The Fake Wedding Cake -- An inexpensive alternative!

Fake Cake for your wedding? Before you turn your nose up about the idea of this new trend, think about it, we have fake teeth, fake designer bags, fake hair and nails, and so on. Isn't everything about the presentation? So, why not go with a fake cake to save money?

The concept is very simple. Fake cakes are usually made of styrofoam and Permaice icing or they can be decorated with real icing. -- Most cakes, offer a spot where you can insert a piece of real cake (there is a slice cut out of the styrofoam) - and the bride and groom can actually cut the (fake cake) and produce a real slice of cake. And, you can have the top tier as a real cake if you like (the one you save for your anniversary.)

For the budget-minded bride and groom, fake cakes are a less costly alternative to buying an expensive wedding cake. The idea is to have an elegant, multi-tiered pretend cake for show while serving guests slices from a real, tasty and inexpensive sheet cake (usual hidden in the back room : )

If you think about it, at most weddings, after a bride and groom take the traditional first slice of their real wedding cake, it's often wheeled away from guests, out of their sight, to be cut up and served on plates. Do the same thing using a fake cake and a sheet cake, and guests will be none the wiser."

Fish Bowl as a Table Centerpiece! Quite nice really!

Summer Wedding? Summer Party. Member of the party a fisherman or love the water? There is so much you can do with this fish vase. One option that is rater beautiful is to use it as a centerpiece. You can fill it with colored water and water plants or if you dare... beta fish. A lucky guest at the table gets to take it home. It's quite striking and beautiful. Your guests will be sure to be talking about this centerpiece! Or, if you go to the carnival and get at gold fish -- this makes a plain ol' nice fish bowl!

Handblown Glass Fish Bowl A definite conversation starter! This beautifully detailed Handblown Glass Fish Bowl can be filled with a colorful beta or decorative rocks and plants. The bowl can also be used as a candy jar. Hand wash recommended

Cute Holiday Favors for your Winter Wedding

Personalized Couples Cocoa Cone - Multiple Designs Available

Like a great love story this favor is sweet and surprising. A serving of delicious cocoa complete with a mound of marshmallows and pink and white heart candy is cleverly presented in a cone-shaped favor bag. Plus the
cone bears the bride and groom's names and wedding date. With a lovely organza ribbon this cocoa cone creates one of the most original favors your guests will have ever seen! Due to personalization this product has a minimum order requirement of 24. To ensure freshness, please enter desired delivery date below. If you would like to order a sample, please enter the number of samples you would like to order below. Please note: if you order less than 24 favors, your own personalization will not appear on the favors.

Holiday glass wine stoppers
Whether you're hosting a holiday party or having a winter wedding, these glass winter theme wine ... more info.

Dr. Siegel's Cookie Diet: A Dessert to Diet for!

Love my sweets! And I am weak, weak, weak! I admit it! And the idea of eating cookies and losing weight is very enticing to say the least. With this in mind I am trying Dr. Sanford Siegal's COOKIE DIET™ (they are not your ordinary cookie). And, in the spirit of Jim Henson's Cookie Monster, "Me Need Cookie!"

To give a little background, these cookies were created in 1975 in Dr. Siegel's kitchen when he introduced them to his diet patients to help curb their hunger cravings. According to Seigel, the cookies work because they suppress hunger longer than most diet foods. And, he states, "It's no secret that to burn fat, you have to eat less calories than your body requires, and that is hard to do when you're hungry." Which is precisely what his cookies are for -- they suppress hunger and you can just them in conjunction with other diets.

The cookies are FDA approved and come in chocolate, oatmeal raisin, blueberry, coconut and banana. They contain amino acids and proteins. The consistency is light and spongy (like a muffin or fruit bread). They can be eaten cold or heated in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. and here is the best part ... you can eat six cookies per day when hungry. Dinner is the one meal allowed on the cookie diet and you should eat a lighter meat dish with veggies.

According to Siegel (and I agree) most diets don't work because if you are hungry you are hungry and Dr. Siegal's COOKIE DIET™ more than 500,000 people have lost weight eating cookies.. Hope I can make it 500,001! So, I'll keep you posted : )

Handfasting Ribbon Set to Symbolize your Commitment!

