Cute & Tasty Treat, Perfect for a Girls Night In!!

Umm Delish!!!  Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries

Ingredients:

-1 lb large strawberries

-8 oz. cream cheese, softened (can use 1/3 less fat)

-3-4 tbsp powdered sugar (4 tbsp for a sweeter filling)

-1 tsp vanilla extract

-graham cracker crumbs

Directions:

1. Rinse strawberries and cut around the top of the strawberry. Remove the top and clean out with a paring knife, if necessary (some may already be hollow inside). Prep all strawberries and set aside.

2. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Add cream cheese mix to a piping bag or ziploc with the corner snipped off. Fill strawberries with cheesecake mixture. Once strawberries are filled, dip the top in graham cracker crumbs. If not serving immediately, refrigerate until serving.

Talented Thursdays...Pure Romance by Michelle Wyatt Coonen

Today we have the privilege to speak to another great vendor, Michelle Wyatt Coonen with Pure Romance.   Romance is very important to make a marriage last.  Michelle is just the person to talk to to keep things fun and fresh in your relationship.  Ladies (and Gents), you are in for a treat!

Tell us more about you and your business:

I started in Pure Romance in 2006 as a part time independent consultant. At that time I was full time Real Estate Broker raising a teenage daughter and going through a divorce. I was looking for a way to make a little extra money to go along with my real estate commissions and Pure Romance provided that for me. Along the way I went on to work a regular paying J-O-B (just over broke) for a few years as I continued with my Pure Romance business. One day it dawned on me "I'm making 4 times more per hour in Pure Romance than I am at my J-O-B". So I quit my regular paying job and took the leap to become a full time Pure Romance Consultant. It was the best move I could've ever made! Being able to be flexible with my schedule, coupled with the opportunity to empower so many women is a wonderful thing! 

How does your business relate to Brides-to-Be?

I know that planning a wedding can be stressful! I've been in their shoes! Pure Romance by Michelle Wyatt Coonen gives the bride to be a chance to shine before the wedding. My bachlorette parties are all about "her". Everything is educational and fun! From time to time, I come across brides who just want to have a good time with the entire bridal party, but not the typical bachlorette party. Again, it's really all about "her" and the needs she has to bond with her bridal party, as well as let off a little of the stress that has built up along the way. 

You are very creative and fun, what are some ideas that brides can look forward to when booking you?

It's totally FREE to book a party with me. It's been a popular question lately "How much do you charge to do a bachlorette party?". I do not charge for the party! I get paid by the amount of sales at the party! For the bachelorette I provide 15% of the party sales to go towards the purchases for the bachlorette. Think of it this way, if the party generates $500 in sales, the bachlorette has $75 to spend on herself! 

Brides can look forward to a couple hours of fun, laughs and games with their friends. Everything is very tastefully and respectfully done. This is the time for the bride to sit back and let someone else do all the work! I like to have the opportunity to meet with the bride to be and find out exactly what she wants from the party. With being an experienced Pure Romance consultant, I have gathered a lot of information along the way to make this an experience the bride will remember for years to come. Some brides prefer to do a relaxed party with a 'pajama party', some host a 'little black dress party' with wine and chocolate, some get all prettied up for a limo ride after the party. Whatever the bride decides on, it's sure to be a great night after a Pure Romance by Michelle Wyatt Coonen!

Anything you would like to add?

Most people think of having bachelorette parties on the weekends, but in the interest of getting more for the bride, I offer 20% in party sales to the bachlorette for a party booked Monday - Thursday. 

I look forward to hearing from you! Mention that you saw my feature here and there will be an extra special gift for you!

Michelle Coonen

Pure Romance Consultant

828.320.3741

prbymichellecoonen@gmail.com

www.myhomeromance.com

Find me on Facebook "Pure Romance by Michelle Wyatt Coonen"

Follow me on Twitter @PRMichelleC

Wordless Wednesdays...The Picture Says it All

From one of our favorite! Michael Clark Photographers.  www.michaelclarkphotographers.com

property of Michael Clark Photographers

He travels all over the world to ensure you get the perfect wedding coverage. Check out his special!
Anyone who books us during the months of November thru January will be offered our premium package for the 30% less. Package includes FULL DAY WEDDING COVERAGE,ENGAGEMENT SESSION, WEDDING STORY DVD,USB DRIVE OF THE EDITED IMAGES WITH THE RIGHTS TO REPRODUCE AND A 10X10 WEDDING ALBUM.. SPECIAL PRICE. $3200.00. WITHOUT THE ALBUM 
$2100..

Only a few dates left.  

Music Mondays

Love this!!

Underneath it All- No Doubt

Freedom Friday...The Notebook

One of amazing Event Coordinators, Pariss Coleman, wrote today's blog based on the wonderful meeting, The Notebook.  An awesome movie about our favorite topic...Love.  Thanks Pariss!

