luxelounge ⋆ Page 3 of 20 ⋆ Doie Lounge

11 Dec 2014

#weddings

by Sara Kirsner | posted in: luxelounge, Uncategorized | 0

Today, even those friends and family members who couldn’t make it to the wedding can instantly enjoy special moments by simply pulling out their smart phones and opening a few apps. It now seems customary for couples to create a wedding hashtag (ex: #joanieloveschachi or #jackandjill2014). Since guests are usually alerted, via social media, to the carefully chosen hashtag, everyone near and far can instantly enjoy images of the event. Guests can laugh over memorable moments during brunch the next morning, and newlyweds can easily peruse the organized photos together on their honeymoon.

{Via Etsy}

As it is with technology and social media these days, the level of its presence at a wedding spans a wide spectrum. On one hand, some couples prefer not to look out and see all of their guests typing away on their phones all night. After all, there is something to be said for living in the moment and allowing the experts to take care of the photographing. And let’s not forget that we can’t always invite everyone we know; some uninvited guests will undoubtedly see these photos online.

On the other end of the spectrum, some couples choose to include a program like Instaprint — basically a modern photo booth, which allows guests to print photos with the chosen wedding hashtag at the actual event. With all of this in mind, couples will need to decide how much or little social media they wish to have at their wedding and alert their guests of their preferences, in some unobtrusive way. A few things to keep in mind:

* Do a little research: make sure your chosen hashtag is not already in use.

* Decide how you will share the hashtag – in the save-the-date or invitation, at the entrance to the wedding, or maybe as part of the place cards.

* For those brides and grooms who relish the many opportunities these technologies afford us, give your guests a chance to play a game of I Spy. Create a list of moments you wish to have captured. See here for ideas.

* After the wedding has passed, remind the guests of how they can share their photos.

* If you prefer to not have hashtags and social media, kindly share this message – perhaps with an insert in the save-the-date.

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Liz Mathews is a Connecticut based mother, teacher, and freelance writer who blogs on children’s books and related topics at La La La. Her work has appeared in Quality Women’s Fiction, Town and Country magazine, and Literary Mama.

21 Nov 2014

{ Holiday Gift Guide }

by Sara Kirsner | posted in: luxelounge | 0

It’s that time of year again, the chill in the air, the smell of pine trees, the twinkling lights…the holiday gift guides! With so many products out there the thought of holiday shopping can be overwhelming. Below are a few of my favorites to get you started…

For the Adventurer:

I LOVE this mug from Wild and Wolf I even bought one for myself this past week. It’s a great reminder, at home, that there is always another adventure to be had and they also make camping mugs!

How awesome is this scratch off map from Urban Outfitters? It’s a great way to keep track of where you have been, where you want to go, and it is an instant conversation starter when people come over.

For Her:

These cozy leggings from JCrew are so cute that they don’t have to be confined to the house. They come in two colors and are a best bet for any good friend.

This Clare Viver clutch is kind of a splurge but very much a dream holiday gift. If you want to kick it up a notch, you can monogram it with her initials.

For the Fashionista:

Ok yes, I am plugging my own product here, but what better way for a Fashionista to get ready for a big night out on the town, than in a glamorous super-soft Doie Lounge robe? Use the code: Sparkle for 20% off (cannot be combined with any other promotion)

I have been coveting this lipstick set by Bite Cosmetics, available at Sephora. This gift-ready collection contains four mini versions of BITE’s High Pigment Pencil in a purse-sized tin compact, perfect for travel. The collection includes Pomegranate and Rhubard, as well as the new limited-edition holiday shades Winterberry, a deep raspberry, and Sablé, a peachy nude. I will be purchasing this for myself and a few others in the very near future.

For the Kiddos:

Ok, you clearly need a playroom or back yard for this one, but I love this jetaire camper play tent from Land of Nod.

This bike from Wishbone Design Studio, is great because not only is it made from recycled carpet, but it can expand as your child grows, and is really like three bikes in one. Not to mention, it’s the most stylish kid’s bike I’ve seen.

For Him:

I feel like you kind of can’t go wrong with this tool kit from Kaufmann Mercantile Inc. It has things like a brass compass, a magnesium fire starter and a stainless steel pressurized pen. What guy doesn’t get himself into a situation where he needs a steel pressurized pen? Just kidding, I don’t know what that is, but it sounds important and every man needs one.

Men love leather, and they love their computers, so this seems like a can’t lose gift, a leather computer case from Stock and Barrel (note- not recommended for hard core vegans).

For Anyone:

Where do I even start with Heath Ceramics? They are my go-to holiday gift– from gorgeous serving bowls to elegant vases, their understated collections are on everyone’s wish list these days. If you don’t live near one of their locations, you can always order online.

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like plants, do you? I didn’t think so. A gift certificate to a local nursery is always a welcomed holiday gift. If you happen to live in the San Francisco Bay Area, check out Flora Grubb, it’s a wonderland of gorgeous plants both indoor and out.

