Happy Halloween!!

 

I’m on one of my random health kicks so I haven’t indulged in too much candy yet.  I’d love to snack of a few treats from this super cute Halloween inspired dessert display designed by the super creative Amy Atlas!

 

 

Don’t eat too much candy… but eat a few DOTS for me!!

 

I hope you have a SPOOKtacular day!

 

 

XOXOXO,

 

Ebony

Candy corn is the signature sweet treat for Autumn and Halloween.  I found the recipe for Candy Corn Cheesecake Mousse while browsing Glorious Treats, a yummy blog showcasing super cute and creative recipes for tasty snacks and treats.  This recipe will be the perfect addition to your upcoming Halloween bash!

 

Photo and Recipe Courtesy of Glorious Treats

 

* 1 package (8 oz.)  cream cheese

 

* 1/2 cup powdered sugar

 

* 1/4 cup milk or cream

 

* 1 teaspoon vanilla

 

* 1 small container (8 oz.) Cool Whip, thawed

 

* orange and yellow food coloring

 

* candy corn (for garnish)

 

Beat cream cheese in the bowl with an electric mixer until fully smooth.  Slowly add powdered sugar, then milk (or cream).  Add vanilla.  Continue mixing.  Beat about 1 minute on medium to medium-high speed.  Fold cool whip into cream cheese mixture, and stir until fully combined.

 

Scoop 1/3 of the cheesecake mousse into a bowl and add orange food coloring.  Scoop another third of the mixture and add yellow food coloring.  Leave the remaining third white.  One color at a time (starting with yellow), scoop mixture into a piping bag or large ziplock bag, and squeeze a layer of the cheesecake mousse into small dessert dishes of your choice.  Repeat with orange and then white mousse.

 

Refrigerate 30 minutes (or up to 1 day) before serving.  Garnish with candy corn if desired.

 

 

Enjoy!!

 

Ebony

 

Wedding gown designer and industry extraordinaire, Vera Wang, recently showcased her Fall 2012 Bridal Collection at New York Bridal Fashion Week.  She never ceases to amaze me with hot new looks!  This new collection definitely had heads turning and people tweeting!

On October 16th, Vera tweeted, “Vera’s inspiration:  Witchcraft!  Light, airy, concoctions of froth… mysterious and sexy, frivolous and fun…”

Here comes the bride, all dressed in nude and black!  Check out this gothic collection showcasing organza, silk, lace, tulle, and lots of chiffon!

 

 

 

Will there be a new trend in the bridal fashion world?  We shall see!!

 

What are your thoughts on Vera’s new collection?  Would you rock black on your wedding day?  Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.  I can’t wait to hear what you have to say!!

 

 

XOXOXO,

 

Ebony

 

This story touches my heart each time I read it!! I just had to share.  After you fall in love, plan the wedding, and send the kids off to college, this is what it’s really about!

The following news story and photos are from a news article reported by KCCI 8 News Des Moines, Iowa on Wednesday, October 19, 2011:

Couple Married 72 Years Dies Holding Hands

“DES MOINES, Iowa — An Iowa couple who was married for 72 years died one hour apart last week in the hospital as they held hands.

On the day she graduated from high school, Norma Stock promised to spend forever with Gordon Yeager. The couple got married on May 26, 1939 in State Center.

“They’re very old-fashioned. They believed in marriage til death do you part,” said son Dennis Yeager.

Dennis Yeager was the youngest of four children born to the couple. His sister Donna was first born.

“Staying together for 72 years is good, I’d say that’s exceptional,” said daughter Donna Sheets.

The way the kids tell it, dad was the life of the party while mom kept everything together.

“Anybody come over — she was the hostess with the mostest. She just seriously — the more she did — the more she smiled,” said Dennis Yeager. “Dad would be the center of attention, like, ‘Weee look at me,’ and mom was like ‘get him away from me!’ You know we even got a picture like that.”

Norma didn’t really want the distance, and family said she hardly left Gordon’s side for 72 years.

“They just loved being together. Everybody argues once in awhile, but they still, he said ‘I have to stick around. I can’t go until she does because I have to stay here for her and she would say the same thing,’” said Dennis Yeager.

Dennis Yeager said the couple left home last Wednesday to go into town, but they didn’t make it.