The ancient Celtic tradition of handfasting is a wonderful way for couples (Irish or not!) to symbolize a commitment and eternal bond during a wedding ceremony. Each of the thirteen colorful ribbons has a special meaning like unity, honor, prosperity and energy. The ribbon set measures 3 feet long and arrives in an organza bag. Included are directions for use, suggested prayers and a complete list of the symbolic meaning of your ribbons.

Beach Wedding? You nedd Barefoot Sandals .. Pearls for your feet!

Just found the neatest online store (look at the banner ad on the side -- you can get 10% off your orders)... at any rate... pearls for your feet, your neck and wrist. And, they are so unique. Great for dressing up or down. And, I love to talk about small businesses.... the designer Michele began making barefoot sandals, or "Jewels" as she calls them, after returning from her wedding in Hawaii. She had a simple ceremony with a handful of friends and family, and as part of her casual wedding-day ensemble had purchased a pair of barefoot sandals. Although she loved the look of the sandals, she thought the options for classy but affordable sandals were limited... so she started designing her own ... and has grown.....

Beaded Photo Tile Necklace

This gorgeous necklace is beautiful all by itself with gemstone chips, bali silver beads and Swarovski pearls, but, we add a photo tile strung onto a sterling silver clasp to make it perfect! Since ... more info.

Bridal Pearls Anklet

Adorn your feet with this anklet featuring Swarovski pearls. This is a simple yet pretty anklet.

Bridal Pearls Barefoot Sandals

Adorn your feet with these beautiful barefoot sandals featuring Swarovski pearls.

Bridal Pearls Bracelet

Adorn your hands with this bracelet featuring Swarovski pearls. This is a simple yet pretty bracelet. Available in many pearl colors for the entire bridal party.

Create your own Edible Flowers

Create Delicious Candied flowers

Recipe By Edain McCoy's "Ostara"

Petals from any edible flower (These flowrs may be safely eaten and are suggested for this recipe: Pansy, violet, rose, nasturtium, gladiola, carnation, dianthus, calendula, squash blossom, lilac, marigold, dandelion, peach blossom, plum blossom, orange blossom, hibiscus, geranium, bachelor button, snapdragon, jasmine, gardenia, and angelica.)

• Several well-beaten egg whites
• Vanilla extract
• Bowl of granulated sugar
• Directions
• Mix a few drops of vanilla into the egg whites.
• Dip a paintbrush in the egg whites and coat the petals.
• Dip petals into sugar until coated, then spread on wax paper to dry.
• Use to decorate cakes, cookies or anything else you like.

**You cannot use flowers bought at a florist for this recipe!! Many commercially-bought flowers contain pesticides and it is not worth it to ingest poison. Please obtain all flowers from organic retailers or from home-grown sources.**

.... or you be like me and buy them : )

DIY Brides ... Crochet your own Wedding cake!

After a wedding feast, the last thing anyone's got room for is a thick slab of heavy cake...so here's your perfect solution: a beautifully decorated crocheted wedding cake! In this delicious-looking design, crocheted alpaca creates a sumptuous wedding cake with buttercream frosting. Not merely decorative, the “layers” may be used for storing and protecting china dishware.
This is just one of the fabulous patterns on offer at Berroco, a treasure-trove of patterns that I'd totally overlooked until now. In its pattern library you can browse for knit and crochet projects of all sorts, either by style or skill level.

: ) Zero Wedding Calories!

Two Hearts Unity Candle Set...

Two Hearts Candle Set. Includes 3"x 9" unity candle , two 6" dripless taper candles and stand , and two 3"x 6" gift candles .

A traditional design gets a touch of whimsy with two floating hearts dancing above your names and wedding date. Includes 3"x 9" unity candle, two 6" dripless taper candles and stand, and two 3"x 6" gift candles. You can specify white or ivory candles, silver or gold accessories, ink colors, name, and wedding date.

Bride's Against Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and this weeks newsletter regards
information on donating your gown should you wish to help support "Brides Against Breast Cancer." Not everyone will want to do this, but for those of you who do, hopefully the newsletter will help you to follow through and do so. On another note, we are updating our site. Laptop Bride and would love to know what you think of the new site. Is it helpful? What changes would you make, etc. And, as usual, don't forget to check out the The Halloween Themed Wedding. from last week.

