#FavoredFriday Celebrate the Holidays With Ethiopian Inspired Holiday Cards by Designer Maro Haile

 

This holiday season get creative & cultured with your greeting cards and gifts with Deseta!

Deseta, a new collection of multicultral cards, tote bags, and more is spreading the love this holiday season.     Deseta [deh-seh-ta]: a noun meaning happiness; how you feel when something puts a smile on your face. from Amharic, one of the many languages spoken in Ethiopia. also spelled/pronounced desta.

As an event planner and "go to girl" for entertaining, Im always looking for new vendors to utilize for my clients and myself so when I came across Designer, Mariam-Sena (Maro) Haile, a Brooklyn-based artist and owner of the e-commerce website Deseta.net, I knew I had to share her amazing work with others.

Ethiopian girl singing a christmas carol, tis almost the season!

In an interview with TADIAS, Mariam tells us a little bit of her background being born in Addis Ababa and growing up in Minnesota before settling in New York City in 2000. “I was born in Ethiopia, raised in a tiny town in the Midwest, and now have Brooklyn planted deep in my heart,” she said. “My target market ranges from shoppers who appreciate the unique, non-traditional aesthetic found in gift shops and boutiques to young families and friends of young families looking for printed accessories for their children.” Maro’s aim is to reach as diverse an audience as her background.

Check out some more of her designs below:

Pink afro angel wearing lipstick and mascara logo.

Some of the other holiday cards are this "Cupid's Arrow" for Valentines Day and "Melkam Addis Amet" for Ethiopian New Years!

This modern Adam & Eve card is hilarious and riske for Ethiopian cultural! Love it!

Like what you see? You can learn more and purchase Deseta products at www.deseta.net, or on Etsy at www.etsy.com/shop/deseta and follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/desetaArtAndDesign.

#FavoredFriday: Winter Wedding Favor Ideas

Winter is here and you know what that means, Winter Wonderland themed weddings! If you are having a winter wedding but have no idea what to give your guests as favors you are in luck! Take a look at a few of Favored by Yodit's favorite creative winter wedding favor ideas.

Snowflake Key Chains: Give your guests a gift that will remind them of you everyday. It is subtle but still cute and effective.

Gloves and Blankets: Send your guests away warm and cozy with gloves filled with hot chocolate or a fleece blanket

Pine Tree Sapling: Give a gift that keeps on giving. Instruct guests to plant the tree in an area that they can watch it grow and can always be reminded of your big day

Pine Cone Fire Starters: For our DIY brides, this is an easy and affordable favor that all guests can enjoy. For instructions visit: http://www.myownlabels.com/blog/pinecone-fire-starter-favors/

Apple Cider: Create custom burlap sacks and fill them with apple cider mix. Add a tag to express your thanks.

S'mores: Give your guests the official snack of winter to enjoy. Create a label with a cute quote for a personal touch.

Cocoa Mix: Fill Mason jars with cocoa mix and label with your wedding date. Even after the cocoa is gone, the mason jar will always be a stable in their kitchen.

#FavoredFriday Vendor Spotlight: Petal Share

Have you ever been to an event and wondered what will happen to all of those beautiful floral arrangements? For most of the weddings and events i've been apart of, some get taken home by family or event staff but most get thrown away. One woman saw this as an opportunity to brighten someone's day and created an amaze non-profit called Petal Share.

According to Petal Share's Facebook page, "Petal Share is a non-profit charitable organization whose mission is to share recycled flowers with those in need of a smile."  Founder and CEO Heather Lawson made her first delivery in May of this year to a nursing home and immediately knew she was on to something great when she saw the joy it bought to the residents faces. While most of the supplies and flowers are from donations, Patricia pays for everything else out of pocket. She says, "Money is a small sacrifice for the comfort and joy the flowers bring to so many,” she says. “I’m blessed because I’m able to help folks.”

To learn more about Petal Share and how you can help visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/petalshare

Source: http://blog.aarp.org/2013/10/31/she-gives-donated-flowers-a-new-life/

You're Invited: Brides Against Breast Cancer Charity Event in Reston, VA

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Favored by Yodit Owner, Yodit Gebreyes is going to be a guest bartender for a charity event TONIGHT Tuesday, October 29th called Last Night Out from 5:30-9:30!

