As a blogger, I am always reminded that we should write about what we love. Today, I am thinking about rolling with that idea and sharing some of my favorite things that I use/think of/talk about everyday.

As a member of the wedding industry, I find myself having lots of coffee dates. Mix that with the fact that I have a mom who works for Starbucks, I work crazy hours and need a caffeine boost on a daily basis, and the fact that coffee just tastes good and you an explanation for the major love I have for the creamy treat. I will be the first to admit that I spend WAY TOO MUCH on coffee and coffee related products. Just in case you share the same love of coffee that I do, here are a few of my absolute favorite ideas, tips and thoughts.

Disclaimer: I am in no way paid to mention any products or services. I seriously just love them enough to spread the word.

1. Starbucks Via. Instant coffee has always had a bad reputation for being a not-so-tasty replacement when you are on the run or don’t feel like making an entire pot. These little via packets are a godsend! Instant, delicious and easy to tuck into your purse are just a few of the reasons why I love it. But, in the summertime, I find myself wanting something cold and the Iced Via is an excellent solution. Mixed with a little sweetness (since we all know how hard it is to dissolve sugar in cold liquid) and poured over ice, this is my new favorite. I mix either packet with some caramel sauce, hot cocoa mix, or another delicious addition and can drink these all day. Plus they save me a lot of money, since I don’t have to stop at the local coffee shop on the way home. As long as you have a bottle of water, you have an instant fix for your caffeine cravings. Oh, and there is also a mug that makes it even easier to enjoy on the go!
2. Too Hot Mamas. This past weekend I went on a little vacation (more on that later!) and we decided to make a stop at a little fruit market for some fresh Michigan grown deliciousness. While browsing the shop, which had everything from Cherry Pie to handmade dolls,  I found one of my new favorite treats. Too Hot Mamas is a local company (you all know how much I love my Michigan made products!) that offers the best handmade and hand-packed drink mixes that I have ever had. Today, I had the pleasure of having my very first cup, which soon turned into my very first THREE cups. Love. I highly recommend the Pumpkin Spice Chai, which at first taste reminds me of cozy sweaters and falling leaves. This would be the perfect addition to a Welcome Bag or a favor for wedding guests!
3. Tea Kettles. I am an instant gratification kind of girl, so it is no surprise that the wonderful whistle of a tea kettle brings a smile to my face. There are so many tea kettles that I would love to get my hands on (look here, here and here), but my trusty Chantal gets the job done. Oh, how I love her.
4. Biggby Coffee. Yes, another Michigan staple. I am a HUGE Biggby fan.Honestly, it is my favorite coffee shop to visit. (Don’t tell my Mom!) I try to get there as often as I can and they are always coming up with amazing new drink recipes. My favorites right now? Banana Bread freeze, which is a frozen banana & chai mixture and the Butter Bear, an amazing caramel & butterscotch latte. Plus, they have a frequency card, so it turns my coffee expeditions into a game of points and free drinks. You can also visit their website to create your own Biggby recipe and possibly win some rad prizes.
5. Tips of the day. Don’t freeze your coffee, this is a common misconception and it dries out your tasty treat. Also, try to grind it right before use for the best flavor. Planning on serving it over ice? Add less water or more coffee beans to the brew to compensate for the melted ice you will have in your glass.

Greening Your Event

Pick an Easy Location

When you’re looking for that perfect setting, keep convenience, and global warming pollution, in mind. Choose a spot that your guests can get to without a Jetstream, and encourage them to leave their limos behind. Help arrange for your guests to carpool to the event, and let them know their public transportation options.

E-vite Your Guests

Emailing invitations saves paper (and money), especially if you have a long guest list. If a printed invitation is an absolute must for your event, use post-consumer recycled paper — easily available in stores and online — and give a phone number for RSVPs instead of reply cards.For more information on buying paper products, see http://www.nrdc.org/cities/living/paper/default.asp.

Serve Local Food (and Feed the Locals)

Look for a restaurant or caterer that uses fresh, local or organic foods. If you’re planning on serving seafood, make sure it’s sustainably caught or farmed and low in mercury. (See our guide to mercury in fish and sustainable seafood recipes for ideas.) Make arrangements with a local food bank to pick up any leftovers at the end of the day.

