Last Minute Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

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Valentine's Day is TOMORROW, and if you're anything like me, you have procrastinated until the very last minute and STILL have not gotten a gift for the special someone in your life.

But don't worry, I've got you covered! I've compiled a list of  no-fail gift ideas that are sure to please:

For Her:

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Spa Day: Women love to be pampered, so a full day at the spa would be the ultimate gift.

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Lingerie: Nothing makes a woman feel sexier than lingerie, and Valentine's Day is the perfect time to add to the collection! Fellas, remember, there is a fine line between classy and trashy lingerie.  When in doubt, take a sneak peek at some of the pieces that she may already have to get a feel for her style, or don't be afraid to ask your sales consultant for a little help.

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Romantic Picnic: You will get several brownie points for this one!  Whether it's at a local park, beach, the comfort of your back yard, or even indoors, putting together a romantic picnic shows that you actually took the time to create something memorable for the two of you to share! 

For Him:

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Boudoir Photoshoot: Let's face it: men are visual creatures. Sure, he already knows how sexy you are, but trust me when I say your man will LOVE to have your hotness captured on film.  The right photographer will be able to capture a few subtly sexy images that will knock his socks off!

Gadgets: Boys must have their toys!!!  If your guy is a gadget fanatic (like most guys), hit your local electronic store and score him something he's been eyeing or has recently talked about upgrading.

Romantic Getaway: This one is kinda cheating, but he'll never know!  Women are usually the better planners, so surprise your sweetie with a romantic weekend rendezvous and he will surely enjoy it (and so will you)!

...and as a thank you gift for saving you from showing up empty-handed on LOVE Day, I will take this oh-so-cute Moet and Chandon Valentines Day Edition Gift Set...please and Thank You! ;)

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Although a lot of focus is put on purchasing Valentine's gifts, let's not forget that it is actually a day to celebrate LOVE.  If you are showing your significant other the amount of love and affection that you should throughout the year, a material gift will pale in comparison!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

{Budget Saver} Target Bridesmaids' Collection

Good news for all you savvy, budget brides: Target has just launched a Bridesmaids Collection of dresses!

That's right! The retail giant, (whom I personally have a love/hate relationship with) announced the arrival of the new line last week.  The collection, which is available online only, features 9 styles in 3 fabrics and 17 colors.  The best part is that all of the dresses in the collection are only $69.99 and are available in sizes 2-28W.

Now, before you automatically rule out Target as a bridal wear contender, let me point out a few things.  In recent months, Target has struck deals to sell such luxury brands as Missoni, and most recently Jason Wu (the designer of First Lady Michelle Obama's inaugral gown).  These brands have been able to keep their aesthetic appeal while lowering prices so that they are available to the everyday consumer. 

With that being said, I'll let you be the judge on this one.  Take a look at the collection below:

One Shoulder Rosette Chiffon Dress

Ruffle Neck Shantung Dress

Strapless Twist Front Sweetheart Sateen Dress

Ring Neck Sateen Dress

Strapless Wrap Front Chiffon Maxi Dress

Strapless Sweetheart Shantung Dress

One Shoulder Shantung Dress

Strappless Wrap Front Chiffon Dress

Crossover V-Neck Sateen Dress

All photos via Target website

So, now that you've had the chance to check out the collection, what's your verdict? Do you think you'd consider purchasing your bridesmaids dresses from Target?  Please comment below. I'd love your feedback!

Nikola Ahaiwe
Owner/Lead Coordinator
Platinum Touch Events
phone: (310) 722-2873
email: platinumtouchevents@gmail.com
blog: http://www.platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com/
facebook: www.facebook.com/platinumtouchevents

{Decor Ideas} Chandeliers

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If you're looking to add a dramatic flair to your wedding/event decor, chandeliers would be the perfect option!  They scream elegance and sophistication, and can add a touch of glamour to any occasion.

Chandeliers can spruce up a daytime reception in an outside/garden setting...

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Or exude a romantic, timeless feel during an intimate evening reception...

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Using various sizes and styles together makes such a beautiful, bold statement.

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Would you consider using chandeliers as a part of your wedding/event decor?

