The Bachelorette Party -- Carrie on! Have a Sex and The City Themed Party

The Bachelorette party ... so many ways to celebrate. So many ways to spend money and act out. But, if you want to save money, your best deal is to stay at home and play some bachelorette party games. Sex and the City was a show that is a cultural phenomenon from the late 1990’s to early 2000’s about four single, fabulous women in New York City. The show followed them in love, heartbreak, careers, and conquests. What a great theme for a gals get together. . If you want something different (and fun) I came across the Sex and City Trivia game the other day and played it with some friends; what a blast. It was a lot of fun and in my opinion, a great bachelorette party game. It's all girls at the party anyways, and most of us love Sex and the City, and it's a girly girl game.

The first true comedy about love, sex and relationships, the HBO® award-winning series Sex and the City is now a Platinum Edition Trivia Game. The show's six seasons of humor, glamor, and friendship, not to mention
cosmopolitans and designer shoes, is the basis for this unique trivia game that is anything but trivial! Answer trivia questions, act out different scenes,
collect lifestyle cards, and enjoy a night of "girl talk." $24.99

If you don't want to buy a game . . . make up your own.

For games, trivia is a blast. It can be teams, charades or whatever works best for the host. Here are some trivia questions to help get the ball rolling:

1) What is the name of the NY Times reviewer that reviewed Carrie’s book?

2) What the real name of the “The Face Girl”?

3) What is Mr. Big’s real name?

4) What is the name on the card Samantha steals from the SoHo House?

5) What song did Natasha walk down the aisle to when she married Mr. Big?

7) What was the name of Samantha’s assistant that quit and threw the Hampton’s HoDown?

8) What food does Carrie cancel after she hears about the “funky spunk guy?

9) What is the name of the city Aiden’s country cabin is in?

10) What language does Charlotte learn in order to speak to her future adopted child?

Or try to see who can name one-liners. Maybe who said it, what the situation was or what episode it was in.

Don't forget ... you can rent the movie and have that playing while you are playing games.Sex and the City - The Movie (Special Edition) or the show Sex and the City - The Complete Series (Collector's Giftset).

Food and costumes

• Serve cosmopolitans. What else? If not all the ladies like cosmos, make appletinis or Manhattans. Have appetizers of shrimp and little sandwiches and for dinner serve Chinese food (since it’s a main theme in the show with Carrie’s “slump” food and Miranda always orders from Shanghai Garden).


• Have the guests come dressed as their favorite character. However, not everyone has to come as one of the four main characters. Mix it up a bit and have people come as Amelita, Susan Sharon, the “Face Girl” or other favorite characters, or just even as "New Yorkers."

Appletini Recipe

1 1/2 oz Smirnoff® Green Apple Twist vodka

1 oz DeKuyper® Sour Apple Pucker schnapps

Cosmopolitan Recipe

1 oz vodka

1/2 oz triple sec

1/2 oz Rose's® lime juice

1/2 oz cranberry juice

Shake vodka, triple sec, lime and cranberry juice vigorously in a shaker with ice.

Strain into a martini glass, garnish with a lime wedge on the rim, and serve.

Stir ingredients together with crushed ice in a cocktail/martini glass, and serve.

Martini Cocktail Recipe ... too many to choose from. Go here for a ton of recipes

Manhattan Recipe

3/4 oz sweet vermouth

2 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey

1 dash Angostura® bitters

1 maraschino cherry

1 twist orange peel

DECORATIONS

• Decorate with Vogue or style magazines sitting around. Add some New York memorabilia such as NY Mets Hats, Yankee Hats, “I heart NY” stuff and shoe paraphernalia. Go over the top, glamorous and girly girl.
• Toss in some martini glasses (these are the Sex and the city glasses)
  (you can actually have martini's) cosmopolitans, or what ever else you want to
  drink, and it's another way to tie into the theme. Singularly they are
  $12.99 a piece or you can buy the set for under $45.00 -- and just like at any
  good bar, you can let the guests take them home as favors.

Perfect for your next chic get-together, this Martini glass features "Samantha" laser etched on it with the Sex and the City logo laser etched underneath it.

Perfect for your next chic get-together, this Martini glass features "Miranda" laser etched on it with the Sex and the City logo laser etched underneath it.

Perfect for your next chic get-together, this Martini glass features "Charlotte" laser etched on it with the Sex and the City logo laser etched underneath it.

Perfect for your next chic get-together, this Martini glass features "Carrie" laser etched on it with the Sex and the City logo laser etched underneath.

Depending on whether you want to continue the Martini theme, you can go hog wild and buy the cute tee's to wear. The idea is to encompass the whole theme into the party.

