Holiday Gala/Salon Open House 2010

                            

Our 2010 Holiday Gala / Aveda Open House was a huge success.  We set a record for the number of people in the salon, and the amount of sales/gift certificate sales.  Thank you so much to everyone who attended! I was humbled at how many people came.
All the stylists dressed up, and we treated our guests to Aveda Stress Relieving treatments and massages, as well as treats, comforting tea, prizes, and specials for booking salon/spa appointments.  It was so busy the whole time, and I was running around like a headless chicken, so I'm sad that we didn't take more photos.  I got Ryan to quickly snap a few of me in the salon area at the end of the night before we cleaned everything up... so in the photos, I am beyond exhausted.   It was a lot of work, but well worth it.  I'm already looking forward to next year. :)

For the sweets, I made chocolate cupcakes with chocolate buttercream, french vanilla cupcakes with marshmallow buttercream, and red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.  Out stylist Jen made the Chex "puppy chow" and ginger snaps, and there was candy, punch, and tea.

The photo of Jenna is a quick & easy holiday inspired updo with a ribbon. She was the perfect model.  I also did a Hollywood waves inspired style with a peacock feather, and a glam ponytail on 2 other girls.

I had a lot of fun decorating the salon for the event! I used Rachel's tutorial for tissue paper pompoms, and Ryan meticulously hung the white mini lights for me.  Megan of Bloom Petal & Gift did a fantastic job of making some arrangements for our window displays, and Jenna made the dessert table bunting for me.  It was teamwork to make it all happen, and I'm thankful for my friends and family who support me and McKenna Salon. :)

Outfit details:
Headband: Giant Dwarf
Dress: Dove Tree

[Trend I love] - Lace Jackets

I love this trend! So feminine and pretty.  I think this is something that would beautifully accent a winter wardrobe, and take you right through Spring & Summer too, layered over a tank or dress. These are my favorites:

1. LaROK Luxe Vintage Lace Shirt Jacket

2. Black Lace Cardigan

3. H&M Lace Motorcycle Jacket

4. All Over Lace Blazer

5. Lace Boyfriend Cardigan

6. Vintage Lace Jacket worn by Keiko Lynn

7. Lace and Shantoon Soft Jacket

Loving the lace trend so much!

we're all a little crazy.

This is one cah-razy week. But then... what week isn't crazy??
Simon is getting over the flu.

Delilah is starting solid foods. (that's fun!)

All I ever do is run around.

My house is a disaster.

The salon is having it's annual Holiday Gala on Thursday.

And I'm not ready.

I baked 72 cupcakes tonight, will decorate them on Thursday.

I made a bunch of white tissue paper pom-poms with some of the girls at the salon today.

It's 2am and I'm still working on design stuff, but I think we'll be good!

It's crazy, but it's an ok kind of crazy.  I do it to myself.

Time to get some sleep and I can't wait to post about the holiday gala, it's going to be so much fun! I don't even care how many people show up (It'll be more than last year.... we had a crazy snow storm), I'm looking forward to styling up some models, setting up an Amy Atlas inspired sweets table, and treating my guests to a fun evening.

Are the holidays are crazy time of year for you too?

[Inspiration] - Hair and Fashion

This "Dolls" collection is stunning.  I love the styling of the photos, and the pastel tones in the hair.

Credits

Hair: Steven Robertson and Janae Johnson

Make Up: Paula J. Dahlberg

Wardrobe: Michelle Boucher

Photography: Jake Garn

In the topic of fashion, I found myself inspired by the latest collection by Lucian Matis, Canadian fashion designer.  I think the hairstyle modeled in his show at Toronto Fashion Week would make for a beautiful style to wear at a Christmas/Holiday party this season.  Would you dare? Of course you could downsize the bow, but it looks great on the runway!

I've been very inspired creatively in hair lately.  I'm finding that my passion for hairstyling is sort of "re-awakening" since having time off for having a baby.  I'm feeling refreshed, and excited about my career. 

What's been inspiring you lately?

I'll leave you with some recent family photos...

[Hair Inspire] - Classic Girl

This collection "Cinematique" by Australian hairstylist Emiliano Vitale is so pretty, and if I could describe it one word: Woman.  the styles are so romantic, and classically 'girl'. Emiliano describes the inspiration for this collection as the "Earthy, unpretentious woman characterized in Italian Neo Realism cinema."

Another source of hair inspiration for me today is Rihanna! I'm *completely* in love with her new video for "Only Girl".... the red curly hair, the floral outfits, the locations, the colors, the styling... It's very girly, and just plain pretty.

I plan on using this hairstyle as inspiration for my own hair for our Holiday Gala at the salon next week....

I think Rihanna has always taken risks with her hairstyles, and I admire that.
Anyways.... the week is flying by! My to-do list is so long, but I've got some fun events coming up, and a fun Home for the Holidays blog post for Smile and Wave to finish. :)

[Etsy Favorites] - November

I still love Etsy. I love to browse and 'window' shop by adding beautiful things I fancy into my Favorites. Here's some things I fancy as of late.

Bow belts by Darlingtonia  (ps they're on sale right now!)

Circle Scarf by Heidi & Seek

Adorable child's peacoat at MsTips Vintage

Pretty blue velvet bonnet also at MsTips Vintage

Coffee & Cream Tuxedo Dress by Minxshop

Gorgeous handpainted ceramic eco-friendly travel mug by Yevgenia

In other news, we put up our Christmas tree tonight by the music of Boney M. :)  It's a white tree again this year, with mostly pink and sparkly ornaments. I'd love to add a few special ones yet this year, if I find some.  When do you normally put the tree up and trim it?  Is it a tradition?  I love this season.

new favorite blog.

Weddings are so beautiful. I love seeing the planning process, hearing brides ideas and being constantly inspired by all areas involved around wedding planning.  Flowers, photography, decor, dresses, quirky personal details... everything!  For this reason I am very excited about Elsie & Emma's new wedding blog, Le Wedding Party.

Elsie is planning her upcoming wedding, and Emma is her beautiful Maid of Honor. Together, they created this blog to share in the planning with all of you! Read more about it here.

Way to go girls, you've created another something beautiful, and I look forward to many inspiring posts! XO

[Half a year]

Oh Delilah. My little Fawn is 6 months old.  It's gone by too fast! I was looking forward to this age, but it seemed to creep up on me.  Six months is my favorite stage.  I love her growing independance, but I also love that she's taking her sweet time to sit on her own. :)  I love feeding her cereal, and letting her play with my necklaces.  I love her big hugs in the morning, and how she smiles so big when she sees me, or Ryan when he comes home at lunch time.

Slow down sweetie. I'm not in a hurry.
Love, Mommy

Dress: Vintage from Lishyloo
Toy: Sophie the Giraffe

[Inspiration] - Puppen by Juime

Wow.  I found Juime through the Kenziepoo blog, and I am blown away. Hands down the prettiest, most charming handmade plush dolls I've ever seen.  I want one of each for a magical play village that Delilah and I can visit often, when she's a little older.  There's some cute ones that Simon might even like too!  I dream of playing with dolls with my baby girl, and I can't wait!
You're in for a treat if you browse the Juime site. Make sure to check out the 'Juwelen' too. Unreal.