Most importantly, give the gift of quality time with those you love this holiday season.

Sara

15 Nov 2014

{ Eco-Friendly Weddings }

by Sara Kirsner | posted in: luxelounge, Uncategorized | 0

Though it has been said the Princess Di’s lavish and extravagant wedding to Prince Charles in 1981 launched the extremely prolific wedding industry that followed over the past few decades, the current culture of brides and grooms seem a bit more aware of their carbon footprint. While magazines and newspapers still dutifully cover every aspect of wedding planning and execution, many smaller zines and web sites are covering the eco-friendly weddings side. After all, at the end of the day it’s truly about the marriage, not the wedding, right? With that in mind, we want to look at how brides and grooms have consciously considered their impact while planning their nuptials.

{Chalkboard instead of printed programs, photo Alyse French}

Weddings begin, of course, with sending invitations in the mail. While most guests are still alerted via snail mail, many esteemed graphic designers have created e-cards, save-the-dates, and invitations that rival the most beautifully letter-pressed cards out there. Yes, you lose the physical object to hold in your hand and pin up on your refrigerator, but off the bat you cut down costs dramatically by keeping the invitations electronic, while also reducing paper waste. Recently married San Francisco couple Robin and Clarke Dempsey chose a hybrid, using Paperless Post for their save-the-date, and foregoing the multiple inserts that usually come along with the wedding invitation.

Also a DIY-er hobbyist, Robin selected fabric for her table runners and sewed them herself: “we’re currently using the table runners in my house! We’ve also have gifted a few of them, and I’m planning to re-use some of the fabric to make bags/coasters and other stuff too.” This often-overlooked aspect of interior design for the wedding became extremely resourceful and meaningful with just a few personal touches. Robin and Clarke were also able to gift the orchids they used for each table, in lieu of cut flowers, to local guests. The trees used to flank the couple during the ceremony are also now living in their apartment.

{Eco-Friendly Bridesmaid Robes by Doie Lounge, Photo: Weddings by Scott & Dana}

A few others ways keep your wedding green:

* Not having a wedding party? Skip the program; use a chalkboard at the entrance to the ceremony to identify key people/family members, readers

* If you are having a wedding party, go with eco-friendly bridesmaid gifts

* Work with what you’ve got! Use household items, furniture, and treasures for wedding décor and natural items – rocks, large thick leaves, sticks, dried flowers, or tree stumps in lieu of place cards or seating.

* Avoid paper items – use linens instead of cocktails napkins. Forget about disposable coasters, matchbooks, or paper napkins in the bathroom.

* Choose recycled gold for wedding bands, and either antique jewelry or conflict-free jewels.

Remember, less is often more. What matters is the pledge and promise being made between two people in front of family and close friends.

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Liz Mathews is a Connecticut based mother, teacher, and freelance writer who blogs on children’s books and related topics at La La La (http://lalalaliz.com/). Her work has appeared in Quality Women’s Fiction, Town and Country magazine, and Literary Mama.

4 Nov 2014

{Giveaway~ Style Me Pretty}

by Sara Kirsner | posted in: luxelounge | 0

It’s that time again, your chance to win a Doie Lounge bridal robe! Head on over to Style Me Pretty to enter. Good luck!

{Photo, Calloway Gable Photography}

8 Oct 2014

{Farm to Table Weddings}

by Sara Kirsner | posted in: luxelounge, Uncategorized | 0

A few years ago, you may have heard the term “farm to table” in the same sentence as “wedding” and assumed that such a pairing would only exist in certain rural, mountainous, or more down-home venues. You might have imagined a more laid-back bride and groom who probably didn’t work or live in a big city. These days, of course, it seems that both cooking and eating out is all about the farmer’s market, sourcing local ingredients, and most likely eating meat, dairy, and other organic products from a farm not too far away from where you’re sitting.

{Photo via Style Me Pretty}

Today, many caterers and vendors may use terms like “fresh and local” to describe their ingredients, products, and flowers, as more and more people are joining the movement of producing and consuming locally grown food and products. And many brides and grooms are shunning the traditional wedding reception dinner, for which guests are often given the option of meat or fish. Instead, some weddings feature tasting menus with wine pairings; as a guest, you may just be served a dish featuring a piece of beef, lamb, and fish, for example – all from local farms, of course.