All ticket proceeds go to Brides Against Breast Cancer which is an amazing organization that helps Bride to Be's who are fighting the battle with Breast Cancer still feel like beautiful brides on their special day by offering them different services. The location is in Reston, VA and tickets are $35, food & drinks are included in the ticket price. Please spread the word on social media & email if possible today!

Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Time: 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Venue: Vinifera Wine Bar & Bistro 11750 Sunrise Valley Drive Reston, VA 20191

Attire: Tacky!

Tickets: $35 purchase online, $45 at the door (Get Tix Here)

Included: Unlimited Light Bites, Adult Beverages, Entertainment, Great Networking!

DIY: Healthy Halloween Treats

Just because Halloween is coming doesn't mean you have to break your diet! There are a ton of healthy snacks receipes that are not only good for you, but taste good and look good. Check out some Healthy Halloween Treat Inspiration below that can pull double duty as decor.

 How cute are these Chocolate Banana Ghosts and Celery and Orange Pumpkins!

Crave open apple slices and fill with peanut butter to make scary vampire teeth. Make the teeth with the left over apple or with almonds!

For more ideas check out: Mirabella Creations

You're Invited: Mira Zwillinger Trunk Show

 

#FavoredFriday Vendor Spotlight: Captured Journeys Photography

Photographers are one of the most important vendors you can hire for your big events. The right photographer will capture the essence of your day and leave you with timeless photos that you can treasure forever. This week we would like to spotlight a local company that prides themsleves on " providing CERTIFIED professional level quality at prices far below even less capable studios." Meet Kalina and Kelly at Captured Journeys Photography after the break.

The Captured Journey's Photography page says, "Our style is modern and timeless and combines unique artistic approach, knowledge of lighting techniques and photojournalistic skills. Our goal is to capture the love and emotions of your special day thru fresh and effortless images. We believe in attention to detail, highest quality of images and happy clients. Shooting always with two photographers as a husband and wife team, gives us the luxury of looking at the same moment from different perspectives."

Captured Journey's Photography is offering a wedding special for 2014! If you book a wedding package by December 31st, 2013 you will recieved 10% off. They also offer a discount for Active Duty Military personnel. Check out some pictures of their work below.

#BrideToBride: Keys to a Successful Marriage

Greetings Fellow Brides! I am very excited to guest post this week for Bride to Bride! As a blogger myself, I rarely have the opportunity to write on the subject of marriage. Special thanks to Carol for allowing me to share a bit of wisdom with others :-)

My third wedding anniversary is in a couple of weeks and I can hardly believe it. It seems like just yesterday we said “I Do.” We have been together for 10 years and I thank God every single day for my husband. We have been through so much together, but Team Collins is strong in love and blessed to be happily married. Part of having a successful marriage is learning to truly give yourself to your partner so you can grow together as one. But another part is learning from past mistakes and having the capacity to love each other no matter what. I definitely don’t consider myself anywhere near an expert on marriage, but I have learned quite a few things since becoming a wife. Here are a few tips that can help make your marriage last a lifetime:

* Before marriage, talk extensively about your wants and needs as well as the goals and expectations of your relationship. Be willing to compromise and seek premarital counseling if you need to.

* Keep God at the center of your marriage. Pray together, go to church and rejoice together. These things will make difficult times that much easier.

* Always be honest and truthful. Trust is vital to any relationship, especially a marriage.

* Listen to your partner. Don’t just listen to their words, but put yourself in their shoes and really try to understand their feelings and point of view.

* Keep learning from each other and supporting one another. Building up your spouse makes them a better individual and partner.

* Continue to get to know and understand your mate. Marriage is for life so make sure you not only love them, you like them and get them.

* Never say never. The unexpected can come at any time. Be open and flexible for your spouse. Trials will test your relationship, but the strong and committed partners get through it together.

* Have time together and apart. It is very important to spend time with your spouse. Life can get busy, but set aside some time that is just for the two of you to reconnect and bask in each other’s love. Time apart allows each of you to miss one another. Have some fun without your husband and have a girl’s night out. He will appreciate the time apart just as much as you.

