Above: Peach Champagne

Summer's here and I've got the perfect way to make a statement at any bridal shower, lunch, cocktail party or even the wedding itself. Talenti Sorbettos are the perfect pairing for a new timeless tradition and will add the perfect splash of flavor for a twist on the traditional Bellini cocktail {recipe follows}. Each Talenti Sorbetto has all natural flavors including Hill Country Peach Champagne, Sonoma Strawberry, Malaysian Mango, Blood Orange, and Lisbon Lemon. Brides can either choose their favorite flavor to serve or let their guests choose which flavor to add to their own customized Bellini. And, the Talenti Sorbettos come in eco-friendly and translucent packaging which makes them chic enough to serve right out of the jar.

Above: Rasberry Sorbetto

These sorbettos are beyond delectable. A big thank you to Elyse for sending me some of the Talenti Sorbettos {and a couple of their Gelatos} for sampling. I had my parents over for dinner and a sampling dessert. We all agreed each one was very good {or, as my daughter said, "mmmm, cold, yummy"}, but the favorite of everyone was the raspberry flavor. And, the vanilla gelato was a very close second. How great would it be to present your guests with an upscale ice cream bar and offer them the choice of Talenti Sorbetto or Gelato? I also think the vanilla gelato would make for one amazing root bear float if opting for a soda bar.

The Talenti Sorbettos are guilt-free, 100% natural, 100% organic, Gluten free, OU kosher certified. You can even re-use the packaging for other purposes such as storing snacks, spare change or hair accessories. I'm actually using them to hold my many small containers of crafting glitter {one container per color hue}.

Above: Strawberry Sorbetto

Above: Assorted Flavors

To see where you can purchase your very own Talenti Sorbetto, please visit their web site to find a store near you. {or you can order online} Luckily, our very own nearby supermarket carries a couple of the flavors. Which is wonderful, since I know I will most definitely be buying more. It's so great when you find a wonderfully refeshing treat that is delicious and 100% natural.

And, here's the Talenti Bellini Recipe:
Talenti Sorbetto
Prosecco, Champagne or Sparkling Wine
Champagne Flute

Directions: Simply dollop a spoonful of your chosen flavor of Talenti Sorbetto into the bottom of a champagne flute and top it off with chilled Prosecco, Champagne or Sparkling Wine. Serve and Enjoy.

PS: While I was gifted Talenti Sorbettos and Gelatos, I was not in any way
paid to make an endorsement, I simply wrote how I feel about the product.

The new bridal collection from Alex and Ani was created "for that bride who wants more unique and personal accents for her or her bridesmaids." Special sets can also be created for every member in the bridal party by mixing this collection with single bangles from Alex and Ani's exclusive online bangle bar.

I recently received one of the Alex and Ani single bangle bracelets with the "Love" charm and literally fell in love with it. I've never able to wear bangle bracelets because they simply do not fit over my thumb knuckle. But, this bracelet fits so easily because it's expandable!!! Such an ingenious design and I've been wearing it basically everyday since I received it. There's something about the soft jingle of the charms that just makes me happy, I can't help it.

The gorgeous bridal collection is made up of Alex and Ani's Signature Expandable Bangles adorned with pearls, Swarovski crystals and sparkling seed beads. You can even mix and match these bangles with their single bangles with charms that are printed with kitschy-chic sayings {such as, "Wedding Bells, "To My Bridesmaid", "I Love You" and more}.

And, another plus to the Alex and Ani collection is the pieces are made from recycled materials and created proudly in the USA. Doesn't get much better than that. Well, except that you can save 10% on your Alex and Ani purchase :) Simply use the promotion code IC2010 at checkout.

PS: along with the expandable bracelets, you can also find necklaces, earrings and rings at AlexAndAni.com.

PS: While I was gifted an Alex and Ani Love Charm expandable bangle bracelet, I was not in any way paid to make an endorsement, I simply wrote how I feel about the product. Update: June 2014: this post contains affiliate links + I may receive a small percentage of any sales made from these links Please note: you do no incur any additional costs from these links and any purchases made from them will help me keep this blog going strong for years to come.

