Not Your Mama's Wedding Dress: Have Your Wedding with a Unique Twist!

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You're no cookie-cutter bride.  Not by a long stretch.  You want a wedding that's distinctive, modern and shows off your personal style.    

Did I just describe you?  If so, this puts you on the trendy, short list... a 2011 resurgence of short wedding dresses hitting the wedding venues this Spring and Summer.  

Short wedding dresses, popular in the 1950s, have made a big comeback 61 years later.  

 (Marchesa)

"My beloved said to me, 'Rise up, my love, my fair one and come away.  For the Winter is past, the rain is over and gone.  The flowers are springing up and the time of the singing of birds has come.  Yes, spring is here.  The leaves are coming out and the grape vines are in blossom.  How delicious they smell!..."  Song of Solomon 2:10-13 

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Miracles and Blessings, Kiki here... how are you enjoying your Spring so far?  It's been a little chilly on our East Coast region, but mostly sunny skies, until this week.

Happy Belated April Fools Day!  Winter played an April Fools' Day trick on some of us North Easterners by waking us up to snow showers.  Fortunately, the snow flakes didn't stick and was over before noon. Good one, Winter... we'll see you in eight and a half months.  Until then, we'll be hanging out with our BFFs Spring and Summer.

Of course with Spring and Summer come a deluge of weddings and wedding renewals... traditional and the not-so-traditional.  Our  text-webisode, "Not Your Mama's Wedding Dress:  Have Your Wedding with a Twist," we hope will get you in the Spring and Summer wedding mood.

You're a soon-to-be-bride, and your goal is to stand out from all the past weddings your guests have attended.  Not only do you want to share your love and this new chapter with family and friends, you want your wedding to strike a distinctive chord in your guests' minds... whether you're having 20 or 200.   (above right - posh girl vintage)

A short and sassy wedding dress makes perfect sense for a destination beach wedding.  Perhaps a slightly below-the-knee or ballet-length vintage style for a morning or noonday church wedding is more to your liking.  Or maybe you're a Sci-Fi fan looking for a futuristic design for your museum wedding that will boldly go where none of your wedding guests have gone before.

 (Priscilla of Boston)

Let's take at peek at what our three iCafe Moderne Divas are choosing for their out-of-the-box upcoming Spring and Summer nuptials.

Lara, 25 -- an Advertising Copywriter --  plans to jet off this Memorial Weekend for her Las Vegas nuptials with her 80 guests.

She chose a cutting edge, feather dress that shows off her creative flair.  She's definitely no chicken.  Her maid-of-honor and two brides maids are choosing their own Little Black Dresses to wear for her black-and white Las Vegas wedding.

 (Justin Alexander)

Jocelyn, 35 -- an Interactive Designer -- will step out from programming codes and "tiptoe through the tulips" in New York's Botanical Gardens this June to start her new life styling in this nature-inspired Monique Lhuillier petal dress.

 (Monique Lhuillier)

Viola -- a Corporate Attorney -- celebrates her 40th birthday saying "I Do" to her high school sweetie on a romantic beach in Bermuda.  A few years ago, they re-kindled a high school romance at their 20th reunion.  For this second trip down Matrimony Road, she opted for a non-traditional dress with a playful wink of tradition.

She'll lose the long veil and wear a stylish hat.

 (Harlem's Heaven 2)

Not only are our iCafe Woman Moderne Brides-to-be wearing wedding dresses their way, they're transforming their receptions into one-of-a-kind dining experiences.  

Jocelyn's Botanical Nuptials
If Jocelyn had her way, desserts would always come before the meal.  No, she's not having dessert first at her buffet reception, but will have enough sweets to satisfy every sweet tooth.  

Vendor Ice Cream Cart

After sharing in Jocelyn's garden wedding, guests can cool off with their favorite ice cream bars from a Jack & Jill ice cream cart stationed in the reception ballroom after dinner plates are cleared.

A Chocolate Entree?
Guests will already be on a sugar high by the time they dig into their salad greens.  Who can resist nibbling on candy favorites at a well-stocked candy bar... yes, before dinner. 