* Be prepared to argue. Couples are mistaken and think that a ring and a wedding will magically make them happier. Communication can be difficult in a marriage simply because men and women think and act differently. And while we would all like to talk through every issue rationally, it doesn’t happen. But remember, arguing is still a form of communication. When you’re no longer arguing, the relationship may definitely be headed for trouble.

* Touch often. Kiss and hug your husband as much as possible. Tell him you love him and appreciate him, but also show him. Men need and want to feel wanted. It will also keep stress levels down and makes marriage that much better. Just do whatever you do to keep a smile on his face ;-)

* Be discreet. Keep private things just between the two of you. Your union is the most sacred relationship you have and you want to be a trustworthy spouse. If your friends and family try to get involved, tell them to let you live your life the way you see fit.

* Don’t compare your marriage to anyone else’s. You never know what is going on in their household.

* Always be his bride. After the honeymoon period is over and the normalcies of life start again, we as women try to live up to these extremely high standards of what a wife should be. We get so focused on what we think we should be doing, we begin to neglect and even isolate our spouses. Remind your husband of your wedding day often and all the excitement that followed it. Take the pressure off and just be the best wife & bride you can be!

Kelly Collins is a 28 year-old college-educated, Georgia Peach currently residing in Raleigh, NC with her awesome husband DeAntony, and their beautiful little boy, Preston. Other than being a wife and mother, she is also a full time nanny during the day. She is what she calls a ‘Non-traditional Southern Belle’ with a touch of Mary Poppins. In her spare time she loves to write, run and cook/bake. Visit her blog for more information!

Happily living the Best of Both Worlds!

My Ultimate Day Fall Season Wardrobe!

 

Nothing screams fall then a new wardrobe! I love mixing prints like a little plaid with a cozy fall sweater for the ultimate fall look. For some edge, try adding a few tough accessories to make it extra fabulous, here we have gold studs with a statement bracelet. And since Im always on the run meeting clients a cute pair of cheetah flats and big black bag complete my day look! Happy Fall Fashion!

1. Zara Plaid Studio Cape 

2. Chunky Sweather

3. Vince Camuto Bullet Proof Hinged Bracelet

4. Anthropologie Dame Collar

5. Zipper Satchel Bag

6. Zara Cheetah Ballerina Flats

Recap: The Wedding Salon at the Madison Hotel

A couple Monday nights ago I attended The Wedding Salon with one of our upcoming favored couples. We had a great time seeing all of the bridal fashion, decor inspiration and of course wedding cake tasting!

Check out some of the pictures from the event below.

#BrideToBride: Advice from a Planner's Perspective

Hey Bride!

So I know you were expecting advice from an actual Bride, and not see my single and sassy self on the front lol BUT this week I decided to do something a little different. Oh and by the way that isn’t my boo with me in the picture above, well not in real life that is lol but heeeeeeeeeeeey Jay Ellis *waves, winks* A girl can dream right lol.

I have been working for Favored by Yodit Events for about 10 months now and I have learned sooooo much. Not so much about married life, but about wedding day woes. As a planner/ coordinator you experience and see a lot of the background happenings at weddings that can be easily avoid. Check out my #BrideToBride Advice from a Planner's Perspective below.

1. Avoid your bridal party members pulling double duty as a vendor: I know your best friend/maid of honor is the only person in the world that can get your baby hairs to slick down just right, and your momma cooks mac and cheese so good it makes you want to slap HER momma. However, if they need to get ready as well as take care of another big task more than likely they are going to be late, which could in turn cause delays in the wedding. The best bet is to hire an outside vendor to do your hair, makeup, cater, etc so that everything can get the attention it needs and stay on track.

2. Don’t Skimp on the Photographer: I know Cousin Ray Ray has been taking all the pictures for the family reunions for years and he can pick a Instagram filter like its nobody’s business, but weddings are a different ballgame. A picture perfect moment happens in an instant, and when it’s gone it’s gone. You can’t redo the look on your groom’s face when he sees you walking down the aisle, or your first kiss as husband and wife, or grandma twerking on cousin Steve. A photographer that is accustomed to doing weddings, will capture the essence of your day. Don’t be afraid to ask for samples of their work and google wedding pictures that you like so that you can give them a clear vision of what you want and are expecting.

