummy recipes and just creating the overall atmosphere.

For starters, I had some gorgeous floral arrangements done by the Mendon Greenhouse - White roses and tulips mixed with seasonal greens and finished off with a bow - I loved them! Candles played a huge role in the overall décor as they were on both tables, the mantle, in the fireplace, the kitchen and lastly there was a Yankee Mistletoe Candle spreading it’s aroma throughout the house.

To have enough seating for dinner, we set up another table in the living room which looked so nice by the fireplace with all the candles lit. Since that table was rather narrow, I kept the centerpiece décor simple by using small glass vases with candles floating atop of cranberries. It added a beautiful touch while keeping ample room for the plates and glasses. I used chair covers that matched the other linens on those chairs to create a more formal look to them and it did just that. In the dining room, I used the centerpiece that I created back in November atop a beautiful deep red table runner. I dressed up the dining room chairs by creating a little decoration for the back of them and the ribbon tied in perfectly with the table runner. I really loved how they came out! Since I had 2 different style napkin rings, I chose to do the ivory beaded rings on the dining room table as there was already more color on that table. The other napkin rings added a bit of needed color to the mostly ivory linens in the living room which also complemented the deep green table runner quite nicely.

With the help of my mom I put out quite the feast! We had prime rib, ham, mashed potatoes, squash, carrots, stuffing, dinner rolls and homemade gravy, oh it was fabulous. And that was just the main course! I had been baking all day Wednesday and had cookies and goodies galore! I loooooove baking, especially when it’s for entertaining. I made snickerdoodles, 7 layer bars, chocolate chip cookies, Swedish brownies, coffee cakes, fudge, peanut butter blossoms and sugar cookie cut-outs that my boys helped me decorate. In addition to all that, I also made a chocolate cream pie, an egg nog custard pie and a trifle, so desserts were just as plentiful as dinner. Needless to say, everyone was extremely full by the end of the day!

My favorite gift other than having my family and friends around was a beautiful sapphire and diamond necklace from my love. Most years he asks what I want and I’ll give him ideas but this year I had none. I was so surprised when I opened the box since he put it in a large box with jumbo bags of hand warmers (for when we go skiing) to throw me off. The fact that the sapphire is also my birthstone shows me how much thought he had put into it. It was such a heartfelt gift and I definitely cherish it. It was such an amazing day all around and it’s one that will be sure to be kept close to my heart.

I’ve posted some more Christmas day décor pictures on our Facebook page. Feel free to stop by to check them out and while you’re there become a fan!

Happy Holidays!

Wedding Websites Worth Checking Out

I love surfing the web and coming across websites that are just super cool for one reason or another and being able to share them with all of you makes it fun.  In my opinion the following 5 websites fit into this super cool category.

Use Your Words Decorative Lettering creates vinyl lettering that can be easily applied and easily removed.  When I first saw their blog I loved what they had done for weddings!  This is a great, inexpensive way to ad a personalized and elegant touch to your day either on the linens, the dance floor, a window behind the head table or pretty much anywhere else you can think of.  Actually their designs are so versatile they can really be used for anything, just look at some samples of their work and you'll see what I mean. 

HCC Custom Wedding Garters are another great find!  Whether you plan on tossing your garter, keeping it as a memento or getting two so you can do both, you really need to check out this site.  If you're looking for something that you love and that really suits your personality, this is the place for you.  Whatever your thing may be you're sure to find it here, as there is just such a vast range of themes.  I was amazed at just how many there were. 
The next two websites are actually geared towards the groom.   After all, they're getting married too and perhaps they have questions of their own. But I'm sure they'd rather hear from other grooms versus go on a site that's dominated mostly by brides so here are a couple of safe havens for them.  The Plunge and Groom Groove are two great sites that have a variety of information for the groom being sure to cover pretty much any question they may have.  From picking out the ring and proposing all the way up to the wedding day itself, the answers to all their questions are here.

Lastly, and this is actually more for after the wedding, Frame the Date is a great way to turn a memorable date into a work of art.  You simply choose your frame, your numbers and add your images and that's it!  Very simple and so creative, it's sure to look amazing in your new home together.  These are also a great idea for babies or any other memorable occasion such as an anniversary or a graduation.

Add a Unique Touch with Carved Pumpkins

If you're looking to add a unique touch to your Fall wedding, baby shower or other event, carved pumpkins are a great way to do so.  Whether they're carved with your names, a monogram or a design, they make a great additon to any event.  They make a beautiful touch for the card table, the bar area, the entryway, or anywhere else you think it would look amazing.  Below are just a few of the ones I've done and I'm always willing to try something new and play around with different fonts and styles.  If this is something you're interested in having at your wedding or event, give me a call or send me an email, I'd love to talk to you! 

Add Style to Your Aisle

You have spent months planning your wedding, paying attention to little details that make your day unique. On your wedding day all eyes are on you, especially as you're walking down the aisle. This is your moment, the day you feel your most beautiful, the one you've thought of for years. The aisle is the path that leads you to the love of your life and your new life together. After spending all this time making your day come together just right, don't settle for just another ordinary runner, make your entrance truly grand.

Chic Unique Inc. can make your aisle pop with style. The custom made, hand painted cloth aisle runners can be designed with your names, monogram, a special quote or design. To add a bit more pizazz, double faced satin ribbon that coordinates with your color scheme can be added to the edges. This is the perfect way to set the mood, complete your theme and add some elegance to your ceremony. These gorgeous aisle runners are exceptionally chic when you're getting married at a location that doesn't have a true aisle such as at a beach or backyard wedding.

Here is just one of the many beautiful creations by Chic Unique Inc. To see many other samples and get inspiration for your big day, be sure to check out the gallery on their website.