Pumpkin Decor Wrap Up

If you are keeping up with our Facebook, you probably have noticed that we’ve completely fallen in love with PUMPKINS this fall. Who knew they could be so flexible for decoration? From painted pumpkins to the ones we’re about to show you- these are a must have decor detail that work around the house and at your chill day.

1. Chevron Pumpkins – one of our favorites.

2. Pumpkins as a fire pit outside – fun for an outdoor idea.

3. Pumpkin-mum – carve out your pumpkin and place a mum in them. If you have a face carved in it already, just turn it around and keep out for Thanksgiving.

4. DIY Painted Pumpkin – use as a fall centerpiece! Aren’t these cute?

5. Pumpkin Chiller – never thought of this, but isn’t this so neat? Cheers!

How To Order Invitations Like a Bridechilla™

If your Christmas gift this year consists of a four word question and a shiny new ornament for your finger, chances are you’ll be getting married sometime in the near future. But before the wedding bells begin ringing, you’re going to have to start planning. And once you have your wedding day firmly locked down, the first thing you’ll want to do is notify guests with a trendy save the date.

The best thing about save the dates is that they are by far the most chill type of wedding stationery you’ll send out. You can make them fun or even a little silly, just as long as they reflect your personality. Also, the wording doesn’t have to be extremely eloquent either, allowing you to preserve all that pretty prose for those formal wedding invitations. And save the dates are mailed out so far in advance that you don’t have to worry about them matching the overall look and style of your wedding. Just find a design that you like and go with it. Or if you feel like being really different, you can even send a unique save the date magnet like the ones from Wedding Paper Divas. These distinct early reminders will not only stick to everyone’s fridge, but they will stick to their minds as well.

However, it is the holidays, and as a Bridechilla™-to-be the last thing you should be dealing with is all the stress that holiday shopping can cause. So instead of fighting the crowds and spending hours scouring the stores for that perfect save the date or wedding invitation, relax and bring your stationery search to the comfort of your big cozy couch by shopping online. Doing this will save you tons of time and headache because customizing your cards online is extremely fast and easy. And if you ever need any help or just a second opinion, you can even peel your fiancé away from the football game in order to assist in the design process. Just remember to kick up your feet, pour yourself a soothing cup of chamomile tea and chill out while you customize your absolutely stunning wedding stationery.

Get comfortable and start your search Bridechillas!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We are wishing our Bridechillas, Bridechillas-to-be, and their beau’s all a very happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy time with family and count your blessings… cheers!  -Bridechilla™  & Off The Beaten Path Weddings

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Martini

Pumpkin Pie Martini

Yes, we said it. Pumpkin Pie Martini… thank you Mountainside Bride for sharing this martini on your blog recently, the moment we saw it we just had to let our Bridechillas know the recipe. Serve this Martini at your holiday get-togethers this season or at your fall wedding reception – your guests will be dying to know the recipe. See instructions and ingredients below. 🙂 Cheers!

Image and recipe from Day Dream Desserts

Ingredients Needed:

• 3 ounces pecan liqueur
• 3 ounces vanilla vodka
• 4 ounces milk
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
• pinch of pumpkin pie spice
• 1-2 graham crackers, ground (optional for garnish)

Steps:

• Rim your martini glasses with ground up graham cracker. You can either grind by hand with a mortar and pestle, or pulse in a mini food processor.
• Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice.
• Shake for 30 seconds and pour into martini glasses rimed with ground graham crackers
• Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

Chill Fun: Outdoor Photo Booth

Not only is an outdoor photo booth a great idea for a wedding reception, we think it would be fun for any occasion. Even having no reason at all would make this activity enjoyable and 100% chill. Grab a few mismatched chairs, a backdrop, camera, and a few friends, and smile for the camera!

What a setting, right?

Thank you to Miss Indie for sharing such a cool and adventurous idea with us!

After The Feast: Slow Cooked Coconut Hot Chocolate

If the title of this post hasn’t gotten you wiping the drool off your chin, then these photos will. Many of us may get caught up on what to cook for our holiday dinners, but Bridechilla™ wants to make sure there is a yummy treat to relish in after the big feast. This chocolatey dessert has our mouths watering, and we think it’s something you must share with your house guests this holiday season.

Slow-cooked hot chocolate… mmmmmm!

Ingredients:

• 4 (13 oz) cans full-fat coconut milk
• 2 (14 oz) cans sweetened condensed milk
• 8 ounces high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup dutch process cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons coconut extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened flaked or shredded coconut
• frosting to rim the mugs
• whipped cream or
• coconut whipped cream for topping
• marshmallows for topping

Preparation:

• Add coconut milk, condensed milk and extracts to your crock pot, whisking to combine. Stir in salt, cocoa powder and chocolate, whisking again. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours. You want to stir and whisk every 15 minutes or so, making sure the chocolate melts nicely and is thoroughly distributed throughout the mixture. The best thing I can say here is to “know” your crockpot. I knew that mine could sit on low for a few hours while being mixed at least once every 30 minutes. After a while it began to thicken and bubble on the sides, so I left it on but removed the lid and whisked well. Just keep your eye on it and whisk everything together.