At the intersection of Highway 30 and Jessup Avenue just west of Marshalltown, state troopers said Gordon pulled in front of an oncoming car. The Iowa State Patrol crash report said the other driver attempted to avoid the crash but was unable to stop in time.

“I rushed from Des Moines where I was working and saw them in the hospital,” said Dennis Yeager.

In the intensive care unit of Marshalltown’s hospital, nurses knew not to separate Gordon and Norma.

“They brought them in the same room in intensive care and put them together — and they were holding hands in ICU. They were not really responsive,” said Dennis Yeager.

Gordon died at 3:38 p.m. holding hands with his wife as the family they built surrounded them.

“It was really strange, they were holding hands, and dad stopped breathing but I couldn’t figure out what was going on because the heart monitor was still going,” said Dennis Yeager. “But we were like, he isn’t breathing. How does he still have a heart beat? The nurse checked and said that’s because they were holding hands and it’s going through them. Her heart was beating through him and picking it up.”

“They were still getting her heartbeat through him,” said Donna Sheets.

At 4:38 p.m., exactly one hour after Gordon died, Norma passed too.

“Neither one of them would’ve wanted to be without each other. I couldn’t figure out how it was going to work,” said Donna Sheets. “We were very blessed, honestly, that they went this way.”

“They just loved being together,” said Dennis Yeager.

At their funeral on Monday, Norma and Gordon held hands in their casket. Family said they will be cremated and their ashes mixed together.”

News Article & Photos Courtesy of KCCI 8 News Des Moines, Iowa

 

 

 

Please don’t allow the media to set the course for your marriage.  True love is real!! I’m a firm believer!  Are you?  Feel free to share your love story in the comments below!!

 

 

Cheers to a everlasting, true love!!

 

Ebony

 

It’s that special time of the year again!! Ladies grab your purses and guys grab your wallets because Neiman Marcus just unveiled the 85th edition of The Christmas Book!

This catalog is filled with incredible fantasy gifts like the “Dream Folly” inspired by the 1960′s TV show I Dream of Jeannie valued at $75,000, as well as a little something for everyone on your Christmas list.  You can pick out a cardigan for your brother, pumps for your sister, and a hot new collar for your pooch!!

 

I’ve been a very good girl this year so I hope Santa Jovan picks up a few things off my Christmas list!

 

If you are still looking for the perfect items to add to your wedding registry, this is a GREAT place to start!!  The Christmas Book has something for everyone!!

 

Happy Shopping!!

 

Ebony

Autumn is officially here in Dallas.  The temperature dropped from a high of 90 degrees to only about 67 in a matter of 24 hours.  I’m a daily coffee drinker, but when the temperature drops, I like to switch things up from time to time with a yummy hot cocoa, mocha, or latte!  I recently came across this super cute recipe for Chocolate Dipped Stirring Spoons on Pizzazzerie!  I can’t wait to try this!

 

Photo and Recipe Courtesy of Pizzazzerie

 

* 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate or white chocolate

 

* 40 Plastic Spoons

 

* Microwaveable Bowl

 

* Vegetable Oil

 

* Wax Paper

 

* Sprinkles, Nonpareils, Decorative Candies

 

Melt chocolate in microwavable (glass preferable) bowl for 1 minute.  Stir.  Continue heating at 30 second intervals until smooth.  Pour in 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and stir.  Dip spoons in chocolate.  For a clean look, use one spoon to pour chocolate into another spoon.  Decorate with sprinkles and candies.  Freeze or refrigerate to harden.

 

This would be perfect for a morning cocoa with the kids or for an added treat as you snuggle up with a latte by the fireplace with your honey.  You could also use these super cute spoon as gifts or for wedding and party favors!

 

Enjoy!!