But wait... it gets better.  They can have their steak and chocolate too.  One of her dinner entrees is a tantalizing Grilled Spicy New York Strip Steak with Chocolate Merlot Sauce... not surprising for this chocoholic bride. 

Tips on Planning a Candy Buffet 
1.  Select colorful eye-catching candy.  Choose 5-10 types of candy budget.  15-20 pounds.   Buy enough candy and in bulk at wholesalers and big box stores:  BJ's, Sam's Club and Costco's.

2.  Decide on whether you want to have retro candy, candy to match your wedding colors or theme... or you can have one kind, i.e, all licorice in different colors and shapes... all flavored jellybeans or mix and match several kinds, or have an assortment. (See above)
3.  Plan the candy by the size of the table and containers.
4.  Select containers -- clear plastic or glass.  Use different shapes and sizes.  If you plan in advance, or working on a tight budget--shop at flea markets, thrift stores... don't miss out on sales at stores like Target, Walmart and Kmart. (especially their dollar day sales)   Dollar Tree stores (and other dollar stores) are also great places to shop. 

Don't rule out donation centers.  You'll find a plethora of glass and plastic containers at Goodwill and The Salvation Army.  You may find some around the house.  Make sure you give them a good cleaning first, even the new ones.

5.  Place candy on risers.  Cover books, plastic containers, beach pails, or plastic milk crates with fabric to use as risers for the candy.  Make sure they'll hold the weight of your container and candy.
6.  Select a nice table cloth for the candy bar, or borrow one from a family member or friend. 
7.  Decorate the candy bar with a few childhood photos of the bride and groom, or a few items from their hobbies, favorite flower, artwork from children in the wedding party, etc.
8.  Get plastic scoops for the containers and small cellophane bags, or small white shopping bags.
 
Lara's Cotton Candy Las Vegas Reception
Lara loves cotton candy, so it's no wonder she's having Cotton Candy Shrimp appetizers and Cotton Candy as a base for non-alcoholic and alcoholic featured beverages at her open bar reception.  
For a non-alcoholic drink, put a small stick of cotton candy into a cocktail glass, add Mountain Dew or lemon soda and put in a maraschino cherry or cotton candy jelly beans.  

Lara fell in love with the Cotton Candy Martini she saw a chef make on WE-tv's hit reality series, "My Fair Wedding with David Tutera," for a "pretty-in-pink" wedding.

(Cotton Candy Martini)

(Cotton Candy Shrimp)
 
Wedding Cupcakes
You're breaking free from the tradition wedding cake mold and choosing the newest trend, gourmet cup cakes. 

 

 (Georgetown Cupcakes)

(Marrero Events)

Lara will forgo the wedding cake for cupcakes, but use a small cake as a topper that she'll freeze for their first wedding anniversary.

TIFFANY BOX DESSERTS 

 (Tiffany Wedding Cake with Matching Mini Favors)
(Made by www.teatimecakes.com)

 (Tiffany Wedding Cake)

Viola's Bermuda Wedding
Like Lara, Viola's nixing the tiered wedding cake and serving individual cakes in the shape of an open Tiffany-style box filled with cream and berries.  To tie in with her Tiffany blue, peach and ivory wedding colors, guests will enjoy peaches and cream wedding dress and tuxedo-shaped cookie favors.  

Since her groom is an elementary school principal and his favorite food happens to be a grilled cheese sandwich, (a cafeteria favorite for generations) they're having a grilled cheese station at the reception where guests can have their sandwiches made right before their eyes and filled with bacon, crab, lobster, salmon, ham, roasted peppers, etc.  

A Different Kind of Bouquet
Try a Mum wedding bouquet dotted with imitation pearls. 

Now let's test your wedding IQ.

DID YOU KNOW?
-- July through September weddings are the cheapest to plan.  
December through June are the most expensive.

-- Morning weddings with brunch receptions are less expensive because there's less alcohol consumed.  You can even eliminate a bar and offer only non-alcoholic drinks or a champagne toast.