3. Plan ahead and Prepare in advance: Make a checklist of everything that needs to get done for the wedding ie Hair, nails, makeup, pick up candles, pick up dress, etc and complete as many as those tasks that you can in advance. The last thing you want to do is wake up the day of your wedding and have to worry about a manicure or stress about running to the dollar store to pick up tea candles. At the very latest, try and purchase décor items a month in advance. This may sound extreme but trust me it’s better to have those items sitting in the basement then scrambling at the last minute and stressing yourself out. Get your nails done and hair prepped the night before. It will make the morning of your big day a lot calmer.

4. Get on Pinterest: I am convinced sweet baby Jesus himself created this website. Everything you can think of can be found on this site. No matter if you are looking for decor ideas, wedding dresses, color palette inspiration or creative wedding shoots Pinterest has it! For my budget conscious brides, Pinterest has a lot of creative DIY (do-it-yourself) ideas that look amazing. So do yourself a favor and create an account. Thank me later.

5. Hire a planner or at the very least a day of coordinator: I’m not just saying this because I work for the greatest event planning company, Favored by Yodit Events. There are a million things that need to be done the day of your wedding and trust me YOU do not want to worry about any of them, nor do you want your maid of honor stalking all of your vendors to make sure they show up on time. It is your day so relax and let someone else stress about all the details. since you are already here, (inserts shameless plug *kanye shrug*) contact us for all of your wedding needs!

Congratulations on your engagement!!

Your Future Wedding planner *wink wink*,

Carol

Recap: Fab and Favored Bridal Bootcamp

On September 21, Favored by Yodit Events teamed up with The Fab Body Factory to whip a few future brides and their bridesmaids into shape. It was a great event filled with 20 lovely ladies ready to workout doing wedding inspired exercises. The Fab and Favored Bridal Bootcamp was a kickoff for celebrity trainer Deanna Jefferson's 6-week Bridal Bootcamp starting Oct. 5. For more information about the bootcamp and to see a few photos from the event, continue reading below.

Get ready to walk down the aisle toned & fit! We understand that every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day, but budgets are tight and the clock is ticking. For ONLY $125 ($42/person) you and 2 bridal party members can train with celebrity NIKE trainer, Deanna Jefferson, for 6 weeks in preparation for your BIG DAY! To Register and for more information click here.

Stella & Dot - Wedding Jewelry Styling

The Fab Body Factory - Personal Training & Fitness

Shea Suite - All Natural Body Creams for Gifts and Skin Care

Photo Booth by Surpass Visuals - Event Photography

A Special Thank you to all of our vendors

• Favored by Yodit Events - Event Planning & Coordination
• The Fab Body Factory - Personal Training & Fitness
• Stella & Dot - Wedding Jewelry Styling
• Shea Suite - All Natural Body Creams for Gifts and Skin Care
• Surpass Visuals - Event Photography
• Hair by Serena - Hair Stylist

We would also like to thank our Sponsors for the great gift bags!

• Luna Bar
• Evolve Protein shake by Muscle Milk
• Eat Your Vegetables chips
• Vita Coco
• Kind Bars
• Hemp Hearts
• Body Armor

Spring 2014 – Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Bridal Edition

It’s never too early or late to find your dream wedding dress in fact most of us have an idea of what we want to wear when walking down the aisle on our big day. Mercedes Benz Fashion week isn’t complete without a bridal collection from our favorite designers. Top designers like Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Pnina Tornai, Galia Lahva and Amsale are just a few to preview their Spring 2014 Wedding Collection at fashion week in New York. They all had different approach in mind when it came to creating their numbers for their highly anticipated spring line.  Vera Wang

 

Amsale 

Monique Lhuillier

#BrideToBride: Top 7 Things New Brides Should Know

I was asked to write a blog from the perspective of a wife to a new bride. In doing this, it allowed me to take a step back and evaluate my marriage in order to identify key principles that work for my husband and I. To my surprise, I found myself not accepting some of the items on my own list. Below are the top 7 things that work for The Greenups:

1. Keep God in your marriage

Bottom line: When God is not in your marriage it leaves room for the enemy to sneak in and create chaos. Pray for your spouse to be able to face day to day life. (An excellent book is “Power of a Praying Wife” by Stormie Omartian)