Use Reusable or Biodegradable Tableware

Stick to cloth napkins and real tableware to reduce the amount of resources your event consumes and the amount of garbage you’ll need to dispose of at the end of night. Many caterers can provide everything you need for serving, eating and drinking. For a gathering at home, use your own dishes, and borrow more from your friends if you need to.If you have to go for the take-and-toss variety, look for post-consumer recycled content paper napkins and biodegradable plates, cups and utensils made from corn starch or agricultural waste. They’ll degrade in just a couple of months in a commercial composter.

Decorate Naturally

Try using “living” décor such as moss, stones and succulent plants, or organic flowers instead of traditional pesticide-laden bouquets. Send your decorations home with your guests at the end of the night, or reuse them for another event. (Get more green design tips.)

Dazzle With Energy-Efficient Lighting

A daytime event — held outdoors or in a place with plenty of windows — lets you save big on energy costs and global warming pollution from conventional lighting. For additional lighting, use compact fluorescent light bulbs. They use only about one-third of the energy that regular light bulbs do. Look for energy efficient bulbs and fixtures marked with the Energy Star label.

Make Recycling Easy

Don’t rummage through trash bins the next day looking for stuff that shouldn’t have been thrown away. Make recycling easy by setting out clearly labeled recycling bins for items such as bottles, paper and cans. Check http://www.earth911.org/master.asp to find recycling guidelines for your location.

Offset Your Output

At the end of the day (or evening), your event is still going to produce some global warming pollution. You can help ease the burden by purchasing a renewable energy credit from a green energy company such as Native Energy or the Bonneville Environmental Foundation. Each credit represents an investment in 100 percent clean, renewable energy that will offset the global warming pollution produced by your event.You can find more green living tips, including information on green weddings and other special occasions, in our free monthly newsletter, This Green Life. Subscribe now.

Just in case you missed it, here is the video of our inspiration shoot done by the amazing Jamie Honce Productions. I was blown away when I first saw this! My only request from Jamie was to make it feel natural and effortless. Boy, did he ever nail it!

Flirty at the Fair | Carnival Inspiration Shoot from Jamie Honce on Vimeo.

Have questions about the shoot? Leave a comment or shoot me an email! I would love to answer questions and hear your feedback.

If you’ve met me, I am sure we have discussed my obsession with paper at one point or another. This obsession definitely led to huge excitement when I got to ask my dear friend, Robyn (Meant To Be Sent) to design all of our fabulous cotton candy inspired paper goods for the recent inspiration shoot. The moment she sent me the mock ups, I was hooked. I can’t even begin to tell you how anxious I was to see it all in person. Everything Robyn creates is absolutely gorgeous, from invitations with real birch bark to peacock themed goods with actual feathers! If you haven’t seen her work yet, you simply must.

My favorite paper item of the shoot is the circular menu that is meant to be set in the actual plate. Not only did it fit perfectly, the amazing assortment of creations she brought along were exactly what I had envisioned!

Photos by Nicole Ladonne Photography

A little Red, White and Blue to celebrate the 4th of July!

Sources: Bridesmaids, Dessert, Table, Invitations, Sparklers

Gorgeous Photos, Beautiful Weddings & Marvelous People.

It is Tuesday Shoesday! This is my first time sharing in the love of all things shoe, but I knew I had to when I saw this photo by Kristen Taylor Photography. To see more TS posts, visit  Simply & Forever, Landlocked Bride, Gwyneth Paige, Swatchbook Weddings, Meant to Be Sent, Weddings & Pretty Things, Life in the Super Burbs, Slice of Lime, April Foster Events,  Lauren Kelly Events, Swoon Over It Photography and Bellwether Events!

This wedding is so sweet, I had to share! Visit Rock ‘n Roll Bride for more. These Kelly Moore Photography shots are to die for!

I am in LOVE with this lovely NY wedding, by Josh Goleman Photography, featured on Once Wed.