Saving on the Dress
 -- You can purchase a used wedding gown from recent brides at the sites:  Wore it Once and Once Wed.
-- Want a high-end-looking gown for a budget price?  Contact a wholesale operation that will recreate a gown based on a photo and made in China.  The material may not be first rate, but if the design is more important for this one day use, it could be a great option.
-- Find an operation where you send them a photo and purchase your own material.  These businesses are found through EBAY under:  Wedding Gowns or type in "Wedding Gowns."

Caviar and Foie Gras... Natural Viagara Ice Cream?

 (environmental graffiti.com)

Happy Spring!

Popcorn, Guiness, Sea Salt, Garlic, Blue Cheese... Would you believe I'm naming ice flavors.  Oh yeah... ice cream flavors have come a long way, sister.  

 (ice cream cone)

Chocolate, vanilla and strawberry... are now a big yawn.  BORING.  Even former exotic flavors like Rum Raisin, Cookies & Cream, Strawberry Cheesecake and my favorite mango ice cream have taken a back seat to our 2011 flavors.

Curry, Chipolte and yes blue cheese have found their way into our world's favorite sweet treat.

"They were hungry and thirsty, and they were discouraged.  He satisfies the thirsty and fills up the hungry."  Psalms 107:5,9

 (colorful ice cream cones)

Miracles and Blessings... Kiki here, Happy First Day of Spring!  You've heard of Food Network's Cupcake Wars, well today... in honor of the first day of Spring, our iCafe Woman Moderne divas are having the first Annual iCafe Woman Moderne Crazy Ice Cream Flavors War.

It's getting crowded in here, as visitors and regulars cram into iCafe Woman Moderne to be a part of this unique text-webisode and to get a taste.  

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Are we highlighting ice cream flavors A-Z?  Not exactly.  Will we feature ice cream flavors from the exotic to the bizarre?  Absolutely. 

Armed with their ice cream machines and exotic ice cream recipes, our five iCafe Woman Moderne divas are ready to do battle.  

 (Joanne Hudson Kitchens Portfolio)

(Chic Aprons)

 

Dressed to impress in their designer aprons, we arranged our outlandish ice cream ingredients on the kitchen island in our open concept customer kitchen and set a time limit for each of the three competitions.  (You know we have to wear our cute kitchen aprons for women.)

Each competitor worked on a stainless steel table surrounding the kitchen arena for the ice cream prep, then made their ice cream magic in the electric churners placed in the kitchen. 

 Stainless Steel Work Table - 49"

Only the most unique ice cream flavors, tastiest and eye-catching presentation will win the coveted title of "Exotic Ice Cream War Winner."

They had to choose from these very different ingredients, that don't exactly scream ice cream: 

Curry paste, rose petals in prime (fully bloomed hot house roses), blue cheese, lobster meat, fresh lavender, pancake mix, Coco Krispies, raisin bread,  bacon, rice and cream of wheat.  

They can get anything from the pantry or fridge to add to the featured ingredient.

Before we get started, here are a few weird ice cream flavors to put you in the Ice Cream War frame of mind.

Licorice Ice Cream 

 (Environmental Graffiti)

I love black licorice, but I never thought of eating it on a waffle cone.

Foie Gras and Caviar Ice Cream?

(Oddee.com)

Created by French gourmet ice cream maker, Philippe Faur, this cone would need a payment plan.  Can't you picture the Foie Gras and Caviar cone at one of the  House Wives of Any City soirees? 

Natural Viagra Ice Cream?

(Oddee.com)

This falls in the "what will they think of next?" category.   Let's pray it stops there.

Okay, here are our four talented competitors and their crazy ice cream concoctions...

1.  Stephania (39) - Professional Organizer

She loves bacon and ice cream, need I say more?

Candied Bacon 
Ice Cream

(environmental graffiti)

2.  Marilyn (58) - Mixed Media Artist (Retired Financial Analyst)

She discovered garlic ice cream at a Garlic Festival she attended while vacationing in New Mexico.  She eats a lot of garlic for its health benefits.  Fortunately, she works alone in her studio.  But she stops eating garlic several days before she has a big exhibit.

Garlic Ice Cream

(environmental graffiti.com)

3.  Diandra (19) - Fashion Design Student/Web Designer  

This was a recipe she inherited from her grandmother who was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas.