{ Photo Via Green Wedding Shoes}

With farmer’s markets now abundant in most suburbs and cities, farm to table menus are accessible from almost anywhere. Let’s say a bride or groom chooses to create a farm-like setting in a suburban back yard or on the roof deck of a high rise in the city. In this case, the farm to table theme can be carried through as much by decor as by menu. Here are a few simple ways to incorporate the trend:

Seat your guests “family-style” at a few long “farm” tables instead of the typical eight or ten tops
Incorporate herbs and colorful vegetables into floral arrangements
Use vegetables names or types of animals to identify tables
Use or rent vintage crystal, china, or linen
When in doubt, use candles and lanterns – on the tables or hanging on the outskirts
Use small chalkboards or whimsical fonts
Instead of benches, use hay bales
Research local farms near your wedding venue to ensure you’re providing the freshest food available

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6 Oct 2014

{Doie Down Under}

by Sara Kirsner | posted in: luxelounge, Uncategorized | 0

When you own your own business getting away for a few weeks can be pretty difficult, but nothing recharges and inspires me like traveling to a new place. Australia, although similar to California in a lot of ways, did not disappoint when it came to gorgeous landscapes, hip boutiques, and awesome art.

The blues and greens of the water were breathtaking.

The rock formations were impressive

Most people head to Australia for the gorgeous beaches, but the cities had a lot to offer in the way of great art, cool cafes, and trendy boutiques and gift shops.

{Painting by Amy Howard}

I wasn’t expecting such an awesome street art scene! Melbourne especially was teeming with art around almost every corner.

{Byron Bay}

{Melbourne}

Where have you been lately? What inspires you? Leave a comment below.

Sara

28 Jul 2014

{July Giveaways}

by Sara Kirsner | posted in: luxelounge, Uncategorized | 0

To celebrate “wedding season,” we are giving away robes all month long! If you missed our giveaway with Green Bride Guide and have yet to enter our contest with Style Me Pretty (going on until August 1st). Head on over the Emmaline Bride, for another change to win.

4 Jul 2014

{Happy 4th Of July}

by Sara Kirsner | posted in: luxelounge, Uncategorized | 0

2 Jul 2014

{Wedding Gift Bags}

by Sara Kirsner | posted in: luxelounge, Uncategorized | 0

We’ve all been there: that moment you arrive at a hotel or rental house for a long weekend of parties leading up to a wedding. You may have been to this city or island or suburban town before, or you may be a stranger in a strange land. Regardless of your history with this place, you’ve had a long day of travel, you’re hungry, you’re thirsty, and your blood sugar is low. You look expectantly at the person who is handing you a key and wait for one of two possible outcomes: either you are handed that blessed gift bag filled with water, chips, specialty candy or mints, or he or she just smiles.

You can see where I fall on the decision of whether or not to offer your guests a wedding gift bag. Yes, it’s an extra thing on your to-do-list during an already stressful time, but you have many – possibly even hundreds – of people who have most likely taken off work, traveled at least some distance, possibly paid for plane tickets or fuel for a long drive, and it’s a nice token of your appreciation. For both the weary traveler and the tired partier, the gift bag can go a long way of showing your friends and family that you appreciate them. So how do we decide what to add to these multifaceted goody bags? There are a few different approaches, and of course the amount you can spend on these runs the gamut from low-key brown paper bag to monogrammed tote bags or cooler bags (yes I received one of these at a wedding, and it’s still my favorite).

The Essentials: Regardless of the wedding venue, your guests will most likely be up late, possibly drinking too much, and maybe a bit lost: always include water bottles, small snack bags of chips or pretzels or something to munch on, and a small packet of Advil or Tylenol is also a nice touch. A little candy or a maybe a specialty cookie is nice for those with a sweet tooth, and some mints for your guests to tuck in their pockets or purses. I also like maps of the local city or town if they’re available. I’ve seen some brides and grooms create their own custom maps with the only the necessary locations included – this is a great way to show your creativity and a fun way to introduce your guests to the area.

Local Color. Where are you getting married? What is your state or city or island famous for? Getting married in Vermont? How about a little jar of maple syrup or some Lake Champlain chocolate. Weddings held at beaches or islands often dole out a little jar of sunscreen, water bottles with logos, or even towels. Again, it all depends on your budget.

The Bag: here’s where I’ve seen people get the most creative. Of course it’s easiest and least expensive to go to a party store and stock up paper goody bags. This is of course perfectly acceptable. It’s really what’s inside that matters. However, there are other options here: what if you’re getting married in a city like San Francisco that doesn’t use shopping bags? Maybe a small tote bag would be a good idea. At a wedding we attended in Aspen, the bride used recycled shopping bags and ironed on the wedding date. I’ve also seen canvas lunch bags, sand buckets, the aforementioned mesh cooler, and even small garden pots. A nice way to make any of the bags or containers personal is to add a monogram or logo – you can include your names, the date, a simple heart, or even an outline of the state you’re in.

Bottom line: wedding gift bags for your guests are a guaranteed way to make a great first impression of your wedding weekend. It sets the tone that your guests will be well looked after before, during, and after the reception!

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Liz Mathews is a Connecticut based mother, teacher, and freelance writer who blogs on children’s books and related topics at La La La (http://lalalaliz.com/). Her work has appeared in Quality Women’s Fiction, Town and Country magazine, and Literary Mama.

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