This real Florida wedding has my heart swooning! The DIY touches are perfect! Featured on my fave With This Ring blog and photos by Studio 222 Photography.

Are you thinking of proposing, or want to hint that you are thinking of being proposed to? (Wink, Wink!) Here are some fab tips from Anti-Bride.

These DIY soda escort cards are to flippin’ cute, I just had to share. Found via Rock My Wedding, originally posted on 100 Layer Cake.

This wedding, featured on Snippet & Ink, it the epitome of Rustic Romance. The photos by Jenn Cress Photography are wonderful!

I am beyond thrilled to be bringing you the first “Real” post of the wedding season and the fact that it is all about one of the most fantastic couples I have had the joy of working with makes it that much better.

Anat is definitely one of those genuinely kind people. She cares, and you know it from the moment you meet her. After working together for nearly a year, I was really looking forward to seeing all of the day’s details come together, but I was sad that I wouldn’t have an excuse to chat with her on a regular basis anymore. Anat & Nick had already been married, but wanted to have the opportunity to share the special occasion with family and friends. So after doing it on their own, they planned a relaxed and beautiful day that would revolve around the ideas of family and friendship.

The day started out like most others, but there was something a little different in the air. On a typical wedding day, there is at least a little anxiousness that greets me. Whether it is a mother looking for her earrings or a best man who got a stain on his shirt… There is always something. This time, friends were gathered downstairs playing a game of scrabble, the guys were kicked back having a drink and the girls were all cozy upstairs getting their hair done. No matter which room I went into, I was greeted with a smile and a completely calm “Hello”. It was unlike any event I have ever done, in the most wonderful sort of way.

The ceremony was the epitome of personality. Everything from having their dog, Sammy, as the ring bearer to having Nick’s brother, Glen, officiate the ceremony, was perfectly executed. Of course, having the event at a place like River Birch Lodge, really lends to the relaxed feel they were looking for. Sammy even let out a little bark at the perfect moment, causing a chuckle to go around the crowd of guests. Anat & Nick’s family and friends are some of the nicest around!

I loved the reception almost as much as the ceremony. Just like the rest of the day, there was no rush to get through the time line. We left a lot of room in the timing for guests to mingle, give a toast, grab a bite to eat and just enjoy the time they spent together. With so many guests from around the world, it was important to Anat & Nick that they all had a chance to really kick back. Everyone pitched in during the hora, the music was perfectly chosen, and the food from A Movable Feast was delicious. Lisa, from Pot & Box, did a wonderful job creating the perfect flowers.

Looking back at the photos, by the amazing Aruna B Photography, I can’t help but smile. No detail was left out of the planning and the love that these two share just blows me away. I feel completely honored to have been involved in such a kind and sweet day.

Planning & Coordination: Amanda Freeman, Bliss Weddings & Events

A song that makes me cry? I am an emotional person when it comes to movies, music and books. As cheesy as it sounds the song that ALWAYS makes me cry is The End of The Road by Boyz II Men. I know, pathetic right? I don’t even know why I tear up, but I do.

Throughout my research for our Change The World features, I have come across many wonderful, delightful and inspirational people. Eileen Dalton is nothing short of all of those things. After our conversation, I was immediately compelled to head over to her website and find my local blood donation site. Within minutes, I had an appointment. (See proof below!)

Let’s get logical for a second. Everyone has blood, that is a given. Millions of people need a stranger’s blood to get better or even survive. Since we all have a little to spare, it would seem that there would be a surplus, right? Well, that couldn’t be further from the truth! The truth is that only 5% of eligible donors actually donate blood. Each whole blood donation can help as many as three people and it couldn’t be easier to donate. It costs absolutely no money and only takes less than an hour of your time. You can even do it  every 56 days! Statistics show that as many as 25% of us will need blood at some point in our lives. So, why not invest in your local blood bank? Are you scared of needles? Don’t think you have the time? Don’t know if you are eligible? What are you waiting for? Get the answers here.

Eileen Dalton is a cancer survivor. After radiation, chemo & surgery, she found herself in need of blood. Thankfully, there was a stranger out there who took time out of their schedule to donate.