Homemade Ice Cream Recipe

Rose Petal 
Ice Cream

Preparation:

Pick flowers in their prime, none in bud form nor fading.  Petals should not be damaged.  Petals should be picked while warm and dry.  To preserve the oil that gives them their delicate flavor, handle as little and as gently as possible.

You can also freeze rosebuds in water to make ice cube roses for iced tea or water.

Ingredients

1 cup - heavy cream

1 cup - whole milk

1 cup - sugar

5 large egg yolks

1 1/2 cups of loosely packed, very fragrant rose petals, washed and spun dry.  

Recipe

1.  Prepare ice bath by placing ice cub es in a large, flat bottomed container that will hold the bowl where the ice cream wil be chilled.

2.  Place the sugar and rose petals in a food processor fitted with the metal blade and make a paste.

3.  Place the heavy cream, milk and sugar paste in a medium sauce pan and place on medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.  Bring to a simmer and turn off heat.

4.  Place egg yolks in a medium bowl.  Whisk yolks until light; add the hot liquid slowly; whisk until the mixture is homogenized; return liquid to saucepan and cook on medium heat stirring constantly with wooden spoon, until it reaches a temperature of 180 degrees on a candy thermometer or coats the back of the spoon.  

5.  Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a clean container and place in the ice bath.  Once completely chilled, freeze in ice cream machine following the manufacturer's instructions.

6.  Serve in a parfait or champagne glasses/ drizzle with honey and adorn with a few fresh rose petals.  Yum! 

 (Rose Petal Ice Cream - Twirl and Tasty.com)

4. Lisa (28) - Dentist

She found this recipe in an issue of Bon Appetite and never had the nerve to make it until now.   Hey, this is Ice Cream War.  Go bold... or go home!

 

Coconut Curry Ice Cream

From Bon Appetit

Makes 5 1/2 cups

32 oz unsweetened coconut cream

1 cup sugar

1 1/2 tsp. mild curry paste

1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes

Use coconut cream because it has less water in it, preventing more ice crystals, but you can also use coconut milk and curry powder. instead of curry paste.

Day One

The evening before you churn your ice cream, combine coconut cream, sugar and curry paste in a large sauce pan. Simmer about 10 minutes, whisking often, until flavors blend and reduced to 4 cups. The temperature of the mixture will mask the heat of the curry, so do not add more. Cool slightly, then refrigerate uncovered until thoroughly cold, and then cover and chill until the next day.

Day Two

Heat a large frying pan to low. Add coconut. Watch closely and stir frequently until it has browned. The sugar burns easily, so be careful. When done, place coconut mixture in ice cream maker and churn according to instructions. Right before complete, add coconut flakes and churn until mixed in. Freeze until needed.

Kaffir Lime Syrup

3/4 cups sugar

1/2 cup water

15 double kaffir lime leaves

2 Tbsp. lime juice (optional)

In a small sauce pan, bring sugar, water and leaves to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, and stirring frequently, continue to simmer for about 15-20 minutes until a syrup forms. If flavor is not lime-y enough for you, add a little lime juice & simmer for another few minutes.

Spoon some ice cream into a bowl, drizzle it with lime syrup, and sprinkle with crushed peanuts.

5. Bernicia (32) - Wedding Photographer

Bernicia thought it was only right that her champagne taste and caviar dreams would pick the lobster ice cream.

Lobster Ice Cream Cone

 A Massachusetts dessert parlor started making the treat just to prove they made their own flavors.  To their surprise, the flavor took off and is now one of the most popular items served.

(Lobster Ice Cream Cone)


And the winner is...

(ice cream cones)

TO BE CONTINUED... 

Have an ice-cream cone to celebrate the first day of Spring!   
Happy Spring!

Almost Spring and Counting!

 (flickr.com)

Haven't you seen it?  Smiles.  People are starting to smile again.  Our northeast region had a few warm days that gave us a glimpse into Spring in three days, but who's counting.  I am and probably... so are you.   Spring Forward 2011!  Happy St. Patrick's Day!

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 (flickr.com)

Don't you feel it in the air?  There's a rejuvenation springing forth and it won't be stopped.  We're ready to take on the world again.  Anything and everything's possible.  The days are longer and the weather will get warmer, it's time to get ready for Spring. 