2. Happy wife…happy life

Often times I say this to my husband jokingly when I do not get my mind. However, I have found that I have to say this to myself because I do not take care of myself as I should. I have found that I get so caught up in being a good mom to my son and supportive wife to my husband that I forget to take for myself. What do I mean by taking care of myself? For example, I will make sure everyone in the house has eaten and forget to eat myself due to other items I need to get done for my home of my family. This often ends in me being sick or burnt out. When married, make sure you remind yourself to take of YOU! It is impossible to be a good wife if you are not healthy. This includes mind, body, and spirit.

3. He is who he is and will not change just because you say “I do”

Some women get so caught up in the mindset that “he will change once we are married.” WRONG! He is who he is. The same laid back demeanor and quiet disposition that my hubs has and the reason I fell for him is the same laid back demeanor and quiet disposition that works my last nerves at times. When this happens, I must take a step back and remind myself why I love this man and chose to marry him. As women we often get caught up in trying to mold and perfect things….eventually you have to let your man be who he is….flaws and all. The one thing men need to know is that you love him unconditionally with not only all his good…but with all his bad as well.

4. Forgive and let go

This point should be started off by saying “PICK YOUR BATTLES.” (I find that I am guilty of this at times.) If you find yourself always complaining about the socks he leaves in the middle of the floor, eventually he is going to get tired of hearing it….and you will be tired of saying it. Just save yourself the stress and kick the socks towards the dirty clothes hamper. Arguments should never be about right or wrong. It should be about what will encourage a healthier relationship. This is done by talking (not yelling) through issues and not only forgiving your spouse…but letting it go. By not letting go of an issue, they will fester over time and cause you to operate in your marriage as if you are in a war. Operating in your marriage as you would do in a war will cause you to look at your spouse as the enemy and not your partner. It is impossible to be happy and enjoy life when you are constantly in “defense mode.”

5. Men think differently from women

I am going on my fourth year of marriage and have been with my husband for eight years. So on top of thinking differently because he is a man, he is also left-handed!!! (My son is too and they look at me like I’m abnormal) This is one thing I struggle to understand! For instance, I have to allow him to things HIS way….no matter how much I disagree with his process of doing them. It is important to build your man up and not tear him down.

6. Men need sex AT LEAST 2-3 times a week

This means, do NOT hold sex as punishment for a disagreement or an argument. Unlike women, men NEED this release. I know…it sounds so simple. But after the wedding, when life goes back to normal and more items get added to your “To Do” list….do not forget your spouse. Date nights are a necessity.

7. HAVE FUN!!!!!!!

Marriage should be a fun, ongoing adventure. It’s easy to get so caught up in life that you forget that you married your best friend. The fun should not end because you both said “I do”.

- From one bride to another, Mrs. Greenup

This is sBOOtacular! Stylish Party Goods

Halloween is right around the corner, are you ready to host your scary soiree in style? Carla David has everything you need including invitations, straws, stickers, bags, and wrappers. Any subtle details you can think of is available to you! Check out a few of the products after the break.

Order before Sept. 30th and receive 15% off of your spooky invitations. Happy Shopping!

Press: Are You Favored? An Interview With Yodit Gebreyes

Congratulations are in order once again for Favored owner Yodit Gebreyes who was recently interviewed by Elitedcmag.com!

Whether it’s a social or corporate event, a wedding, or designing that perfect party favor, Yodit Gebreyes of Favored has you covered. Elite DC was lucky enough to sit down and talk with her a bit about how she got into this business, her background, and what’s to come.

Having graduated from Georgetown University with her Master’s in Public Relations and Corporate Communications, I had to ask the question a lot of people want to ask entrepreneurs: do you even use your degree? Yodit immediately expressed that she’s a “big advocate for education” and that her professors were “her mentors,” and she was “able to learn not only from their triumphs, but from their failures and mistakes.”

To read the full interview head over to http://elitedcmag.com/magazine/index.php/2013/09/19/are-you-favored-an-interview-with-yodit-gebreyes/.

