VA Blog Post 13.2013 - Egg SaladHappy Happy Monday friends!  How was your Easter Sunday?  I enjoyed the sunshine filled last day of March.  The weather in Detroit was gorgeous.  Now I am in post Easter mode, packing up décor and creating recipes from leftover Easter eggs.  Since I am an egg lover and hate to waste, I have a simple and yummy egg recipe.

Modified from Weight Watchers

 Ingredients

  • 6 large eggs, hard-boiled
  • 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
  • ½ tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh chives, chopped
  • ½ tsp. sea salt
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper

Cooking Tools

  • bowl
  • measuring spoons

Instructions

  1. Remove shells. Cut 4 eggs in half and discard the yolks. Chop 2 remaining whole eggs and 4 whites into bite-size pieces.
  2. Transfer eggs to a medium bowl. Add mayonnaise, mustard, chives, salt and pepper. Mix until blended.
  3. Serve as sandwiches or with crackers.

Serves 4 (½-cup each)

photo credit: egg salad

VA Blog Post 12 - Pantone Spring Fashion 2013

Tomorrow is the first day of spring, now we can officially embrace Pantones Spring 2013 top 10 fashion colors for women and men.  Included in the top 10 color list is Emerald the color of the year.  This seasons color palette emphasizes the need of balance, while at the same time allowing individuality, self-expression and excitement says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.  We all can use a dose of balance in our lives….I could use four, one per quarter (wink).  This season’s colors are a mix of bright, bold and soft neutrals, which mimic many of our personalities. If I had to describe myself with a mix of colors in this palette it would be the depth of Monaco Blue, powerful Poppy Red and airiness of Linen.  These colors definitely describe my positive intense go-getter personality.   What colors describe your personality, leave a comment I would love to know. 

photo source: women’s and men’s top 10 Spring 2013 fashion colors

patio landscapeHappy Sunday everyone!  The time has moved a hour ahead for the majority of us.  How is everyone coping so far?  Losing an hour of sleep has a few personal benefits for me, (after a cold winter in Michigan) I’m always looking forward to spring.  From being awaken by early morning sun to hearing the sound of birds chirping to taking my fitness routine outdoors, getting up earlier is so worth.  It will take me a few days to adjust to the time change, but I can’t wait to surround my backyard with pretty flowers that mimic this gorgeous landscape.  What gets you excited for spring?  Leave a comment I would love to hear.    

Photo source: outdoor space 

VA Blog Post 10 - Aquamarine boardHappy March everyone!  Today’s mood board evokes the calmness of spring with cool hues of blue- green inspired by March’s birthstone, Aquamarine.  This gem has been called “water of the sea” because of its color…how fitting right?  Only a few weeks until the first day of spring, it’s time to start planning the outdoor garden and pool parties.  Here are a few ideas to get started:

Vintage bottles and jars: Fill your space with watery blue vintage bottles and mason jars filled with young flowering buds that represent your green thumb.

Tranquil sound of water:  There’s something about the sound of water that is just relaxing.  Bring the sound of the ocean with a portable water feature.  Electronic garden version or a pool foundation will create a relaxing atmosphere for your guests.

Personal bottle service:  Serve your guests cocktails on their personal serving trays; compete with bottled beverage nested in an ice bucket. 

I hope I’ve inspired you to begin thinking about spring entertaining.  How will you incorporate aquamarine into your plans, leave a comment and share. 

Photo sources: ocean view, gem, gift, entry, maxi dress, love birds, sunglasses, serving tray, chandelier, vintage bottles

The Wed Exhange Blog LogoImagine a fabulous bridal flea market, where her something old is a bride’s something new! I have teamed up with Natalie Imhoff of The Bridal Solution LLC to produce this incredible event in Columbia, Missouri, and Detroit, Michigan. Come check it out!

At the Wed Exchange, former brides, brides-to-be and vendors will be able to interact all in one place. Former brides will have a chance to sell all their boxed wedding items—including bridal gowns, centerpiece décor, cake stands, aisle runners and more—and make a little cash. Brides-to-be will find gently used treasures for a fraction of retail prices. And since it takes a team to create a dream wedding, local vendors will be on hand to promote their unique products and services.   

We are also honored to have partnered with Brides Against Breast Cancer (BABC). A portion of sales from gown consignments and $1 per ticket sold will go directly to BABC toward their mission of supporting cancer patients and their families. Learn more  about this wonderful organization at bridesabc.com.

Join us

Detroit, Michigan

St. John’s Episcopal Church

26998 Woodward Ave  Royal Oak, MI 48067

Saturday, April 13

10am–1pm

(early bird entry at 9:30am)

Columbia, Missouri

Muesao

3500 Buttonwood Dr  Columbia, MO 65201

Sunday, April 14

1pm–4pm

(early bird entry at noon)

 Tickets are $5 for general admission and $7 for early bird entry. Click here to get yours today! Limited quantity available.

 If you’re interested in buying, selling, showcasing your talents or donating to the cause, please visit TheWed Exchange.com for more details. 

 We are passionate about the work we do with brides and weddings, and we are super excited about this event. Please spread the word and come see us in Detroit on April 13 or in Columbia on April 14.