 (flickr.com)

I am with you and will protect you everywhere you go and will bring you back to this land.  I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.  Genesis 28:15

 

Miracles and Blessings, Kiki here!  Now with Spring just a grin away, you're most likely looking at yourself more in the mirror with a critical eye.  Did you meet your fitness goals in January and February?  Or should I be asking, why didn't you meet your fitness goals in January and February?  Hey, I'm not the fitness police, just a concerned KiKi.  It's your beautiful face staring back at you in the mirror, so embrace it with love.  ALWAYS.

Not to worry, if it's going slowly... we have just the fitness program  you wished for... where you can have fun too.  Yes, I said the fun word.  Remember, it's what you had when you were a little girl.  Now that you're an adult, you can have your cake and burn it off too with a rebounding workout.  

Rebounding burn lots of calories and has immediate health benefits you'll enjoy now and as you age.

Aren't you glad you stopped by iCafe Woman Moderne, our virtual cafe for inter-generational women inside a cool mid-century Art Moderne home with delight around every virtual corner?  A vibrant smile greets you at the door.

We're pretty confident this Almost Spring and Counting! text-webisode will get you motivated to move and have fun while you're moving.  We don't believe in the "exercise for the pain" calorie burn.     

Rebound Exercise

Hear that laughter?  It's coming from upstairs.  It's where six of our iCafe Woman Moderne divas are taking one of our popular rebounding (mini trampoline) classes as we virtually speak.   

 (Evangelista - flickr)

Of course, some of our iCafe Woman Moderne divas opted to enjoy their afternoon sipping delicious smoothies and iced teas in our relaxing sun room.  They've promised to take a later class.  It's a beautiful day... only time will tell.

I've enjoyed many health benefits rebounding for the past ten years.  Tops on my list... it's a great de-stressing tool.

So why Rebound?

Well, Healing Daily.com made it easy for us by compiling a list of benefits of rebounding.

It tends to slow down aging.

It increases the capacity for breathing.
It circulates more oxygen to the tissues.
It helps combat depression.
It helps normalize your blood pressure.
It helps prevent cardiovascular disease.
It increases the activity of the red bone marrow in the production of red blood cells.
It aids lymphatic circulation, as well as blood flow in the veins of the circulatory system.
It lowers elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
It stimulates the metabolism, thereby reducing the likelihood of obesity.
It tones up the glandular system, especially the thyroid to increase its output.
It improves coordination throughout the body.
It promotes increased muscle fiber tone.
It offers relief from neck and back pains, headaches, and other pain caused by lack of exercise.
It enhances digestion and elimination processes.
It allows for easier relaxation and sleep.
It results in a better mental performance, with sharper learning processes.
It relieves fatigue and menstrual discomfort for women.
It minimizes the number of colds, allergies, digestive disturbances, and abdominal problems.

Okay,they had me at slowing down aging.  You can exercise on a folding rebounder as little as 10 to 15 minutes a day, five days a week and still reap wonderful wellness benefits.

Shock absorbers in a good trampoline absorb the impact as your feet land back onto the the durable mat.  This makes it very gentle on knees, ankles and hips and the perfect exercise for women with joint problems, not so with jogging and running.  And, rebounding calories burned are significant.

You can begin slowly and build up muscle strength and bone density until you feel comfortable about increasing the pace. In rehabilitation centers patients are encouraged to use the trampoline (after operations) to strengthen limbs while holding onto the stabilizing bar for balance.  It's the perfect exercise for the young and the elderly.

If you're on a limited budget, try the Urban Rebounder mini trampoline starting at $89.99 including stabilizer bar and Urban Rebounder dvd. 

Despite replacing most of the springs, my $39.99 rebounder has lasted ten years.   Bouncing away stress while watching my favorite HGTV shows,  I've stayed healthy and maintained a 45 pound weight loss.  I recommend not buying anything cheaper than the Urban Rebounder, because the quality of a cheaper rebounder's construction becomes a safety issue.

