Engage!12 The Breakers is less than two weeks away and I’m so excited to meet old friends and new ones in West Palm Beach, Florida. Engage! is presented by Engaging Concepts and is a luxury wedding summit that “brings together the wedding industry’s key influencers and thought leaders from around the globe to exchange ideas, network and be inspired to take their businesses to the next level of success.”

Besides the amazing content and speakers each day, there’s also a little (okay, really a lot) of fun involved. Each evening there is a spectacular event designed and produced by some of the best talent in the wedding and event world. Which gives an obvious reason to dress up!

Which brings me to…about a year ago, I made the discovery of one of the best inventions ever: Rent the Runway.

Rent the Runway allows you to have access to a dream closet and the ability to have a new designer dress for every occasion. You decide on your dress and it’s shipped straight to you a few days before your event, along with a backup size for free. Fabulous, right? Perfect for Engage!

We received a fabulous suggested packing guide in the mail (designed by the always fabulous gifts for the good life) and so the packing planning begins!

I’ll be wearing a cute Lily Pulitzer dress I purchased a few months back and was saving for the perfect occasion. I’ll be pairing it with some grey cowboy boots to wear to the “bowties and boots” Southern Chic Welcome Party. For the two other nights, I thought it would be fun to have some help deciding!

The second night is the Dine Around + Dessert Party and white or silver attire is suggested. I’ve narrowed down my selections to Option 1 and Option 2. Option 2 I may wear a black cardigan during dinner just to take the bling down a notch. :)

The last night is the grand Gala party. You can dress up as much as you like on this night. I wear shorter dresses since I always have an issue with long dresses being only 5’3″. Option 3 is the one I’m leaning toward because it is my signature color and I have some black heels that are very comfy to dance all night long in. I can wear some fun bling to dress it up a bit more, too.  Option 4 is gorgeous as well and still in for consideration.

So what do you think? Let me know which dress I should wear for each night in the comments below!

Have you heard of Small Business Saturday? Well, Black Friday is for the big box retailers and Small Business Saturday is all about shopping and supporting local and handmade businesses the Saturday after Thanksgiving!

Today, I’m sharing with you some of my Amber Housley Inspired friends and their wonderful small businesses to support this Saturday or any time of year.

Some are even offering special discount codes or offers for AH friends. This list will be added to in the coming days…Enjoy!

Kristina Proffitt
Baby Bird & Bub Bub
Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BabyBirdandBubBub
Blog: http://www.one-happy-mama.com/
Discount code for AH Readers: SMALLBIZSAT for 20% off.

Jessica Bishop
Jessica Bishop Paperie
Shop: http://www.jessicabishoppaperie.com/
Small Biz Saturday through Cyber Monday- 15% off all custom return address stamps with code GIVETHANKS

Lena Warnock
Mattie Mae Designs
Website: www.mattiemaedesigns.com
Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/shop/mattiemaedesigns
Coupon code: amberhousley (free shipping) valid until December 1st

 Mattie Mae Designs specializes in unique and one-of-a-kind pieces for the special moments in your life. From hand-appliquéd onesies and t-shirts to hand-crafted buntings and pillows, there is something for that
special person on your list!

Name: Emma Neely

Adorable Accents

Website: shopadorableaccents.etsy.com

Specialty: We specialize in personalized gifts and home decor!

Coupon Code: hohoho 10% off

 

She’s Got Spirit
Website: http://www.shopshesgotspirit.com/
Gameday apparel and accessories that are perfect for cheering on your favorite team! And for those who love the owl trend that’s in right now we also have a tab on our site called “Hoot Hoot She’s Cute” which features adorable owl accessories and home decor.
Discount: 40% off everything on the website + Free Shipping (promo code is gameday)

 

Kristi Murphy
Saucy Pants
We sell stylish party printables for birthday parties, holiday parties, showers, etc. in our Etsy Shop (etsy.com/shop/SaucyPants) and in our Saucy Shop (shop.saucypants.com).  We are offering Amber Housley customers 20% off!!  Just use the code AMBER20 at checkout in either shop!

Lisa Marie Invitations and Design: specializing in paper goods that celebrate life!
www.lisamarieinvitations.com
ESTY: www.etsy.com/shop/LisaMarieInvitations
All AH followers get 15% off all orders on my etsy shop.
PROMO CODE: AH2012

 

Elissa Stone

One Stone Events
www.onestoneevents.com
Custom event design and party styling

Prue Munro
Love, Prudence
Website: www.loveprudence.com
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/loveprue

Hi there! Prue here from Love, Prudence – so lovely to meet you!

Love, Prudence is a small online boutique and blog with a focus on celebrating life’s special occasions. Originally opened in 2011 and formally introduced as Love, Prudence in 2012, Love, Prudence offers a fun and welcoming environment for readers to find something a little extra for their next celebration. The Love, Prudence blog targets a wide audience of readers from party hosts, Brides-to-be and avid crafters interested in reading about the latest in party trends, pretty soirees, featured vendors and DIY tutorials. In 2013, visitors can expect to see additional service offerings including party and event planning services, new and exciting craft ideas and fun posts offering advice on event planning.

 

Jamie Sapp Photography
www.jamiesapp.com
Newborn and Child Photography

Shelley Seguinot

I’m Inkpressed

www.iminkpressed.com

 Specializing in children’s products. Stationery, invitations, and personalized products.

Stephanie Creekmur

www.stephaniecreekmur.com

www.stephaniecreekmur.etsy.com

This year I am just putting some of my most popular products on sale – most are a little over a 20% discount. My Southern Charm prints (8 x 10, color) will be $12 instead of $15 and the gold foil Southern Charm prints (11 x 1 4) will be $25 instead of $35. My return address stamps will be $28 instead of $35.