Fun and flirty, this 100% cotton t-shirt is emblazoned with a glittery Me Likey martini glass logo on the front. An S&TC logo stirrer is shown coming out of the top of the glass. $24.99

Stylish and funky, this 50% cotton, 50% polyester Sex and the City™ t-shirt is adorned with a screen-printed martini graphic. The multi-colored martini graphic features words and phrases from the hit show! $19.97

PARTY FAVORS

Last but not least, the party favors. They can be joke items like tampons. This comes from the episode where Miranda finds out she’s pregnant and Charlotte finds out she’s not. Charlotte brings a rather large box of tampons to brunch and slams them down on the table. Carrie then says “Look, Charlotte brought party favors.” Favors can also include a small mani/pedi set, a shoe keychain, “I heart NY” keychain, cosmo mix, a mini kama sutra book, etc.

Below are a few other cute ones that are inexpensive.

There's only one kind of workout for Carrie, Miranda, Samantha, and Charlotte: shopping. This keychain features a shopping bag charm with "shopping is my cardio™" on one side and the Sex and the City™ logo on the other side. The keychain also includes a clip and a shoe charm. $9.99

These EVA foam flip-flops feature pink polka dots on the sole, with a "Hello Lover" logo on the heel. The Sex and the City™ cursive logo is printed in pink on the strap. $24.99

This chic compact mirror features a pink faux lizard exterior with an engraved S&TC logo. Behold your dazzling smile with a regular and magnified interior view. No purse is complete without this perfect accessory! $16.99

What's the point of exercise when you can shop? This ceramic mug features "shopping is my cardio."™ printed on one side and the Sex and the City™ logo printed on the other. $12.99

Amazing Story from Heirloom Iron Beds

Wow. Came across this site (by accident) and what a story of re-emergence and tenacity! And what an amazing story ....

HeirloomIronBed.com "On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina took nearly everything from us - our home, our belongings, and our memories. When we returned to our Mississippi home for the first time, fearing everything lost, we were amazed to find our Brass Beds of Virginia headboard and footboard waiting for us in the mud where our home used to be! To be excited at a moment as tragic as this is hard to explain - but this was no ordinary bed to us. From the photo, you'll understand why we were so shocked to find all the metal parts of our bed, undamaged. The bed was so well made and heavy - it didn't float away with the rest of the house.

Katrina left us with very little to call our own. This bed will always remind us of our survival and recovery. It is truly an heirloom. One day when our grandchildren and great-grandchildren snuggle up with us, we will tell them the amazing story of our very special bed."

Had to look through the whole site at this point and I'm glad I did. I have a bed for my wish list .... although all I can think of is that Dylan song "Lay Lady Lay," lay across my big brass bed . . . and before you think anything, Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid was one of my favorite cowboy movies.... and Knockin' on Heaven's Door is a favorite song of mine which is by Dylan which resulted in the 7 degress of Dylan which made me think of "Lay Lady Lay. At any rate, baack to the beds. Very nice selection of beds, linens and other items for your boudoir!

Heirloom Brass BedsThe Iron and Brass Beds are authentic reproductions of the original iron and Brass Beds built at the turn of the century. They are reproduced with the same design of the original iron and Brass Beds, with the improvement of strength and durability through the availability of stronger materials, such as the steel that is used.

Their interlocking dove-tail cast solid steel frame system, no nuts, bolts, or screws ensure the stability with no shaking or squeaking. The rigid standards of excellence and quality of the hand made craftsmanship of these beds make for a bed that will last for generations. Made in the USA.

Something about a brass bed ... they are so romantic. Must have watched too many movies : )

Shoes for the Bride Who Love Stylish Fashionable Shoes

Looking for some great shoes, corsets, bustiers, slips and other bridalaccessories? Check out Bridal Store Online. You will be pleasantly surprised at the stock they carry. And, had to post these shoes. Love, Love, Love the shoes. I haven't seen these anywhere else. I would totally buy these for myself -- wedding or no wedding... They would look great with any outfit!

Tiara - $ 88.95
Champagne Satin with Crystals. Sizes: M(5-11).

Trisha - $ 71.95
Dyeable White Crepe and Satin Peep Toe Pump.
Heel 3 1/4" Sizes: M 5-10,11

And they call it "Puppy Love." When your dog is the ringbearer.

Also known as a wedding ring cushion, the ring bearer pillow has long been a symbolic wedding custom. The wedding ring is of vital importance, historically made of costly precious metals and gems, and also symbolizing the love and commitment of the impending marriage. Thus the rings are usually entrusted to the best man until the appropriate time during the ceremony. Since the rings do symbolize the commitment of marriage, it seems only natural that they are highlighted during the ceremony. The ring bearer or page boy is usually a young child who walks down the aisle carrying a white satin pillow onto which two false rings are displayed. In some cases, couples choose to use the actual rings, in which case they may be secured onto the pillow using thread.

