Archive for 'for the Home'
The quintessential bar cart….they are an inspired, classy way to store your liquor and bar-ware when you lack the space for a full bar. Perfect for the house or a special event, a bar cart can roll its way to the perfect point in any room. After you find one, fill it with stylish decanters, gold-trimmed stemware, spectacular liquors, chevron straws and cocktail books. The cart becomes more than a movable bar, it’s a focal point in any room or at an event.
via Life Styled
What to stock on your new classy cart? Well just the essentials to begin with – glasses + stemware, ice bucket, a cocktail shaker, garnishes, and swizzle sticks. Want to spice it up a notch? Think about adding additional items such as fun glassware (our favorite is from Z Gallerie) , a colorful tray (think gold and chevron!) , fun bold printed cocktail napkins (love gold polka dots!) , floral (nothing better than white hydrangea in an ikat bowl), bottle stoppers, and a variety of decanters. Never hurts to add those stripey straws either!
Check out the Matchbook Mags guide to Bar Cart Essentials:
If you are on the prowl for the cart of your dreams, check out www.shopcandelabra.com and www.shopsocietysocial.com. If you’re on a budget, check out yard sales and flea markets. You might not find a cart in perfect condition, but you can do a lot with gold spray paint.
Looking for additional inspiration… look no further but below (or for maximum brain food overload – on pinterest here):
via Shop Society Social / via Mochatini
via Style Me Pretty / via Comfy Cozy Couture
via Shop Society Social / via STYLEBEAT
via Mochatini / via A Beautiful Mess
This post was a collaboration between Nicole of LovelyGirls and by Lauren Golt from the talented duo of Social Stylate… shes our favorite contributor!
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| For the home decor enthusiast |
When I think about guestbooks I’m reminded of a Sex and the City episode where Miranda’s wedding duty was to “man” the guest book. In the episode she’s standing next to a book on a table, with a pen in her hand saying, “sign the guestbook?”. Gone are the days where a guestbook consists of a book and a pen. These days couples are breaking boundaries of creativity and being inspired by what they love… music, photography, home decor, and using their guestbooks to incorporate them into their guests into their daily lives.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words; here, your guests can have the best of both worlds. Set up a table with a Polaroid camera, blank-paged guestbook, and several pens. Each guests or couple can have their own page where they will post their Polaroid portrait and have ample room to write their best wishes, advice to, or favorite memories of the newlyweds. Larger weddings will require a larger guestbook (or just more paper) while a photo booth (DIY?) could take the place of a Polaroid camera. Not only will you have a special note from your loved ones, but you’ll have priceless pictures of them the very momoment they wrote it!
Read the rest of this entry …
Read the rest of this entry …
Im super in love with shades of gold and chevron patterns right now, and have been working them into my home over this past year. It came to no surprise to me when I started pinning metallic pumpkins on Pinterest when the fall season was approaching, so I guess you could say this was a Pinterest challenge of my own, but technically it was out of holiday laziness and decor friendliness!My family actually went pumpkin picking a little late in the season this year… only a couple of weekends ago. But, my thoughts were clear… pick late and let them be used as double duty for Halloween and as close as I can get them to Thanksgiving. So far, so good! I picked out pumpkins, birdhouse gourds, mini pumpkins, gourds, and cinderalla pumpkins (the white/ivory ones). I went for different sizes and types!
I went to my local hardware store and picked up some Rustoleum Metallic Spray Paint in Gold, Silver, Copper, and of course in Black (in Halloween spirit), and then some Frog Tape painters tape (which would be used to tape out the chevron pattern). Outdoor firepit blazing, glass of wine in hand, and of course a big piece of cardboard, I went to town and enjoyed a Saturday evening to myself with a few cans of spray paint (and of course some girlfriends as well!). I have to admit, the chevron pattern around the pumpkin was a little bit of a pain, but I am super excited for the turnout! I have recieved a lot of compliments from our neighborhood trick or treaters, and of course from fellow Facebook friends who seem to be taking this trend and using it for next year! In the mean time, enjoy my photos and let me know what you think (or share any pointers!).