When her sons were looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift, all Eileen wanted was for them to do the same thing that random stranger did. Donate blood. In honor of that gift, Give Blood For Your Mother was started. In the past, Eileen had been a donor on many occasions, but once she was diagnosed with cancer, she was unable to do so. She misses being a part of the “healthy world” and wishes that she could still give blood, but since she can’t she hopes to spread the word about Blood Donations and the lack of suitable donors. The goal of GBFYM is to promote donations, raise awareness and help as many people as we possibly can. In the long term, Eileen hopes to pair with companies, agencies and groups to spread the word to an even larger audience. Word of Mouth is the key to GBFYM’s success and growth.

The Non-Profit that asks for your blood, not for your money.

“Doing good is an important part of life. It is all about the power of a simple idea.” As I spoke with Eileen, I was immediately  drawn to her personality and excitement. It is hard to meet someone like her and not be inspired. She motivated me to personally set an appointment to give blood and then send a few emails out to friends and family to inspire them to do the same. It is really easy to get people together when there is a free, easy, and helpful way to give back, especially when there are cookies and juice involved!

So, what do you have to lose? Besides a pint of blood, that is. :)

If you want to get involved, head on over to Give Blood For Your Mother‘s website, find a local donation center, set an appointment and don’t forget to head back to the website to let them know you donated. You can even send pictures of who you are donating for! It would be great to do this in honor of you mom, a lost family member, a friend’s mom, your dad… or even for yourself! It is EASY, FREE and super HELPFUL. There are no excuses! If you can’t donate, you can help by spreading the word. Send people to this post, to the GBFYM website, or even their Facebook page! Become a fan and announce it on you wall. You will feel much better when you do.

A huge *THANK YOU* goes out to Eileen for taking the time out of her busy schedule to speak with me. I am so glad that I have the opportunity to get the word out about such an important cause. :)

PS> Here is the proof that I didn’t chicken out! My mom can’t give blood right now, but she did tag along for moral support and to be my professional photographer. :) If I can do it, you can too! Please notice the  many inches that I got chopped off of my hair this morning, too! Which will be discussed next week’s Change The World feature!

These are definitely in my must try list!

Triple Orange Margarita – Via Glam.com

1-1/2 ounce ultra-premium tequila
3/4 ounce Imported GranGala Triple Orange Liqueur
1 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice
1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
1/4 ounce agave nectar (a natural sweetner; you can sub simple syrup to taste)
1 lime wheel
1 orange peel
Pour the tequila, orange liqueur, juices, and nectar into an ice-filled shaker. Add the orange peel, shake vigoriously, and strain into a chilled ice-filled glass or chilled margarita glass to serve it “up.” Garnish with a lime wheel and the orange peel.

Sangria Margarita - Via Drinks Mixer

White Peach Margarita – Via Martha Stewart Serves 8

1 pound (about 3) ripe peaches, bottoms scored, plus 2 more peaches, for garnish

3 tablespoons (2 1/2 ounces) orange liqueur, such as Cointreau

2 tablespoons sugar

1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

3/4 cup (6 ounces) silver tequila

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 cups bottled peach nectar

8 mint sprigs, for garnish

Prepare an ice-water bath. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add 1 pound peaches, and cook for 1 minute. Transfer to ice-water bath to cool. Remove peaches from water.

Peel and halve peaches, and remove pits. Slice peaches into wedges, and transfer to a medium bowl. Toss with orange liqueur, sugar, and salt. Cover, and set in a warm spot until peaches give off juice, about 20 minutes.

Puree peach mixture in a blender or a food processor until completely smooth. Immediately stir in tequila and lemon juice. (Peach puree with tequila can be refrigerated, covered, for up to 4 hours.) Transfer to a pitcher, and stir in peach nectar.

Fill each of 8 tall glasses with ice, and garnish each with a mint sprig. Cut the remaining 2 peaches into 8 thick wedges, cut a small slit into inside curve of each wedge, and place one wedge on rim of each glass. Divide margarita among glasses.

You have to head over here to get the awesome recipe!