Since I plan to teach rebounding in the near future, I'll invest in an Urban Rebounder next, or the Cellerciser, or possibly a ReboundAir... my third choice.  It depends on my purse at the time of purchase.  

Once you get one, you can create your own rebounder exercise routine.  If you prefer instruction, you'll find many rebounding videos on the market to challenge you. 

Urban Rebounder

 

Need a little more convincing? 

"NASA names the rebound exercise as "the most efficient and effective exercise yet devised by man."  What's good enough for NASA is good enough for me.

If you have more cash to spend and want a longer lasting rebounder without the need to replace springs, you might want to consider these:

Cellerciser

 
Cellerciser® Half-Fold Rebounder Mini-Trampoline w/ Balance Bar By David Hall 

According to a Squidoo Review:
The CELLERCISER® is the only mini-trampoline on the market with the TRIPLE-TIERED TAPERED spring design (patent approved in 2008). By tapering AND using tiering the spring, the user can receive a superior bounce irrespective of the weight or the height of their jump. So the TRIPLE-TIERED TAPERED spring actually adjusts to the users weight and jump, making it this reviewer's best rebounder trampoline.

By tapering and tiering the spring, a 100-pound person will use most of the first tapered tiered section, part of the second tier of the spring and have a great bounce, a 200-pound person will utilize more of the second tier and part of the third tier and the 300-pound person will use more of the third tapered tier. That means you get the best bounce available regardless of your weight or height of the jump. The spring adjusts to the weight of the user automatically. 

ReboundAir  

ReboundAir was featured on the television show, "The Doctors," and the quarter-folds were purchased for the 2011 season of "The Biggest Loser."

 
ReboundAir Ultimate Quarterfold Rebounder Mini Trampoline Rebound 

I can't sing praises for the rebounder without mentioning my other secret exercise weapon, also rated high for fun... the timeless hula hoop.

Weighted Sports Hula Hoop for Weight Loss - Acu Hoop 3 lb. Boxed 

Adult Hula Hoop

Children's hula hoops are too light for adults and won't stay up.  You can get a weighted hula hoop, but don't go over 3 lbs., especially if you're a beginner.  An adult dance hula hoop (one and a half pound weight) will allow you to boogie and perform tricks like whirling it over your head and back onto your waist.  

A small adult hoop measures 38" in diameter and  weighs 1.525 lbs and a regular adult hoop measures 42" and 2.0 lbs.   There are many videos on the market for beginners to learn a weighted hula hoop workout.

Canyon Hoops suggests that if the weight of the hoop is sufficient to allow you to maintain the hooping rotation and preferably work up a sweat--then the hoop is the right size and weight even if it only weighs one pound. Collapsible hula hoops are great for taking on vacation.  It helps to keep you on track and still enjoy those all-you-can-eat buffets on vacation.

"Through our years of experience we believe 38" hoop at approx. 1.5 lbs and the 42" hoop at approx. 2.0 lbs is the ideal size and weight to trim inches off your waist and for overall fitness."   

Heavier (2.0 lbs) and larger hula hoops for adults rotate slower and are easier for the beginner.  You can buy hula hoops online, custom hula hoops or make your own.  To pick the right size, stand the hoop in front of you.  The top should be between the stomach and the middle of your chest.

Here are five other idea-starters 

that will give you a Spring State-of-Mind.

1.  Try Golf 
It may bring out the Michelle Wie in you.  I was the last person that thought I would like golfing.  My husband lured me to the golf course with the promise of three trips to Dairy Queen for my favorite treat, if I didn't enjoy my first visit to the links.  

I thought this would be my easiest win ever.  Imagine my surprise when I actually enjoyed it.  And a short while later, I was going there toting my own clubs.  Oh, and I still got a visit to Dairy Queen ...  his treat.   Along with the clubs, I bought a cute outfit.

 

Ginger Howard
16-year-old Ginger Howard of Bradenton, Fla., represented the United States last Fall at the Junior Ryder Cup held at Gleneagles Resort, Scotland.  She was featured on the Fall 2010 issue of African American Golfer's Digest.

2. Go Fly a Kite!
Have a kite flying day.  March has the best kite flying weather.

 (XiX International Kite Flying Festival in Spain)


I mean really... March is the month to go kite flying. So start shopping for some cool kites.  What are you waiting for?