As always, remember to bookmark us so your newsletter doesn't go in your bulk folder : )

Laptop Bride

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Give a Gift of Charity

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Plain and Simple. And, if you know someone who has been through any type of Cancer, you know how devastating it is. If you are planning a wedding and want to purchase a meaningful gift for your wedding party, mothers of the groom and bride or even yourself... this is the perfect gift. It's $125.00, beautiful and unique and a real steal from Baily Banks and Biddle. Plus, the jewelry store will give free Fed Ex shipment on this. In a way you are giving 2 gifts -- one to your friends and one to Cancer research. More importantly it will make you feel good. : )

Affordable & Beautiful

Laura Gibson Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet

Exclusive to Bailey Banks & Biddle, this stunning sterling
silver piece by Laura Gibson is aglow with freshwater cultured
pearls, rose quartz, pink tourmaline, white crystal and a pink
breast cancer charm. 10% from the purchase of each bracelet goes
directly to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Only $125.00 with
complimentary Fed Ex Shipping.

Pearl Jewelry ... Why it's traditional for your wedding day.

Bridal Jewelry~ With an emphasis on pearls . . .

Since the beginning of time, pearls have been a symbol of unblemished perfection. They are the oldest known gem. Pearls symbolize purity and innocence which is why they are so much a part of wedding jewelry. In the Rigveda, an ancient Hindu book dating back to 1000 B.C. Krishna, the preserver, brought forth pearls from the depths of the sea to give to his daughter on her wedding day. Thus started the tradition of giving pearls to the bride.

Did you know . . during the Crusades, gallant knights returning from the Holy Lands would bestow pearls to their "fair ladies" for their wedding days; and that pearls were at the height of wedding fashion with royal weddings in the French House of Burgundy in the 14th and 15th century? Everyone from the bride to her male guests were adorned in glowing pearls.

From Queen Elizabeth I to our modern Queen Elizabeth II, the tradition of wearing pearls on the wedding day has continued. At the beginning of the 20th century, pearls were as much a nuptial gem in the United States as diamonds are today.

Today, the tradition of bestowing pearls upon the bride continues. Often the father of the bride or the groom gives the gift of pearls. Many brides give their bridesmaids pearl necklaces, bracelets or earrings too. In addition to being able to wear pearls for pretty much any social event (they are a staple) they make a great heirloom, keepsake to pass down. Visit LaptopBride.com for some great links to pearl jewelry - at both affordable and extravagant prices.

New Favor Trends for the Coffee, Tea or Asian Themed Wedding

We have been revamping our website (LaptopBride.com) and in the process looking at all the new favors, gowns, shoes... etc. on the market. We came across these two favors which are wonderful for a "tea or coffee" theme or asian themed wedding. So cute and inexpensive we had to post them:

ORIGAMI FORTUNE COOKIE (featured on NBC's Today Show)

Experience the Orient with these unique hand crafted origami fortune cookies. With an array of delightful colors, these paper cookies are an ideal party favor to say thank you to your guest. Each origami cookie can be customized with an imprinted ribbon. Have the bride and groom's name and wedding date printed as a memento. (Sold in assorted colors and print design.), and this cute tea favor:

Jasmine Blooming Tea

Let your wedding guests know your "Love has Blossomed" as they marvel at the sight and pleasant aroma of this unique flower tea favor. Just drop the jasmine tea bud into hot water and watch it bloom right before your eyes. A beautiful flower inside each bud is then revealed.Each flower tea is composed of fresh and natural dried flowers and a blend of jasmine and green tea leaves. It also comes in your choice of three beautiful handmade silk pouches. Choose from Jasmine & Lily (gold silk bag), Globe Amaranth & Chrysanthemum (white silk bag), or Rose (red silk bag), each fills the air with jasmine. Add an artistic touch of elegance and awe to your wedding by using it as a centerpiece. This tea favor is also great for bridal tea parties or just for entertaining guests at home.

Brewing Instructions:1. Place the dry flower tea bud into a glass or clear tea pot.2. Add hot water into the glass and watch the flower bloom instantly.One dry tea bud can make up to 3 pots of tea. The flower will maintain its shape and appearance for about a week. • flowering tea: 1-1/4"L to 1"W• silk pouch: 3"L x 2"W

Rockabilly or 1940 Wedding ... Here's the dresses for you!