I went to my local hardware store and picked up some Rustoleum Metallic Spray Paint in Gold, Silver, Copper, and of course in Black (in Halloween spirit), and then some Frog Tape painters tape (which would be used to tape out the chevron pattern). Outdoor firepit blazing, glass of wine in hand, and of course a big piece of cardboard, I went to town and enjoyed a Saturday evening to myself with a few cans of spray paint (and of course some girlfriends as well!). I have to admit, the chevron pattern around the pumpkin was a little bit of a pain, but I am super excited for the turnout! I have recieved a lot of compliments from our neighborhood trick or treaters, and of course from fellow Facebook friends who seem to be taking this trend and using it for next year! In the mean time, enjoy my photos and let me know what you think (or share any pointers!).
nicole brennan . 302.545.0412 . nicole@lovelygirlsevents.com . wilmington
The temperature may have dipped down this week, but our love for watermelon keeps getting hotter! An outdoor wedding during these hot summers months should definitely require working at least one of these delightfully chilled watermelon appetizers into your caterers menu. Paired with items such as goat cheese, mint, honey, balsamic, prosciutto, pico de gallo, red onion, and fruits of the season… how could you go wrong?
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| Watermelon Balsamic Cubes |
“These watermelon balsamic cubes were just the right size, continued the somewhat elegance of the night, and yet gave it a casual, down-home tasty treat” is the perfect description by Chef Cathy Shambley of the Showfood Chef. Hosting a backyard summer soiree and in a pinch? Substitute the balsamic reduction for a creamy balsamic dressing!
We are even absolutely L-O-V-I-N-G its plated appearance… very modern, simple, and elegant. It will definitely hold its own during a formal cocktail hour!
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| Sweet n’ Savory Fruit Salad in Watermelon Cup |
Looking for the next best thing? We would like to think of these as “Summertime in a Cup!”. Try these sweet and savory fruit salads in watermelon cups! The sweet and savory fruit salad is made with yellow peaches, watermelon, jicama, maui onion, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeno. The salad cups are then topped with a dallop of tangy (and slightly spicy) cilantro, lime, and a feta creme fraiche. These even double as a great vegetarian option for guests!
You may even suggest to the cater this delicious watermelon, goat feta and mint leaf appetizer. I tried this Simple and Savory Watermelon Salad recipe by “Eating Out Loud” out at home, and it pairs excellent with Riesling. I love Riesling but pairing it with this delectable treat made it all the better!
Confused as to why they call it a salad? You take all of the ingredients and mix them together in a bowl just like you would prepare a salad. This way the watermelon cubes can marinate in the ingredients, and then you plate each piece invididually on a serving platter. However feel free to serve it as a side salad just like Paula Deen shows here in her Watermelon Salad with Mint version!
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| Sweet and Savory Watermelon Salad |
Looking for something simple? Take watermelon cubes, top with mint and goat cheese, and then drizzle in honey… and that there ladies is a LovelyGirls original!
Lastly, on our watermelon appetizer menu are these fabulous watermelon, mint, feta (or goat cheese? or bread? I cant really tell, lol!), and prosciutto skewers found from Cook-Eat-Love! Wanting something a little different but with the same idea, then try these Watermelon and Prosciutto Skewers drizzled with balsamic from Rachel Ray!
I have so many other Watermelon Recipes to share, and as I am typing this post, I realized I will not be able to fit in all of my love in for watermelon, so I guess we will be having a watermelon series. Do not forget ladies (and gents) to mention this lighter chilled appetizer to your caterers for a hot summer day wedding. It is a great cool down option for your guests, even the vegetarians. Up next… salads!
nicole brennan . 302.545.0412 . nicole@lovelygirlsevents.com . wilmington
August twenty-second is fastly approaching which means that I will be turning thirty in just two months. Oddly, I am embracing it with open arms and honestly, turning twenty-nine was really the bummer. I mean honestly… twenty nine? What fun is in twenty-nine? I would rather go around and tell everyone that I am already thirty (and to some I have… sorry!). My twenties were filled with great times, awesome friendships, and some stories that I would rather just forget (yes, there are quite a few of those!). I am really just ready to embrace thirty with huge open arms… giving up the bar scene and hangovers and now enjoying sushi and wine dinners and front porch happy hours with friends. I am so happy with where I am at in life and really just enjoying the past two years with LovelyGirls grow. Yes, my twenties came with some regrets, but I consider them hiccups and learning curves… But I am also embracing the LOVE that I shared during those times!
Speaking of turning thirty… this means that I can start putting together my 30th Birthday Party Wish List! Now this is something that has definitely changed throughout the decades. I would say up until I was sixteen or so it was written on a piece of art paper and displayed on the refrigerator for the family (and friends) to see as they passed by. From the time I was seventeen until about, lets say twenty-two, the birthday wish list was sent over email (tacky I know), but my sister, mother, and significant other always found it easiest. Then of course from twenty-three until twenty-nine, these emails then became hyperlinked directly to the gift and the price that you found (hoping that it was the best price around the web). And now, for thirty, I have just decided to put it out there for the whole world to see on my blog. Really, no one has an excuse now and like I said, the birthday wish list has really changed through the decades! Yes, this means I am sharing it with you, the readers… and feel free to snag up some of these items as wedding gifts or for a housewarming party. These are in no particular order of importance, but enjoy!