If a bride or a groom has a pet who feels like part of the family, he/she may choose to have the dog or cat act as the ring-bearer. This is especially true for informal or outdoor weddings. If you'd like to honor
your dog with walking down the aisle, rest assured you'll be able to find a ring bearer pillow for Kitty or Spot at a variety of companies. You can go with the standard pillow (which can be found at most bridal shops) or you can go with the adorable little angel wings below. So cute : )

Dog Wings Ring Holder - $ 45.95
With the ever-increasing popularity of "man's best friend" participating in ceremonies, we have designed ring pillows that will fashion most canine companions. Dog wings with elastic leg front bands, a marabou pouf and satin ribbon to hold the rings.

Large Dog Ring Pillow - $ 41.95
With the ever-increasing popularity of "man`s best friend" participating in ceremonies, we have designed ring pillows that will fashion most canine companions. Pillow with organza ruffle. Also included is 25" of 1.5" white satin ribbon.

Bridesmaids Dresses ... Don't just look in the Bridal Stores!

One of the biggest misconceptions that new brides have is that they have to get their bridesmaids dresses at a bridal shop. No true. There are plenty of gorgeous dresses available online at upscale and department stores. One place that has a nice affordable collection is Fashion Chateau. Below are a few samples of what you can buy that is both unique, affordable and re-wearable.

Rachel Pally Cream Olivia Dress
Rachel Pally's fabulous cuts combined with luxurious fabrics make for one chic little number!

Holly Tube Color Block Dress
Holly offers simple, sexy, versatile silhouettes made from light, comfortable modal fabrics. The Tube Color Block Dress is a simple yet adorable dress, perfect for any occasion. The fit of the dress is loose and comfortable and the chest is double lined, making it easy to wear. The dress hits right about the knee and would look great with sandals or heels! Fabric Content: 94% rayon, 6% spandex Fit: comfortable
.


Betsey Johnson Sheath Dress in Black
Classic styles with extravagant details describe the fashions by Betsey Johnson. The Sheath Dress in Black is an elegant fitting dress with a hint of sparkle. This strapless dress has a sweetheart neckline, embellished with lace trim. The feminine bodice is accented with sequin detailed lace overlay on light pink fabric. The wide adjustable belt accents the most flattering area of your waist, and creates an hourglass figure. With a solid black skirt that has two small slits in the back for a comfortable fit. This dress has 50s inspired details that have been accentuated into modern style. Fabric Content: 100% polyester Fit: fitted

Plate Mates and Sock Favors - Unique and Cool Wedding Favors

Every once in a while you see some really, really unique and cool favors. Today I found two that I just had to share. Now you have to think "outside of the box." These are marketed for weddings -- but a wedding is just a big party -- so wedding, party or even swing dance... these will work beautifully as a favor or just has something to have to make your life a little easier : )

The Plate Mate ... How cool and practical is this! This little device gives guests an easy way to mingle, nibble and sip with just one hand! The clip attaches to any sturdy plate and can be used with glass or plastic stemware. Each white plastic clip is silkscreened with up to two lines of personalization in the ink color and lettering style of your choice. Clip measures 3" by 1.25".

Dance Floor Sock Favors - If you're anticipating a furious dance party lasting long into the night, then your guests are going to appreciate these comfortable socks with a non-skid bottom. Give them to your DJ to distribute, or place in a basket near the dance floor so guests can take their own when their feet start hurting. Made of soft whitecotton and one-size-fits-most.

Clothes Don't Make the Man - But a Tuxedo Helps : )

The Laptop Bride is out helping a friend plan a wedding. And, we went out for the tuxedo rental the other day. After seeing that a basic tuxedo (without the shoes) was $140.00 .... My suggestion was to just "buy one." That way it's not money wasted. And, you can get the below set for a little over $300.00 ... What a bargain!

Get a complete tuxedo at a great price. Choose from a selection of styles tosnag a tuxedo for work or a special occasion. Each package includes a 100% wool tuxedo in your choice of one, two or three button, a crisp white formal shirt in your choice of wing or spread collar, a
set of cufflinks and studs, and a black adjustable cummerbund and tie set.

Candy is Dandy at a Candy Wedding Buffet

One new popular wedding trend is the candy buffet or confection bar consisting of a variety of candies and treats placed in varied sizes of glass containers, jars or decorative containers on a table.

The buffets can serve a two fold purpose. They of course, taste good to your guests, and can work as your wedding favor as well. Your guests can select the candies of their choice, and only those that want a treat will come to get one...no leftovers all around your reception tables to clean up at the end of the night. A special touch of your favorite candies and small beautiful treat bags can wrap up your special evening.

Here are some tips and ideas to help you create a beautiful candy buffet at a low cost.