"I'll put a spell on you... and now you're mine ...." Here's the dress to do it. Another stunning design by Stop Staring! The one shoulder bodice and gathered area on the opposite side give this dress a truly unique look. It has built-in cups for support and the red satin fabric is accented with black tool and rhinestones over one bust. It has a back zip and the stretch in the fabric assures a great fit. Available at GetGoRetro.com and, if you don't like

what we have, we came across these other 2 stunning rockabilly retro look dresses that are to die for from
Shop Dress (nice shop -- free shipping, no restocking fees, no taxes). I really like this store : ) (Hate to give business away but you gotta give credit where credit is due )

Take a look at this Polka Dot Delight Evening Gown by Jovani This sweet and sassy polka dot evening gown by Jovani is strapless with a fitted bodice and a flared skirt. The gown is finished with a silk wrap at the empire waist that ties in the back with a beautiful bow. This is gorgous. Pair it with one of our Skull Rose Hair Pins from Lucky 11 -- and you will be bewitching.

Halloween Table Centerpieces and Fall Table Centerpieces

Looking for a great fall or Halloween themed table centerpiece for your celebration? Can't go wrong with the candles, candle holders and bowls at Illuminations. They offer wonderful candle holders, bowls, candles and wrought iron pieces that will blow your mind. The quality is wonderful and so are the prices. They are great go look at - and make a nice centerpiece gift for someone at the table! Fortunately, they also offer non-generic holiday candles and pieces as well. Worth checking them out!

It's the BALM -- The Sexpot Series of Makeup -- Love it!

I have a new set of favorite cosmetics. The new "The Balm" or "Sexpot Series" is fantastic. Great makeup at a great price... and I love, love, love the packaging. Lots of minerals to help the complexion. Affordable and the titles make you laugh. What more could a glam girl ask for? And there is a whole line of colors, shades and products. I only listed 3 -- but I'll tell you -- it's fun going through the whole gamut of this line!

TheBalm Hot Mama

What it is:A true all-in-one essential: sexy shadow, striking blush, subtle highlighter, and light-reflecting lip finisher tucked inside a go-anywhere compact.

What it is formulated to do:

The pinky-peach hue adds a splash of color to cheeks, a hint of shimmer to the lids, and illuminates your finest features.

theBalm Overshadow 100% Mineral Makeup, If You're Rich I'm Single

Overshadow
the sexpot series

If You're Rich, I'm Single ~ Mauve Pewter

The new Overshadow Series from theBalm features a collection of 100% pure mineral pigments in wearable colors that add a luxe look to the lid, taking the most subtle daytime shadow and amping it up for nighttime fun. Free of talc, preservatives, oil, and fragrance, this launch represents the first foray into the mineral market for theBalm.

The product allows tried and true shadow favorites to stay in the picture, but gives them a bit of an edge to make them feel fresh for a new season. The result? The Overshadow Series ~ a means by which to give the shadows already in your makeup arsenal a new dimension.

theBalm Pick-Up Liners Mini Eyeliner Pencils with Built-in Sharpener

Why start your new year off with just one man, when you can have three?
theBalm, the San Francisco based beauty company, introduces Pick-Up Liners in
three shades named after three of history's most romantic men: Casanova, Don Juan, and Romeo.

• For the playful girl in you try Casanova, a rich brown.
  
• For the ladies looking for a seductress use Don Juan, a true black.
  
• For the hopeless romantic use Romeo, a soft gray.

theBalm's new universally flattering trio of mini liners are designed to fit in the palm of your lady-like had to allow for ultimate control over your man. These easy to blend Pick-Up Liners provide a soft texture for easy application and long lasting finish. The vintage inspired packaging is on-the-go friendly and the built-in sharpener will help keep your eyes perfectly
lined and perfectly defined, and your men on point.

Two Cute Favors From Cheers!

Two cute favors everyone will be talking about. The champagne bucket is adorable and has an extra use - your guest can take it home and use it -- it's a kitchen timer. How cool is that! and the Princess Carriage is adorable as well. Plus this would be great for a halloween party, kids party or even a tea party!

Let's Celebrate! Kitchen Timer Wedding Favor

Available for $2.95 each at Cheers Favor Company

Happily Ever After Carriage Candle Wedding Favor

Available for $1.85 each at Cheers Favor Company