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| The Laurel Flute Set from Z Gallerie $23.80 |
I really just love these champagne flutes, and I alread have a stemless collection (if you consider two a collection anymore… I have since broken two in the sink), so I could definitely use this more modern update for a dinner party… and maybe two sets would be nice. 2 sets = 8 glasses!
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| Umbrella Boot Stand from Z Gallerie, $79.95 |
Now, I just adore this wellie umbrella stand. I wanted one so bad last year but they sold out. And of course, they brought them back this year due to popular demand, and I am pretty sure they upped the price tag by an additional $30.00 too…. and that is why they are on my wish list!
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| Deer Head Mount from Z Gallerie, $49.95 |
I could definitely foresee this deer head stand somewhere in the house… with the modern white, I figure it would be a great addition to our walls and help tie in my significant others mountain roots (It is definitely my excuse, and I am up for taking my chances!)
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| Wire Capiz Sunburst Wall Mirror from Target, $84.99 |
I have always loved, loved, loved this mirror, and have definitely found a space for it in my dining room finally after getting settled. I was even more excited when I saw that photographer, Laura Novak, felt the same love for this mirror and hung a simlar version in her Delaware Ave. studio when I visited last spring for Kara + Marcs consultation. The mirror is on sale this week for $72.74, but I doubt it will be on sale much longer… Keeping my fingers crossed!
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| White Apple iPad 2 16GB Wifi |
And of course… the beloved iPad. I was really not interested in one of these until around March or April… that is until I got my first White 16GB iPhone and I fell absolutely in love!… and that is when I decided I would totally forego a 30th birthday party/dinner/celebration and suggest my friends and family all pitch in for one these. Ballsy right? I know. Very doubtful to happen, and still very indecisive on my birthday plans (which will be a whole ‘nother blog post.)
I hope that everyone can welcome “30″ with open arms just as I am, and not worry about if you have kids yet, maybe not married yet, or just not quite where you saw yourself. Remember 40 is the new 30… so you have ten more years to get there!
Live. Laugh. Love.
nicole brennan . 302.545.0412 . nicole@lovelygirlsevents.com . wilmington
Where do I begin? I heart it! So, it has taken me about three weeks, four coats of ultra white Behr paint, touch up paint because I was impatient, two coats of a polyacrylic (?) for protection because I was impatient, some new hardware, and a can of gold spray paint for the hardware… but its now complete! If you are just joining us and you have no idea what I am talking about… I just recently inherited “my new PARSONS desk!”, and it was going to need a complete redo. And yes, I do consider paying $25.00 for this desk the same as inheriting. It was basically a steal! Check out some images below of it placed in my home:
There are two pretty staple things that I had to have for my desk. One was of course my favorite book, Domino: the Book of Decorating, which I consider to be a bible to all inspiration (and of course my desk). The second thing I had to had to have was my gifted bronze horse (which is now gold thanks to a can of purchased spray paint) from Delaware Park Race Track and Slots because you should never forget your roots. If you did not know, I held employment there for eight years until 2008 before venturing out on my own.
I pretty much think that my inspiration was matched, but needless to say… you do not have much of a desk without a chair. That will more than likely become a task for the flea market guy. I have a few ideas in mind, and hopefully he will be able to scour the local markets with success! However, if he is not able to find a chair similar to the chair below on your left, then we will probably pick up the Ikea Gilbert Chair similar to the one on the right in a black/brown.
How do you think I did?
nicole brennan . 302.545.0412 . nicole@lovelygirlsevents.com . wilmington
Martha Stewart does it again… First the tissue hanging pom fad (which we love), and now this amazing Tissue Paper Petal Lantern that closely resembles a peony flower just before bloom! And if that was not enough, these masterpeices only take about thirty minutes each. If you have not picked up your Martha Stewart Living Spring June ’11 Issue, then do not worry, we have the complete how-to here :
Tools and Materials: Double Sided Tape
5″ Tissue Paper Circles in Pastel + Primary, $6 for 480, hyglossproducts.com
Wire-frame Spherical Paper Lantern, $3.25 to $4.25 for 14-18″, pearlriver.com
Martha Stewart even offered up the ideas of creating an ombre pattern (gradations of the same color), or even using round green tissue paper at the top for the illusion of berries! We honestly cannot wait for the opportunity to use these at our next event… whether it is a shower, wedding, or 30th Birthday Party (hint hint – that’s right, mine is coming up soon!)
