Hello all!  I recently applied for the Mission: Small Business grant of $250,000 from Chase and Living Social.  In addition to completing the application and answering a few essay questions about Ebony Peoples Events & Design, I need to get 250 votes in order to be eligible.  Please check out the details below to vote for a small business with BIG dreams:

1. Go to www.missionsmallbusiness.com

2. Click “Log In & Search” in the lower right corner.

3. Search “Ebony Peoples Events & Design” and vote!

(Please note that we are listed in Euless, TX.)

It only takes a few seconds and your vote is greatly appreciated!  Thanks so much for your continued support!  I’ll keep you posted on the results.

XOXO,

Ebony

Summer will be here before we know it!  This Layered Fruit Gazpacho is the perfect addition to an afternoon by the pool or a summer sunset on the patio.  Check out the sweet details below courtesy of Back to Her Roots:

Layered Fruit Gazpacho

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients:

* 10 ounces frozen raspberries, thawed

* 2 tablespoons honey

* 12 ounces unsweetened lemon-lime sparkling water

* 5 kiwis, peeled

* 1 teaspoon lime juice

* 1 cup roughly chopped cantaloupe

* 4 kiwi slices, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In the basin of a food processor or blender, combine raspberries and honey. Pulse or blend until pureed. Strain raspberry puree through a fine mesh sieve and discard seeds. Mix in lemon-lime sparkling water and set aside.

2. Combine the peeled kiwi and lime juice in the clean basin of a food processor or blender. Pulse or blend until pureed. Set aside.

3. Add the cantaloupe in the clean basin of a food processor or blender. Pulse or blend until pureed. Set aside.

4. To layer gazpacho, gently spoon equal amounts of kiwi puree into each of four bowls or glasses. Repeat with cantaloupe puree and raspberry puree. Garnish with kiwi slices.

As you celebrate Memorial Day, be sure to take a moment to remember all of the brave men and women who have fought and died for our country.  Today is a day to give thanks.  Give thanks for family.  Give thanks for friends.  Give thanks for freedom!

Photo Courtesy of Pizzazzerie

Have a wonderful Memorial Day!

XOXO,

Ebony

Happy Friday!  As you are thinking about your wedding day, keep in mind that some things, like the groom saluting his bride, should remain traditional.  Other  things, like your wedding attire, should definitely exude your personal style!  Are you looking for an added WOW factor or a bit of drama?  If so, check out these great fashion-forward tips for the bride-to be courtesy of BHLDN:

What are your thoughts on the wedding dress code?  Are you going a more traditional route or are you looking to incorporate something ultra-unique?  I’d love to know!!

XOXO,

Ebony

Happy Tuesday!  The temperature continues to rise and the humidity is high.  Summer is almost here!  It’s time to send out invites as you prep for your next pool party or upcoming holiday celebration.  I recently found these cute and cool Cocktail Pops (aka Poptails) that are sure to keep your guests refreshed and reaching for more!  Here’s the recipe for a Strawberry Greyhound Pop courtesy of Bakers Royale for Endless Summer:

Strawberry Greyhound Poptail

Makes 18 popsicles

Ingredients:

* 8 oz. fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice (about 1 lb grapefruit)

* 12 oz. strawberries (about 12 medium strawberries)

* 5 oz. vodka

Instructions:

1. Place the juiced grapefruit and whole strawberries in a food processor or a blender and process until everything is pureed. Add vodka and process for another 20-30 seconds to blend well. Pour mixture into popsicles mold.

2. Place foil on top of popsicle form and cut a tiny hole in the center of each well. Stick popsicle stick through the whole. Freeze for at least 6 hours or until frozen solid. To release popsicles, run hot water on the outside of popsicle molds for a 2-3 seconds.

Head over to Endless Summer for  20+ Poptail recipes!!

Which Poptail is your favorite?  I’d love to know!  Enjoy!!

XOXO,

Ebony

Last week was one of the most exciting in the life of Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook.  On Monday, May 14th, he turned 28 and on Friday, May 18th, Facebook launched it’s IPO.  The icing on the cake was when Mark married his longtime girlfriend, Dr. Priscilla Chan in a surprise backyard ceremony in their Palo Alto, California home this past Saturday.  Guests thought they were going to a graduation party for Priscilla who just graduated medical school.  And how did the couple announce their nuptials to the world?  By updating their Facebook relationship status!!  Check out details below in a video courtesy of abc News:

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Zuckerberg!  I wish you two the very best in life and love!!

XOXO,

Ebony

Happy Thursday!  I believe the bride’s shoe is a very important aspect of her wedding day attire.  Gorgeous shoes make women exude a new found confidence and provide amazing photo-ops for photographers.  Although these shoes are often fierce and fabulous, we all know that they can put on a little strain when it’s time to hit the dance floor.  Brides usually change into a cute, yet  comfortable shoe during the reception.  I recently came across this DIY project courtesy of P.S. – I made this…

These DIY Polka Dot Flats are cute, comfy, and can be customized to fit your wedding colors and style.  Check out the super easy tutorial below:

Would you rock a custom polka dot ballet flat on your wedding day?  With a cute pair of flats and little bit of paint, time, and dotting, I think they’d be super cute for a night out on the dance floor!

XOXO,

Ebony

It’s #WeddingWednesday again!  Rosa Clará recently debuted their 2013 bridal collection at Barcelona Bridal Week.  The new collection includes fun, flirty, and fabulous looks with lots of intricate details and beautiful candy colors.  Check out The Rosa Clará Fashion Show from Barcelona Bridal Week in the video below:

Video Courtesy of Rosa Clará

Which bridal gown is your favorite?  They’re all so beautiful!  Are you shopping around for a bridal gown or dresses for your bridesmaids?  Check out the Rosa Clará Dallas Bridal Boutique.  I’m sure you’ll find the perfect gown, shoes, and accessories!!

XOXO,

Ebony

Cake Balls are one of the hottest trends in dessert displays at weddings and other social events.  They don’t last long at our house either!  Check out this super easy and super sweet DIY cake ball tutorial courtesy of Acorn Advisors:

I definitely recommend getting specialty cake balls and large quantities from your favorite local baker.  If you’re prepping for a small gathering at home, feel free to DIY!  Head over to Acorn Advisors for the complete recipe and a refresher on tempering chocolate.  Enjoy!!

XOXO,

Ebony

My sweet and sassy friend, Kimberly Walker, is a true fashionista and also a fashion and lifestyle writer for Ebony Magazine.  She recently posted a write-up featuring 6 bridal hairstyles for every woman.  I just had to share this with my readers!  Check out the details below:

Boho Bride

Glam Bride

Princess Bride

Minimalist Bride

Chic Bride

Textured Bride

“Creating the perfect wedding look takes time, thought and hundreds of magazine clips.  Every bride deserves a look absolutely stunning on her big day and we’ve listed a few of the top hairstyles for every personality.”

 ~Kimberly Walker

Head over to Ebony.com for the complete article and a full description of each beautiful hairstyle.  How will (did) you wear your hair for your BIG day?  I’d love to know!

XOXO,

Ebony