Nikola Ahaiwe

Owner/Lead Coordinator
Platinum Touch Events
phone: (310) 722-2873
email: platinumtouchevents@gmail.com
blog: http://www.platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com/
facebook: www.facebook.com/platinumtouchevents






Super Bowl Party Ideas

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I have to be honest: I am NOT a huge football fan (or any sport for that matter).  However, I'll find any excuse to throw a good party, and Super Bowl Sunday is definitely one of those excuses!  It's the perfect opportunity to call up a few of your closest friends and family, pig out on the most unhealthy  some great food, and enjoy your sunday afternoon...winning!!!

Well, this Sunday (Feb. 5) just happens to be Super Bowl XLVI (46), with the New England Patriots vs. New York Giants at Lucas Oil Stadium at 630pm ET on NBC (Confession: I had to google that info...did I mention I was NOT a sports fan?!)

Even though the game is in just a few days, you still have time to whip together a great party...I mean, it's football for goodness sakes, it doesn't have to be fancy-schmancy...Beer, Appetizers, and men in tight uniforms...ahem, I meant two great teams battling it out on the field (*giggling*)!

I've rounded up a few tips and ideas to help you put together a Game Day get-together in no time! 

Food:

When it comes to the food on your game day menu, the best advice would be to Keep. It. Simple.  Finger foods and appetizers are the best way to go.  No need to break out the fancy china or the good silverware.  Provide a few different options for your guests to mix and match...

Who doesn't like 7 Layer Dip? You can even get creative and serve it up in individual mason jars.  Check out the recipe here.  

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These Sausage Stars, found on Less Cake, More Frosting, would make a perfect game day appetizer.  The recipe looks super easy to follow, and only takes a whopping 10 minutes to prepare... score!!!

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You just can't go wrong with Pigs in a Blanket.  Stick a toothpick in them and you have a perfect pass-around appetizer.

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Mmmm, don't these loaded potato skins look delish?!



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You absolutely cannot have a football themed party without including hot wings...not an option!

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Sliders make the perfect bite-sized snack.  You can keep them really simple or jazz them up with some yummy toppings.



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Drinks:
All of that good eating is sure to leave your guests a little thirsty, so you'll want to have plenty of drinks on hand. 

Remember, all of your guests may not drink alcohol, so be considerate and offer a few non-alcoholic options. 

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Let's be honest, beer and football just seem to go hand-in-hand.  You can dress up your fave brew bottles with a cute printable football tag.  Learn how to make them here.

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Cocktails that color-coordinate with the playing teams...yes, please! Try out these recipes of the Big Blue Buzz and the Brady Punch, or create your own!

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Dessert:

Everyone knows dessert has the ability to make you feel better!  Here are a few dessert options to have available to console guests cheering for the losing team...

Score BIG with these amazing football-designed chocolate covered strawberries.

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When in doubt, you can never go wrong with cupcakes, especially when they look like this! 

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If you would like to order some of the most delicious, football themed desserts, I highly recommend Oh, Goodness! Desserts (shameless plug)!  

The bottom line is, a Super Bowl shindig should be super laid back and fun!  Choose foods that can be prepared easily and before guests arrive so that as the host/hostess you can sit back and enjoy the festivities.

Do you have any Super Bowl Party traditions? Leave a comment below.  We'd love to hear them!

Nikola Ahaiwe

Owner/Lead Coordinator

Platinum Touch Events

(310) 722-2873

email: info@platinumtoucheventsla.com

web: http://www.platinumtoucheventsla.com/

blog: http://www.platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com/

facebook: www.facebook.com/platinumtouchevents



Trend Alert: Vintage Suitcases

I spy a new party trend: Vintage Suitcases!

That's right! Break out those old, dusty travel cases, give them a facelift, and you will have yourself a brand-spanking new party decor item that can serve many different purposes:

My daughter has been insisting that we need to have a picnic...wouldn't this be such a cool way to pack up the lunches and head to the park for a nice day out with the kiddos?!  (See how this vintage suitcase was transformed into this cute little party-in-a-box here).

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What a fun and unique way to display drinks on a dessert table!

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Poking holes at the top would allow you to be able to prop up your cake pops or other goodies-on-a-stick.

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Want to do something different for the kid's table? This old suitcase goes perfect with this tea party set-up, and is just the right size for the kiddos!

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A really popular idea is to dress up a vintage suitcase and use it as a card box at your wedding.  It can be decorated to match your color scheme or theme.

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What I love most about this new trend is that it is so versatile.  If you are a frequent reader of this blog, you already know that I love, love, love the vintage style.  I am a big fan of re-purposing old items to give them a fresh, new look (not to mention, it is a great way to save money...which I am also a big fan of)!