Directions
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Starting at th ebottom of the lantern, use small squares of tape to being attaching tissue paper disks around the hole, overlapping them. You will use approximately 70 of the 5″ tissue paper disks, depending on the size lantern that you choose to use.
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Working toward the top, continue sticking and overlapping disks to cover the lantern.
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Tip: You may find it easier to rest the lantern upside down before you start sticking the circles from the bottom up.
Seriously. Thank you Martha!
nicole brennan . 302.545.0412 . nicole@lovelygirlsevents.com . wilmington
Okay, so in my continued effort to move away from working out of my dining room and into my currently “under renovation” office, I just purchashed my favorite piece of furniture that I came upon on a whim! The Parsons Desk…. a “versatile 1930s icon – crisp, clean, and modern.” Ta da…
I know, I know… in all of her glory, she just isnt much to look at yet, but believe me she will be! For $25.00 I am pretty happy with my find… especially compared with the $199 and up prices that I see at West Elm and World Market. Even cooler, the front drawer slides out so that I can hide my laptop when it is not in use, and store paper on one side, and miscellaneous items on the other. I will be refinishing her in a nice white gloss coat of paint after I sand her finish off. I havent decided if I should change out the hardware to a tassle knob (or other modern piece) or should I just fill in the holes with wood filler and just have no knobs like all of the pictures below. Thoughts? Check out my inspiration on other parsons desks around the web:
Come back in a week to check on her progress… I’m gonna name her Parson! – NB
nicole brennan . 302.545.0412 . nicole@lovelygirlsevents.com . wilmington
I see these cute cake pops all over great blogs such as Amy Atlas, Bakerella, and a personal favorite, Couture Parties by Stephanie Grimm, and trust me many, many more… but when Stephanie shared her cake pop recipe and then asked her readers to share their attempts, I decided “why not?”. I had a little extra time on my hands this past weekend (who are we kidding?) and a fondue pot in the attic that was getting a little dusty. I thought that this would make for a great day activity with the kids, and by day, yes we mean all day! It was great because the kids are able to participate in little spurts, so when they get bored they run off to play, and then join in the for the next step when called upon. Alright ladies, and gents… pull up you your sleeves because you are about to get dirty! I decided to keep it simple and not attempt any characters or cute themes. I am a firm believer at getting the basics down… and now, I’m ready to make these little “suckers” for a baby shower or bridal shower! I did however, do things a little differently than the instructions that Stephanie had given, but I will advise you of what I did differently as we go through the instructions.
I went to my local Target to make most of my purchases because the prices there are lower than my local grocer. Then I went around the shopping center to Michaels Craft Store and purchased the remaining items on my list. These items were as follows:
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1 Box of Cake Mix (any flavor) -
3/4 of a tub of frosting
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13 x 9 baking pan
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Parchment Paper
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Lollipop Sticks
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Cake Melts
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Mini Ice Cream Scoop
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2 Bowls
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Cookie Sheet
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Spoon
Instructions:
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Bake cake according to box instructions. Cool completely. Crumble completely into a bowl.Not going to fib, we stuck our cake outside to cool completely because it was 40 degrees outside and it kept me from having to rearrage my refrigerator. I also think it sped up the process a little bit! We also suggest doing the cake crumbling over the sink, but that also might be because we had the kids participate in this step.
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Mix in 3/4 of a tub of frosting thoroughly. Yes, this means wash your hands, pull up your sleeves, and get your hands dirty
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Line cookie sheet with parchment paper. Using small ice creap scoop, scoop cake mixture. Use hands to form balls. Place onto sheet. Continue to roll balls until mixture is gone. About 45 balls from one box. Who are we kidding… ice cream scoop? Just put your hands in there. We suggest rolling them no bigger than the size of a blow pop.
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Chill in refrigerator for a few hours, or you can place them in the freezer for about 20 minutes, but do not forget about them! We definitely went the freezer route and set the timer on the stove. Perfection!
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In a deep bowl, melt candy melts in microwave according to bag instructions. Remove balls from refrigerator. Insert lollipop sticks into melted candy. Insert lollipop sticks into cake ball, making sure not to push all the way through. Okay, so we cannot confirm or deny the candy melts because we decided to bust out the good ‘ole fondue pot and melt white chocolate for this step. Please make sure that if you are melting chocolate to add a teaspoon of vegetable oil and to stir constantly. This is an important step… we know! We burnt a couple batches of chocolate in the process. Oops!