1. Find affordable containers at the Dollar Stores, Wal-Mart, and even yard sales or flea markets. Get clear glass containers that are affordable and look nice. Buy large and small containers for a nice variety. Don’t forget to buy scoopers for getting the candy out of the containers.
   
2. Remember if you use containers to place them on display blocks that are then covered by the table cloth and assorted decorations. This creates a tiered effect and makes the table visually appealing.


3. Keep in mind that guests will need to reach into the vase to pull out candy. Choose vases with wide enough mouths to allow for easy access.


4. Small Chinese food take out containers make cute containers. You can get these in your wedding colors, or add ribbon or stickers with your name and date.


5. Decorate the table – tablecloths, table runners, flowers, pictures. These things can be added to make your candy buffet table great. Coordinate your table with your wedding colors. You can get great prices on containers, decorations, paper and table supplies (even candy) at Shindigz and Oriental Trading Company, Inc.
   
6. You can add extra decor such as a chocolate fountain, cookies, candy bars or any other
   dessert items you like such as brownies, cookies or even pie slices. If it has sugar in it ... it works.
   
7. If money is not an option or space, you can rent a carnival candy station (with cotton candy cones), popcorn machines, or even buy popcorn already in containers..


8. Purchase affordable candy – don’t forget those after holiday sales. Purchase candies after Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter and put it away for your wedding. Candy usually stays fresh for at least 6 months. Buy candy in bulk at places like Candy You Ate as a Kid, Sam’s Club and Costco.
   
9. Buy sodas from Jones Soda -- where the cans are personalized with the bride and grooms face and name. (It's a definite conversation piece.)
   
10. Color makes a difference – coordinated colors look more elegant than random selections.


11. If you are having a theme or holiday wedding such as Christmas, ribbon candies, candy canes and other holiday candies add a nice touch.



12. Also, be sure to have some clearly marked sugar free, peanut free, milk free, and gluten free candies for those with food allergies/ intolerances or special diets. Just so everyone can be included.
    
    
    Some things to think about:

• How much candy would you need for 100 guests?
  
  A good rule of thumb is 1/4-1/2 pound PER GUEST. People tend to eat more when it’s a candy free for all! This comes out to about 40-50 pounds of candy.

How many type of candy should you buy?

It's up to you, but somewhere etween 8-12 types is a good variety. Too many varieties and you won’t have enough of anything. Too few varieties, and you’ll likely run out of the “top choices”.

What type of candy should you buy?

Get candy that is individually wrapped such as Hershey Kisses, or has a hard
coating (like M&Ms). Gummi items can get hard if they sit out too long, licorice is too sticky for guests to pull on all night unless it is individually wrapped.. The most successful candies will be wrapped or hard.

• And, again, remember to buy scoops.... no one wants candy when hands have been
  in it... especially if there are children at the wedding. And, don't
  forget the Jordan almonds ... they are a staple at weddings.

• Is a candy buffet expensive?
  
  It can be. It all depends on what you buy and how much you buy.

Wendy Culpepper Jewelry For Yourself and Charity

Looking for a great gift for the bridal attendants and perhaps yourself that can also give to charity? Here are a classic set of earrings that can be worn at your wedding and for years to come - available at Wendy Culpepper.com called the Fire Drop 14K Gold Vermeil Earrings. She offers free shipping on her jewelry and all jewelry is handmade.

PRODUCT DETAILS:

- Metal Options: 14K Gold Vermeil brushed matte finish
- Semi Precious Gemstone Options: 5 mm - Peridot, Blue
Topaz, OR *Rhodolite
* Please note Rhodolite has a slightly increased price due to its
rarity of quality and clarity in this size
- Length from the top of the earwire: ~ 3/4 Inches, width: ~
1/4 Inch

CHARITY DONATION: 15% of total based on Stone Color
Peridot: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Blue Topaz: Parkinson’s Disease Foundation
Rhodolite: Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation


WENDY'S WORDS:

The Fire Drop 14K gold vermeil earrings are engraved with unique flames around the bezel. I wanted a design with effortless style that would accent the semi precious gemstone that represented each charity while having a distinctive twist to let you know you are doing more to help those around you. The large blue topaz, rhodolite, and peridot make for a stunning pair of inspirational handcrafted earrings.

INSPIRATION:

“Ignite Change” for charity – need we say more? Ignite is a collection all about giving back. We want to continue our efforts of supporting charities by donating 15% of the proceeds of each piece from this collection directly to charity. Three main charities currently benefit from the “Ignite Change” campaign, and we look forward to adding more in the future. To learn more about why Wendy chose these specific causes, feel free to read more on our Inspirations Page. If you would like to visit the specific charities we are donating to, please visit:

Susan G Komen Breast Cancer
Foundation: www.komen.org.org
Parkinson’s Disease Foundation:
www.pdf.org
The American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: www.aspca.org.org