 (2009 Kite Flying Festival)

Find a local kite festival or just buy a kite and take it to your nearest park on a nice, windy day. 

 Prism Stowaway Diamond Kite, Radiance
Prism Butterfly 

Visit a Local Strawberry Farm


3. Plan a Strawberry Picking Farm Trip with friends and family for Late May or Early June.  Strawberries are in season for three or four weeks beginning in late May.

It's not too early to start scouting.  Find a farm, check for prices, invite friends and family, decide who will drive or do a fun cavalcade.  

Or go on your own, and surprise your family and friends with homemade strawberry shortcake (the large iced version), or strawberry shortcakes (the smaller individual version), strawberry scones, gourmet chocolate covered strawberries, preserves, strawberry compote, strawberry cheese cake, strawberry lemonade and the list goes on.

Berry farms sell by the pound.  If you choose to bring your own containers, they'll weigh them when you arrive and record the empty weight so they don't charge you for the weight of your container.   Most pickers use strawberry boxes, ice cream containers, dishpans or buckets.  Keep in mind that the deeper the container, the more likely your berries will get smashed.

 (Cookie Madness Blog)

Sliced Sweetened Strawberries

Wash strawberries and take stems off of them.  Slice berries in half or smaller pieces.  Use 1/2 cup to 1 cup sugar for 6 cups of berries.  Gently mix strawberries with sugar and let stand about 10 minutes until sugar dissolves.  Berries will become juicy.  Spoon berries and juice into plastic containers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.  The juice is delicious!  

You can scoop them into store bought dessert shells or use it to make Strawberry Shortcakes.  I have fond memories of making this with my mother and sister.

Strawberry Short Cakes Recipes

 

4. Go Easter Hat Shopping

The Milliners Guild Spring 2011 Hat Collection show at the Metropolitan Pavilion during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week last September was green, but not with envy... with organic and recycled materials they used to construct the eye-catching hats.  Twenty-one hat-makers, mostly from New York, gathered to strut their best wares on the runway with sustainability on the mind. 

This year’s theme was “green” millinery.  The Milliners Guild is a non-profit group of business-owners and milliners who support and promote the hand-made millinery industry.

This one's my favorite.  I can definitely see me wearing this to church on Easter Sunday with a peach or coral suit/dress and pearls... definitely pearls.

Jocelyn (50) knows she won't go unnoticed at the Little Black Dress/Little Pink Dress Tea for Breast Cancer Survival she's attending in May.

 

Sasha (28) wants to wear this derby on a night out on the town.  She'll definitely turn the envious heads of other fashionistas. 

 Minerva, (48) our iCafe Woman Moderne diva with Hatitude...drew to this one like a butterfly to a rose.

 5.  And Finally... (BIG GULP) Cyber-surf for Summer Swim Wear.  Don't worry, you'll jump on your rebounder while watching Wheel of Fortune and hula hoop for ten minutes to Good Morning America.  Before you know it, you'll be ready to wear the new 2011 vintage retro swimwear that are more pleasing to your critical eye, despite the body flaw.

Retro Style Swimwear

(50-something Kim Cattrell and 20-something Jessica Alba)

I love it!  This new retro style swimwear shows that you can be over and under 40 to enjoy this trend.  However, I don't recommend it for the under 15 crowd.  

The 2011 version features retro pin up swimwear,  a bandeau top with sweetheart and square neckline, soft molded cups and removable strap in both one and two-pieces.  

You'll also find the beach blanket Gidget-inspired high-waisted two pieces and retro Bel Air maillot, many with ruching, belted hipsters and flattering skirt details dotted or in solids, plaids, Hawaiian prints and other patterns.  You won't want to miss this flattering and timeless trend.

Plus Size Retro Swimwear

There's a nice selection in plus sizes.

This beautiful red suit comes in sizes 2 to 26.

(Unique Vintage)

This one goes from size 2 to 16.  

Not to be left in the fashionista dust, Victoria's Secret also introduced retro posh into their 2011 swimwear collection.

 (Victoria's Secret)

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