Amazing Orchids

Posted in Decor + Style, Events + Contests + Giveaways, Weddings by socialbfly

Any florist will tell you that if you’re looking for a flower that is not only beautifully radiant but also durably versatile, orchids are the perfect choice. After all, there are over 25,000 species of the flower, all of which are edible, and come in every color except blue.

The glamour and irresistible allure of more than 300 types of species and hybrid orchids will take center stage at The New York Botanical Garden from March 5 through April 25, 2011.

The Orchid Show is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will cost $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and students with ID, $8 for children ages 2-12, children under 2 are free. For more information, please call 718.817.8700 or visit www.nybg.org

25Feb2011

Found: A SoleMate

Posted in Brands, Sites + Technology We Love, Decor + Style, Fashion + Beauty by socialbfly

I think just about every woman has experienced that horrible moment when she realizes the heel of her new stiletto just sank in between the cracks of a city sidewalk. It’s a paralyzing feeling; leaving you unable to look down because you know, more often than not, an unsightly and oftentimes irreparable scuffmark will be left behind. In an instant, your shoes have gone from fashion statement to fashion faux pas.

And as a wedding planner, there have been moments when I’ve found myself silently encouraging every muscle in my core to carry me across the many grassy knolls that set the backdrop for outdoor weddings. It’s an experience that becomes that much more difficult when your “greener pastures”have recently been watered by Mother Nature. Ah, the joys of womanhood!

So, imagine my delight when I heard about SoleMates High Heeler®, a clever high hell protector that attaches to most stiletto and kitten heels to reduce heel pressure and prevent the heel from sinking into grass or falling into cracks. Ladies, I do believe all of our shoe prayers have been answered!!

They are currently available in four colors – Clear, Black, Silver and Gold – and will cost you about $9.95 a pair. If you order directly from the SoleMates website, you’ll be treated to 10% off any order of 10 or more or free shipping on two or more pairs. Retailers, such as DSW, David’s Bridal, and Kleinfield Manhattan, also carry SoleMates High Heeler® but you can also use their online zipcode finder to locate SoleMates in a store near you.

Getting Married Outside? Then SoleMates are a must have accessory for any bride and her bride’s maids. Better yet, order in bulk and place them in a decorative container near your sign-in table for all of your female gal pals to pick up on their way in.

**all images courtesy of thesolemates.com**

23Feb2011

‘Til Death Do Us Part

Posted in Decor + Style, Fashion + Beauty, Weddings by socialbfly

Diamonds are often thought to be symbols of eternity, strength and love but there are two sides to every story. Late designer, Tobias Wong, uncovered the darker, menacing side of the coveted gemstone when he fashioned the Killer Diamond Engagement Ring. Constructed of a razor sharp single-karat diamond that is mounted upside down, the formidable strength of the diamond becomes dangerously apparent as the ring transforms itself into a lethal weapon capable of exposing human flesh to the bone. It is, without question, a beautifully classic item of jewelry that boasts beauty and functionality although a word of caution to the gentleman who dares piss off his lovely bride-to-be lest he become the victim of a high fashion crime of passion.

21Feb2011

A Greener Way to Illuminate…

Posted in Anatomy of a Party, Brands, Sites + Technology We Love, Decor + Style, Weddings by socialbfly

Event lighting is a relatively small investment that yields a significant impact on the overall décor and ambience captured by your event. Perhaps the least expensive and most common lighting option is candles. But have you ever given thought to the amount of energy that is consumed making tea light candles only for them to burn for 2 hours and be discarded? What about the amount of wax and wicker that goes into large votive candles? Depending on the number of candles you burn annually, you may be leaving behind a rather impressive carbon footprint.

A greener and safer option, which has been growing in popularity over the years, is the flameless and rechargeable candle. Until recently though, I’ve thought that what flameless candles made up for in cost effectiveness and environmental friendliness, they’ve lacked in design…that is, until I came across these ideas.

While all of these are touted as the perfect decorative light addition to your home, office or child’s room consider them for use the next time your event calls for the soothing benefits of a soft candle.

Milk Glass Cup Shaped LED Night Light Lamp

This energy saving LED Light is designed to look like a glass of milk and even comes in a fun cow-inspired package. Standing at 5.43 inches high and weighing only 4.6 ounces, this fun lighting alternative is powered by 3 AAA batteries and an ON/OFF setting that is concealed on the bottom of the glass. When set to ON, the light inside of the glass will turn off automatically whenever it is tilted sideways or placed upside down. Unlike the Sun Moon Jar (shown below), the Milk Glass Cup Shaped LED Night Light Lamp is not water repellent and will need to be kept dry if used outdoors. You can buy them on Ebay for about $4.97 each (includes shipping).

Sun Moon Jar LED Solar Mood Lamp Light

Aren’t these adorable? The Sun Moon Jar LED Solar Mood Lamp Light is a completely waterproof and weatherproof lighting option – making it the perfect outdoor solar light solution that comes in blue, amber or pink. Like the Milk Glass Cup Shaped LED Night Light Lamp, the Sun Moor Jar also contains an ON/OFF setting but the batteries are replaced with 2 solar panels which automatically charge by day and give off a welcoming glow at night. The Sun Moon Jar LED Solar Mood Lamp Light also doubles as a storage solution, and is large enough to house candy, coins or collectibles. The least expensive unit price located online for the Sun Moon Jar is $13..24 at CZRH but keep in mind you’ll be paying for international shipping and will require additional time for delivery.

Soji Modern Rechargeable Solar Lanterns

The Soji Modern Rechargeable Solar Lantern is where design meets sustainability, making these the perfectly elegant lighting solution for an elegantly posh event. Created in a layered wave-like form on hand formed weather resistant plastic, these green lighting alternatives are unique, portable, and efficient and will never require stringing of unsightly electrical wires. Creating the effect of a solar powered chandelier the Soji Modern lantern will turn itself on at dusk to cast a stunning golden glow that can last up to 6 hours. They are available in 3 beautiful patterns: Pure White, Pearl Motif (white with white floral pattern) and Mineral Motif (white with grey floral pattern). If you order them from LampLust, you’ll pay about $36.99 a piece but will enjoy the discounted rate of $34.99 if you purchase 4 or more and the benefits of free shipping for all orders of $99 or more.

Targetti Art Light

Created by Australian born designer, Simon Crilley, this Targetti Art Light is actually a ceramic plate that contains living, breathing, and growing turf. Yep, you read that right…it’s alive and as it grows it changes the nature of the light cast by the lamp. Sadly, this item isn’t for sale.