 

Ebony

 

 

 

Growing up, I was a Barbie FANATIC!! I had the Barbie house, convertible, collector’s editions – you name it, I had it!  While browsing the world wide web, I came across a few wedding blogs showcasing the work of French photographer Beatrice De Guigne, an amazing wedding and lifestyle photographer.  She planned, designed, and photographed Barbie & Ken’s wedding day.  To say these photos are gorgeous would be an understatement.  Beatrice has been featured on Rock n’ Roll Bride, Glamour, and a host of other top wedding sites.  Her creative style and eye for detail are picture perfect in this dream wedding.  Beatrice has been featured in Whether you’re 5 or 50, you’ll swoon over the fabulousness!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos Courtesy of Beatrice De Guigne

 

 

Beatrice told Rock n’ Roll Bride:

 

“Barbie & Ken were married at Faraway Castle, in Plasticity.  The bride bought her dress from The Fairy Godmother shop and her shoes from the Cinderella Store.  The groom wore a suit from The Prince Charming Emporium.  The couple met more than 50 years ago (yes I know they look young).  Barbie was tired of waiting so she asked Ken to get married.”

 

 

Wow!! I love it!  To see the full collection of Barbie and Ken’s wedding, Barbie’s boudoir shoot, and an interview on how this shoot was put together, check out Beatrice’s blog.

 

 

XOXOXO,

 

Ebony

 

Today marks the day that a star was born – Ms. Arnenia Maria Odum!!

I’d like to wish the prettiest girl in the world, my mommy, a very Happy Birthday!

I can’t thank God enough for blessing me with such an amazing mother!  She worked so hard to provide for my brothers and me while growing.  I’ll never forget our family outings that took place almost every weekend.  We had brunch, shopped, went to museums, Broadway plays…. you name it, we did it – as a family.  My mommy taught me the importance of education, following my dreams, and building a solid relationship with God.  She’s always been supportive of my career(s) and extracurricular activities including sports, pageants, and the time I thought I wanted to pursue my dream of being a singer.  She’d listen to me for hours as I’d attempt to hit notes that were NOT in my range.  Lol!  Her exceptional planning skills, eye for style and design, and outgoing personality has helped mold me into the woman and event planner that I am today.

I look forward to creating a strong foundation for my family, just as my mommy did for me!

My 1st Birthday

 

 

Pretty in Pink

 

 

A Black & White Affair

 

 

Miss Jabberwork

 

 

College Graduation

 

 

Christmas 2010

 

Happy Birthday Pretty Girl!!

XOXOXO,

Ebony

 

 

I, along with many of you, was super excited when Beyoncé showed off her baby bump to the public at the MTV Music Awards a few weeks ago.  She continues to glow as her due date approaches.  Yesterday, she premiered the music video for Countdown, her latest hit single.  Beyoncé’s work ethic is like none other – baby bump and all!!  I hope I can keep up my working pace when Jovan and I decide to expand our family!

Check out the super cute video for Countdown!!

Video Courtesy of MTV

What did you think?  I love all of the fun, bright colors, and of course, the baby bump!!

Many of my close friends and associates are either expecting or just had a baby.  I get that baby itch every time I see a new baby picture or ultrasound posted on Facebook.  All of this talk about pregnancy and babies has me thinking a lot about baby showers and sip & sees!  I found this ‘Milkaholic’ themed sip & see on Half Baked – The Cake Blog a few months ago.  I LOVE all of the super cute details and decor.  I hope to plan something like this soon!!

 

What’s your favorite detail from the Milkaholic shower?  That dessert display is too cute!!

 

I think I’m going to bake some cookies this weekend and wash them down with a nice glass of skim milk!!  I hope you have an awesome weekend!

 

XOXOXO,

 

Ebony

 

I’m sure many of you have seen the “Are you a mermaid or a whale?” post circulating on Facebook.  I shared this post, courtesy of Delphine Fieberg, on my Facebook wall and received rave reviews!  As an event planner, I work with women who often aspire to go through some type of change for their next big event in life.  To sum it up, this usually means weight loss.

As women, we get caught up in what the media considers to be beautiful.  Brides want to lose weight before their last dress fitting.  Some want to lose that last 20 pounds before their 30th birthday.  Others have that airbrushed magazine photo posted on their bedroom mirror as added “motivation.”  I too have fallen into that cycle of feeling like I had to be a certain size or in a certain weight class to be accepted.  Don’t get me wrong, I do believe in being active and healthy.  At this same time, we have one life to live so let’s live it up!

 

Model:  Tara Lynn

 

 

We have to learn to accept our beautiful bodies as a whole, pound for pound and roll for roll!

XOXOXO,

Ebony

(P.S. – Being a whale isn’t so bad after all!)