Stacy Brown
Preppy & Pink
Website and Shop: http://shop.preppyandpinknc.com
We specialize in Hand Painted Monogrammed Bangles and more!

 

Ashlee Proffitt
Lovely Paper Goods & Products
Website: www.ashleeproffitt.com
Shop: shop.ashleeproffitt.com

Coupon code: GIVETHANKS
*Sale Starts Black Friday and goes through Cyber Monday (November 26) // 15% off everything in the shop!!

—

Christmas Lovelies by Ashlee Proffitt
Christmas Paper Goods & Gifts
Shop: christmaslovelies.etsy.com

Coupon code: GIVETHANKS
*Sale Starts Black Friday and goes through Cyber Monday (November 26) // 15% off everything in the shop!!

 

Of course, in my own Amber Housley Etsy Shop, you can save 20% this weekend using coupon code: AHSBS20
New products will be added in the coming days!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/amberhousley 

I’m happy to share that I was included among some of my wedding planner and designer peers in the latest issue of Wedding Planner Magazine November/December 2012.

I was selected to share my thoughts on “What Is Your Secret to the Work / Life Balance?”

“Having clear business hours and only sending correspondence to my clients during that time has been a lifesaver for me. If I’m sending emails or responding to questions after hours or weekends, then clients are going to believe I’m always available to them – day or night. Most emails really can wait until the next business day. Since I’ve set this rule up, I’m more relaxed, focused and enjoying uninterrupted time with my family.” - Amber Housley

Happy to be included in such a great publication for the wedding industry!

It’s Thanksgiving week! I absolutely love the Thanksgiving holiday because it allows me the opportunity to make a variety of dishes from scratch. Since we moved to Nashville six years ago, we’ve been hosting the Thanksgiving day feast. To be honest, I actually love it and I’m a bit of a control freak when it comes to what dishes are “mandatory” in a Thanksgiving dinner. There are quite a few must-have’s on the table in my book right down to the relish tray that is complete with sweet pickles, olives and cranberry.

Here are a few of my favorite dishes and recipes you may like for your Thanksgiving menu.

The picture above was taken from my iphone last Thanksgiving and is my new favorite Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe. You can find the whole recipe on the Pioneer Woman’s blog here. I ended up using a large bag of crusty french bread cubes that were already baked and cubed in the bakery at Publix in lieu of the cornbread/white bread Pioneer Woman uses. I agree with her that organic chicken broth is far superior to regular canned broth. In any case, this recipe is hands down, AMAZING. I could have gobbled up the whole bowl and skipped everything else!

My Other Thanksgiving Recipe Favorites:

Grandma’s Green Bean Casserole
This one is far superior to the typical canned mushroom soup and french onion topping recipe. It isn’t much work either and tastes rich and delicious.

Apple Pie by Grandma Ople
My favorite apple pie recipe! My own review notes from a few years back (I’ve been making this one for years now): This was seriously the most beautiful pie I ever baked! I added a bit more vanilla and some cinnamon (just because I like to!), but other than that, this recipe is perfect!

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Mmmm…garlic and mashed potatoes, what could be better? My personal review posted on the site a few years back: Wow! These were REALLY GOOD. A new holiday dinner staple. Like others, I used whipping cream instead of the milk (and maybe a bit more than it called for to make them extra creamy). Yummmmm! The real roasted garlic I think definitely added that extra yummy touch. Will make this again for special occasions!

Easy Herb Roasted Turkey
I love this recipe. Sadly, I will be relinquishing control of the bird this year to my Dad. My Mom and Dad are visiting us this year and they have their own way (but still tasty!) way of preparing the bird.  However, if you’re looking for a delicious turkey recipe, here is my review I left in previous years: Yep, all the reviewers are correct – this is THE BEST turkey recipe ever! So glad I chose this recipe for our thanksgiving this year. Was a bit worried about all the herbs that covered the turkey, but didn’t matter in the end! The meat literally fell off the bone before it was done! And the white meat which we don’t usually like because it is dry – so moist – just like the dark meat. And the gravy – no seasoning at all required!!! Just add some cornstarch and it was done! I did brine my turkey overnight which may have added to the yumminess (was my first time doing that). I also added a sliced apple to the inside cavity to add more moisture. I injected some of olive oil/herb mixture under the skin. I also used a reynolds turkey bag. This will be our turkey recipe from now on!

I hope you enjoy some of these recipes and be sure to let me know which are your favorites! What are your Thanksgiving must-have’s at your feast?

I’m happy to start a new series on the blog this week: Wedding Wednesday. Each week I’ll feature a few sweet details of weddings from my client portfolio.

This week I’m featuring some details from the wedding of Meghan and Rob. They were married in a ceremony at the Cathedral of Incarnation in Nashville and hosted a reception at their home in Lebanon, Tennessee. Their home features a backyard vineyard that they wanted to highlight. Incorporating garden florals and vines alongside the colors of bronze and shades of green, I helped develop their vision through the designs and decor.

Meghan has unbelievable style and her couture dress with gorgeous necklace looked like she stepped out of the pages of a magazine. I absolutely loved the touches of tulle that peeked out from the bodice and the train.

The couple’s lovely home was the perfect setting for a backyard celebration.

A close-up of the gorgeous bib necklace

The ceremony programs I designed featured metallic bronze booklet covers, apple green satin ribbons and custom monogram seals for the cover.

 Big wine lovers, I designed custom wine labels to go on some of their favorite wine varietals.
They handed these out to guests as favors at the end of the evening.

I referred Meghan & Rob to Hillary at Brocade to help develop the garden-vineyard theme through the floral decor. They were so fresh and elegant!

All photography courtesy of the wonderful Gregory Byerline