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Once all of the balls have sticks inserted, place them back in refrigerator for 15 minutes, or freezer for 5minutes.
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Re-melt chocolate. Remove cake pops from refrigerator and dip the cake pops in the candy melts/chocolate. Use a spoon to cover the entire pop, gently tapping off excess. Place back onto cookie sheet (if you would like to add sprinkles, this would be the time to do that before the melted chocolate hardens).
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Place back into refrigerator for 15 minutes to harden.
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If you would like to add a second color to your pops, you can place melted chocolate/candy melt in a zip lock bag, cut a very tiny hole, and then pipe onto harden cake pops
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Enjoy your finished product, and of course the images of ours below!
Thanks again Stephanie for the instructions, and we hope we did not dissapoint! The kids surely loved them If you are looking for a little more direction… check out this video by Bakerella!
If you are looking for a little more direction… check out this video by Bakerella!nicole brennan . 302.545.0412 . nicole@lovelygirlsevents.com . wilmington
I know that I can honestly say that we are all really excited for the office remodeling to begin! Here is a re-cap… I am taking my 15′x23′ attic space which is partially redone, and making into a fabulous office space for LovelyGirls to collaborate amongst each other and offer it as a meeting space for clients until we decide to open up shop; One where all of the home decor bloggers will be drooling over once the space is finished!The winding staircase would be more functional if it boasted a wider entrance than the 2.5 feet wide dimensions, but 2.5ft could even be stretching it! There will be very little assembled furniture headed up the staircase, more like boxes and boxes of Ikea and target furniture. I have managed to fit a desk up into the office that I plan on breathing a little bit of life into.
But imagine, a nice fresh clean coat of white paint on the side walls and on the underneath of the steps. The wood grains will shine through on the top of the step with a deep, dark black walnut stain (just like the rest of our home). The eventual plan will to have a frosted glass door at the base of the steps for some privacy. In the mean time, a fresh coat of paint will have to do on the current door that is original to our 1937 colonial duplex home. I have thought long and hard, and have decided that for the time being, the wood banister at the top will stay, some minor changes, but it will keep with the rustic aspects of the original wide plank flooring that that we plan to refinish.If I had to answer what my favorite part of the remodel would be after it is all finished, I would have to admit, my little nook near the window which I plan on wallpapering and hanging a pendant lamp over my desk. The big debate is to face my desk at the window and enjoy the natural sunlight, or have my desk face the room taking in all of the beautiful hard work and decor geniusness after it is all finished. Here is a list of some of the projects that are on the “honey-do” list:
paint all walls and ceiling white, keeping the original red brick on the wall- re-do trim around new windows.
- wall paper little nook with floral wallpaper around windows
- pendant lamp in nook over desk
- trim all around the floor base
- refinish wide plank flooring
- solution for attic doors (still at a loss)
- replace hideous ceiling fan with track lighting
- replace all outlets and outlet covers
- buy new furniture (ummm… yay!)
- … TBD. I’ll have to let you know!
I would say half of the battle was to cleaning out the cross space areas in the attic which were cluttered with old metal mini blinds, huge mirrors, and soccer pads from the previous owner. <– Yes Really! Then we went through and organized all of the apothecary jars, vases, pictures frames, cupcake stands, vase fillers, and etc. for LovelyGirls into one corner. The other corners, well they are a mix of Steelers memorabilia, miscellaneous furniture pieces, pillows, and yes, sad to say, a brand new box of Calphalon pots and pans that we haven’t used yet. Its bitter sweet!
Here is the proposed layout that I designed with the Ikea Planner services for offices (I can now only find kitchen + wardrobe planners now). I did this over a year ago, so some of our furniture selections have changed in the mean time! We will of course have a meeting area, desk space, a media area for fax machines, paper, and printers, and then the Ikea Expedit bookcase for files and to display some featured rental pieces.
We can’t wait to share the before and afters. In the mean time, enjoy some of the “before” pictures of the space! It is going to be so great, and we really cannot wait to showcase it!
Below is the small corner in the attic that I am currently working out of. Trust me, it is better than being in the dining room and living room at times, and it allows me to focus on clients and completing tasks that I have set aside for myself. The desk below is the desk that I plan on refinishing, and once painted white, I think it is going to look great against the dark walnut stained original plan flooring. This is also the area where I plan on locating our media station. In the mean time, I’ve got some painting to do this week… make sure to stop back by and monitor the progress!
nicole brennan . 302.545.0412 . nicole@lovelygirlsevents.com . wilmington