Source: Elitedcmag.com

Haunted Attactions: DIY Halloween Decor

Are you having a Halloween party but don't want to decorate with the typical orange and black scary decor? Class up the party with white and black decor or glitter pumpkins! They are really easy to do yourself and will still make your place look festive even after all of the fun is over. Check out some inspiration below and instructions to make your DIY glitter pumpkins.

Materials:

•A pumpkin (any size)

•Glitter

•Glue (Elmer's works fine)

•Paintbrush

•Cup of Water

 Instructions:

1. Mix the glue with a little bit of water in a cup so that it will be easier to paint on your pumpkin.

2. Paint your pumpkin with glue

3. Gently and carefully cover your pumpkin with glitter. You'll have to turn it a few times to get all the spots. If you need to, add a little more glue to any spots where the glitter doesn't take the first time.

4. Shake the pumpkin to remove any extra glitter.

5. Leave your pumpkin to dry, and enjoy!

Source: http://randomhandprints.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-of-halloween-day-14-how-to-make.html

Best Dressed and Under Budget

Wedding season is always upon us, weather you’re the maid of honor, bridesmaid or simply joining the newlyweds on their big day celebration you always want to look your best while trying to stay under budget. Here are 5 looks that we put together that are budget friendly from J.Crew, Zara, BCBG MAxariza, ASOS, and Nordstrom.

#BrideToBride: Getting Married: The Ins and Outs

Getting Married: The Ins and Outs

By: Dyonndra R. Moore

So the love of your life finally decides to get down on one knee and propose. Now you’ve got the ring….the bliss begins…and then the excitement hits you. “I’M GETTING MARRIED!!” Until….the planning begins. What do I do now? Where do I begin? What kind of dress do I buy? How many bridesmaids shall I have? Where should I get married? Should I do a local wedding or should I do a destination wedding? All of these questions begin to bombard your mind at once and it seems as though you are beginning to have an internal battle with yourself.

As this may be true, the number one thing you want to remember is that your wedding day is just that: A DAY- or moreover, a few hours. Before you know it, it’s all a memory. Don’t sweat the small stuff for something that is going to last a few hours. Remember that the marriage is more important than the wedding. Take everything in as much as you can because it will go by so much quicker than you know and with the mix of emotions, family, and friends, you probably will not remember much of that one day you have stressed yourself out over for the last couple of months or for some the last year or so.

Some tips on making your wedding day as memorable as you can:

1. Make sure you have more than 1 photographer (if your budget allows) to capture every bit of your day from every angle possible.

2. Plan to have at least 1 videographer (2 if your budget allows) so that you can always have a live copy of your special day. Trust me; you will want this because your day will go by so quickly that you will look at your new spouse and say, “what happened on our wedding day?” It’s also something you can show to your friends and family who are unable to make your special day and furthermore, a great memory to have for your children and grandchildren.

3. Something is going to go wrong. Nothing will be perfect. Make sure you breathe and laugh at the small things. For example, on my wedding day, the power went out on the entire island of Oahu in Hawaii just an hour before my ceremony was to begin. Go figure! As long as you stay positive, everything will work out just fine.

4. Don’t be afraid to talk to others who have gone through the wedding planning jitters phase. You will learn so much from their experiences and will definitely feel more at ease once you learn you are not alone in this. You will see that every bride has gone through something. Nobody’s wedding planning experience is perfect – BELIEVE ME!

5. MOST IMPORTANTLY – Have fun!!! You’ve been planning this day forever- Reward yourself! You’ve spent thousands and thousands of dollars, stressed out to the point of mental breakdown (or wait, maybe that was just me!), and you’ve run yourself all over the world and back to make this day as special as possible. Now sit back and enjoy it all! You deserve it! If you have to delegate tasks to your bridal party – do so. Use your wedding planner to your full advantage as well – that’s what you’re paying them for. Your wedding day is just that – YOUR wedding day! Have a blast and make it memorable.

My brides to be: Use all the tools you can to learn about how to make this day the best day possible. Research books, magazines, and especially blog sites such as this one. These blog sites will give the best ideas because you are able to get first hand advice from real brides who have been exactly where you are right now. Good luck and have a wonderful, blissful married life!

You're Invited: Imagine! Vendor Showcase at the Carnegie Library