Would you use vintage suitcases in your wedding/event decor?

 

Dessert Wars: Are Macaroons the New Cupcake?!

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We've spotted a new dessert trend on the party horizon...and it's waging a war on cupcakes!

Macaroons are the new rage!  It seems you can't find a dessert table without them!!!

But, just what are they...you may ask?

Originating from the French word Macaron, macaroons are meringue cookies filled with a buttercream filling.  They can best be described as a cookie that is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.

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Mmmmm!!! I haven't personally tried one yet, but they look delish, don't they?!

Pop quiz time!!! (Well, not exactly...but play along, ok?!)

Now that you've got the low-down on the new party craze, I figured you might want to whip up a batch for your next party (or for yourself...hey, we're not here to judge)!

I found this recipe here.  There's also a sweet tutorial on Bakerella that shows you how to make the Macaroon pops (pictured above)

Ready...set...get to baking!!!

Ingredients

Makes about 16 filled macaroons

• 1 1/4 cups plus 1 teaspoon confectioners’ sugar
• 1 cup (4 ounces) finely ground sliced, blanched almonds
• 6 tablespoons fresh egg whites (from about 3 extra-large eggs)
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Directions

1. To make the macaroons: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar and ground almonds. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip egg whites with salt on medium speed until foamy. Increase speed to high and gradually add granulated sugar. Continue to whip until stiff glossy peaks form. With a rubber spatula, gently fold in the confectioners’ sugar mixture until completely incorporated.
2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside. Fit a pastry bag with a 3/8-inch #4 round tip, and fill with batter. Pipe 1-inch disks onto prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between cookies. The batter will spread a little. Let stand at room temperature until dry, and a soft skin forms on the tops of the macaroons and the shiny surface turns dull, about 15 minutes.
3. Bake, with the door of the oven slightly ajar, until the surface of the macaroons is completely dry, about 15 minutes. Remove baking sheet to a wire rack and let the macaroons cool completely on the baking sheet. Gently peel off the parchment. Their tops are easily crushed, so take care when removing the macaroons from the parchment. Use immediately or store in an airtight container, refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
4. To fill the macaroons: Fill a pastry bag with the filling. Turn macaroons so their flat bottoms face up. On half of them, pipe about 1 teaspoon filling. Sandwich these with the remaining macaroons, flat-side down, pressing slightly to spread the filling to the edges. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.

Macaroon Filling:

Recipe via

Ingredients

• 3 large egg wites
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into pieces

Directions

1. In the bowl of an electric mixer, whisk egg whites and sugar. Set mixer bowl over a saucepan of simmering water and heat mixture, whisking often, until it feels warm to the touch and sugar is dissolved, 3 to 5 minutes.
2. Transfer bowl to the mixer, and fit with the whisk attachment. Whip on high speed until mixture is stiff and shiny, 3 to 5 minutes. Add butter, one piece at a time, and continue mixing until butter is thoroughly incorporated. The filling can be kept, covered and refrigerated, up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before stirring.

Have you ever baked/tasted macaroons?  Do you think they are the "new" cupcake?



Fall Dessert Ideas

I don't know about you, but I am happy that today marks the official first day of Fall!  I love this time of year because it means my three favorite holidays (Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas) are fast approaching.  I love to entertain, and this is when I feel I can get most creative.

Now that i've fallen in love with baking, I'm always on the search for new recipes to add to my collection.  This year, I would like to add a new, yummy dessert to our holiday dinner menu...something other than the usual Sweet Potato Pie and Banana Pudding.

Thanks to Better Homes and Gardens magazine's 31 Fall-Spiced Desserts, I think I have quite a few contenders:

Toffee-Pear Sticky Pudding

Honey Nut Crunch Pie

Apple Upside-Down Cake

Gingersnap Crumble Pumpkin Parfaits

Pineapple Upside-Down Cakes

Sticky Pecan Upside-Down Baby Cakes

Glazed Gingerbread Cake

These look absolutely delish!  Now comes the hard part: deciding which one to make!  The recipes for these desserts, along with 24 others, can be found on the Better Homes and Gardens website.

Do you have a go-to dessert for your holiday get-togethers?  Any new recipe's you'd like to try this year? 

All photos via Better Homes and Garden