• Before serving, add coconut to a small saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring with a wooden spoon. Toast for 5-6 minutes until golden. Let cool, then add to a paper or ziplock bag and crush with you hands under small flakes remain.

• To serve, rim the edges of a mug with some frosting or glaze or something sticky, then dip the rims in the toasted coconut flakes. pressing gently to adhere. Pour hot chocolate in the mugs and garnish with whipped cream and marshmallows.

[Note: if you don’t have a crockpot or are wary of using your crockpot, you can definitely make this in a large stock pot. Cook over very low heat while whisking, stirring until totally combined. Continue to stir along the edges where chocolate may stick and burn. Serve!]

Drooling yet?

Don’t forget about the marshmallows. Enjoy and happy holidays!

[adapted from better homes & gardens and howsweeteats.com]

Chill Etsy Finds: Bridesmaid Gifts

Now that you’ve chosen your Bridechilla™ Team, we’ve gathered a few chill gift ideas for the girls in orange. Of course they will be sporting their Team Shirt, but we have some alternative gift ideas for the group of gals that help hold down the chill. From monogram necklaces and earring to totes and robes, this Bridechilla™ Team will be fashionably chill with any of these choices.

Bridesmaid Robes in Assorted Prints by plumprettysugar

Bridal Party Gift For The Bridesmaid by DreamState

Custom Silhouette Tote Bag by littlelacelilly

Team Bride Tote by PamelaFugateDesigns

Personalized Heart Tote by baggedandloaded

Monogrammed Initial Necklaces by LRoseDesigns

Custom Birthstone Monogram Necklace by tyrahandmadejewelry

Shamballa Earrings (Oooh, in the signature Bridechilla color ORANGE) by annydiy

Bridesmaid Earrings by Dariami

What are some chill gifts you’ve thought about giving or have given to your bridesmaids?  Always remember that a Bridechilla™ Team Shirt would be a great gift that will remind your bridesmaids that there is no such thing as a bridezilla when it comes to your wedding. What better way to bring the gals together that to unite them with a fab piece of Bridechilla™ wear?

Thank You Gift Inspiration

In between planning the wedding and the big day, a Bridechilla™ and her man are surrounded by the friends and family that help them “keep calm and marry on”. So when that big day arrives… we think that a great way to say thank you is to give a small gift, for helping keep the chill and being there from engagement to “I do” and to the forever after. Whether they are holding the bouquet, walking you down the aisle, carrying the rings, or helping you get in to that beautiful gown… here are some small ways to say thank you.

Mother of the Bride Gift Idea: Infinite Bracelet by OtisBWeddings

Father of the Bride Gift Idea: Cufflinks by KCowie

Bridesmaid Gift Idea: Personalized Bridesmaids Hangers (pair with a Bridechilla tee!) by croninweddingday

Groomsmen Gift Idea: Chalkboard Beer Mug by themanregistry

Chill Etsy Find: Bridesmaid Invitations

So you have your man, your date, your event stylist… time to find that lovely support system full of chill: your bridesmaids. Like most Bridechillas, you’ve probably had them picked out in your head for awhile, but now it’s time to formally invite them to join you on your chill day. Why not make those invitations pretty? This is where Etsy has helped us find only the chillest Bridesmaid Invitations for
your Bridechilla™ Team.

Will You Be My Bridesmaid Token of Affection Gift Set by ChoosingYou

Six Bridesmaids Invitation Boxes by FloMade

Wine Bottle Labels (available for groomsmen too!) by michelepurnerdesigns

Will You Be My Bridesmaid Tags by inkandivory

Will You Be My Bridesmaid Spoons by LEsperanceDesign

Will You Be My Bridesmaid Token of Affection Gift by ChoosingYou

“Can’t Do It Without You” Bridesmaid Invitation by PaperScissorsStone

What are some ways you’ve asked your bridesmaid to join you on your chill day?  Always remember that a Bridechilla™ Team Shirt would be a great gift to pair with the invitation, and will remind your bridesmaids that there is no such thing as a bridezilla when it comes to your wedding. What better way to bring the gals together?

BRIDECHILLA™ WEAR OF THE WEEK: The Jennifer

Manufactured by American Apparel, this BOY SHORT is fresh, sassy and super sexy in an innocent kind of way! Super short, low waist and amazing stretch. Use as an undergarment, or as an outergarment while “chillin'” at home! We love this piece of BRIDECHILLA™ wear, and that is why it’s today’s pick of the week! Want to get this piece of chill wear or others? Visit the Bridechilla™ Store by clicking here.

Get The Jennifer by clicking here and visiting the BRIDECHILLA™ store.