I was so excited when my package from Wolf Designs showed up. Inside was the most beautiful "something blue" {sky blue} Torino leather jewelry box. The jewel cases from Wolf Designs are absolutely perfect for the bride-to-be, whether given as a gift or purchased for the honeymoon - it's the perfect solution for storing your jewels and other valuables. The photos are stunning on the Wolf Designs web site, but I'll be honest, I have to say that the jewel case is even more spectacular in person. I was so lucky to have received the Torino Medium Jewel Case. Thank you Wolf Designs! The quality of the leather is top notch and they're beautifully crafted.

In addition to the jewel case I received, Wolf Designs has an amazing collection of jewel cases that are just perfect for the entire bridal party. The Torino Travel Jewel Box is just $25. How great would this be to present to your bridesmaids with maybe a necklace or bracelet tucked inside that they can wear on your wedding day?

Color choices for the Torino collection include: tangerine, sky blue, and classic cream {another perfect color choice for the bride-to-be}. Other lines that you can select from include: Manhattan, Saint Tropez and Queen's Court, each available in mini, small, medium, large and extra large jewel case sizes. There's even a specific Bridal Jewelry Case collection.

A little bit of background on Wolf Designs: Since 1834, they have been crafting jewel cases for jewelry safekeeping. LusterLoc™ is the latest break-through innovation from Wolf Designs that allows the fabric lining on the inside of the jewelry cases to absorb the hostile gases known to cause tarnishing. And, under typical storage conditions, LusterLoc™‚ may prevent tarnishing for up to 35 years. Truly amazing.

PS: While I was gifted a Wolf Designs Torino Medium Jewel Case, I was not in any way paid to make an endorsement, I simply wrote how I feel about the product.

above photos courtesy of Tastespotting {similar dishes were prepared by Michelle and Rich}
Fried Rice and Broccoli-Rabe-and-Caramelized-Onion-Frittata

I recently finished reading The Gastronomy of Marriage {a memoir of food and love} by Michelle Maisto and absolutely loved it! This is the story of Michelle and Rich, two engaged foodies that are merging two cultures together in both life and at the table {Chinese and Italian}. Since "Rich craves the light fare his mother learned to prepare as a girl in China" and "Michelle leans toward the hearty dishes her father knew as a boy in Italy" the nightly question often is What should we have for dinner? Michelle's descriptions of the food are superb and makes you want to head to the kitchen to start cooking. And, if you want to make some of the dishes that are talked about in the book, you can, as Michelle has included several recipes throughout the memoir.

Along with the cooking, Michelle and Rich must also figure out how to avoid the pitfalls of a multi-cultural wedding - so therefore, when "two becoming one" isn't likely, you must find an option number three.

The Gastronomy of Marriage {a memoir of food and love} is a delightful read whether you are just engaged or already married. And, I'm already hoping Michelle is planning a sequel to the memoir.

PS: don't forget, that you have until 11:59 pm EST today to enter and win your own copy of The Gastronomy of Marriage {a memoir of food and love} by Michelle Maisto. I have 5 copies to give away. Please click here to enter, entry comments left on this post cannot be considered.

When I was introduced to The Strapper™ by Lizzie of 32Flavor PR, I knew I just had to have one for my shirt I love from Victoria's Secret. My problem with the shirt is the bra straps show as the shirt style cuts in on the back side. I tested a Strapper™ out and it's amazing, as it's designed to hide bra straps from under sleeveless tops (and also prevents bra straps from falling off the shoulders). Not only does it work at perfectly at hiding the straps, but my bra was actually more comfortable than wearing the straps the normal way.

If your bridesmaids are going to be wearing a sleeveless top, but plan to still wear a bra, this is a wonderful product to help them be comfortable while hiding the bra straps from showing in photos. The Strapper™ is sold in white, nude, tan, hot pink, red, chocolate, baby pink, green, dark blue, turquoise, black, and clear - for those looking to match their skin tone or who want to be fashion savvy with a bright color. It's also available in bridal packs (comes in a blue bag with a penny for your shoe) and even an exclusive crystallized Strapper™ made with Swarovski Elements.

To see more about The Strapper™ or to order your own, please click here (it's $5.99 for a single one and the bridal pack, which makes a wonderful bridal gift, is only $11.99).

PS: While I was given a Strapper™ to test out, I was not in any way paid to make an endorsement, I simply wrote how I feel about the product. The product does mention that it lifts and supports, I didn't notice any significant lift, but I did feel more supported as the bra simply fit more comfortably when wearing The Strapper™.