Why we love The Notebook

The Notebook, based on the novel be Nicholas Sparks, debuted in 2004 staring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. It’s one of those movies that you just have to see and if you have yet to see this film you are truly missing out. The Notebook is about our favorite topic, l-o-v-e. The connection between the couple in this movie was undeniable and something that many of us fantasize about. There are tons of reasons why we absolutely adore The Notebook, but here are our top three.

1.  Real Love

Noah and Allie were madly in love. Throughout the film, their love for one another grew and their bond was so close that nothing could come between them. Noah looked at Allie as if the entire world revolved around her and Allie was in love with everything about her relationship with Noah. This is what we all dream of one day finding, that one person who means the world to us. Everyone wants to find that one person in the world that understands and makes you feel complete. The characters in this film had that and more and for those of us who have yet to find that companion, it’s nice to see it exist in this film.

2.  What is Meant to be Will Be

Every relationship goes through it’s ups and downs and Noah and Allie were no exception. Despite their obstacles, they still found a way to stay close. I’m sure many of you wonder if the one that got a way will ever return, or if you will one day rekindle an old flame. But this film shows us that whatever is meant to me will be. No matter what your current relationship situation is, go with the flow. Take everything easy and let things happen naturally. The key is to remember to stay true to ourselves first and foremost and let everything else fall into place. You will know if you’re with “the one” and if you haven’t figured it out yet, don’t worry....that person will find you eventually. Love is patient.

3.  Happily Ever After

We’ve all seen movies that end like a fairytale but never like this. In an attempt not to spoil it for the people who have never seen The Notebook, just remember to keep tissues nearby. A lot of people enjoy happily ever afters and some do not. People who are indifferent towards happily ever afters may feel that way because the odds are slim to none. Think about it, how many “happily ever after” stories do you know that weren’t featured on the big screen? But after getting so wrapped up into this film, trust me, it won’t even matter. You will find yourself in love with the idea of love as well as this beautiful movie.

The Notebook is all about eternal love and reminds of how beautiful it is to be passionately in love with someone. Everything about the film made it simply magical, from the acting to the scenery and the fact that Ryan Gosling is one fine man. If you’re a fan of The Notebook, make it a movie this weekend! If you’re seen it before, maybe watch it with your boyfriend but remind him that it’s okay to cry. Ladies if you’re spending time with your girls this weekend, make it a girls night and keep those tissues handy. :-)

Talented Thursdays...Carolina Cake Artistry

Now a days finding the perfect cake has become one of the most important to-do's when planning an event, especially a wedding.  Many have gone from your traditional multi-tier white cake to do some amazing creations, infusing both the bride's and groom's taste and wedding theme.  Today we talked to the awesome Dayna Robidux with Carolina Cake Artistry about the art of baking and what inspires her.  Bon  Appetite!

Q: How would you describe your overall style of baking and decorating?

A:  Very artistic, that's my background!

Q: What do you like most about Weddings?

A: I love the romance, its such a wonderful time in a bride and grooms life, they are so in love


 and it just takes my breath away when I can make a wonderful, artistic, fun, beautiful, amazing cake or cupcakes for them!

Q: Why did you get into wedding cakes?

A: Again I love the story each wedding tells and what better way to tell the story then with cake! So that's why I got into making them and its a great medium for me to work with!

Q: What is the best advice you would give to Brides planning there 2012 wedding?

A: Make sure you have a tasting and find out about all the hidden expenses. And make sure you love the design and overall concept or change it!!!

I'd just like to add:

I'm actually an artist before a baker so I really enjoy the different designs and ideas the brides come up with. Its so much fun to hear their designs and be able to make it possible with cake!

If you "Like" my fb page you can receive up to 10% off!

Thanks, Dayna

www.carolinacakeartistry.com

Wordless Wednesdays...The Picture Says it All

Music Mondays...Beyonce Addition

We were inspired by listening to Beyonce's latest albums. Here are two songs that would be great for any wedding day soundtrack!

Beyonce- End of Time



Beyonce- 1+1

Freedom Friday!!! 2012 Haute Bridesmaids Gown

Long gone is the tradition of the ugly bridesmaids gowns.  It is still true, that no one should outshine the bride on her day, the bridesmaids do not have to be punished anymore with unsightly fashion. Remember when you look back on your pictures, you do not want to wonder what it was you were thinking about for picking the dresses you have.  A lot of gowns are also geared towards multiple wears, so that a bridesmaid can wear it beyond the wedding.  Remember, if you can't come up with a great color, you can always do a cute black dress and accessorize with your shoes, flowers, and jewelry in the colors of your wedding.

Wordless Wednesdays...The Picture Says it All

Beautiful picture from the awesome team at  LunahZon Photography. Be sure to check them out! http://www.lunahzon.com