New Issue of Munaluchi Bridal W/ First Ever Celebrity Cover

Munaluchi Bridal, the first African-inspired bridal magazine to launch nationally across the US as well as internationally, is adding a bit of culture to newsstands. Jacqueline Nwobu, Editor-in-Cheif was once a frustrated bride disappointed with the lack of women of color in bridal magazines. Nwobu turned her dissatisfaction into a thriving business. Since its start, Munaluchi bridal has put out two issues and is ready to release its third. Besides claiming its space on stands, the magazine has been featured on the CW/PIX 11 Morning News and the ABC6 Morning News among other press.

Munaluchi Bridal’s Spring/Summer 2011 issue will be available on newsstands and Target stores everywhere February 11, 2011. It is available online now at Munaluchibridal.com with Free Shipping when you use the code: FREESHIPPINGUS.

This third issue covers everything from dresses, reception decor, food, and a special look into real life weddings with Lala Vazquez as the first celebrity to be featured on the cover. “Munaluchi Bridal is rapidly evolving into a much needed resource for all women, whether engaged, single, hopeless romantics or just plain lovers of all things beautiful,” said Nwobu.

In this Issue:

A Conversation with Lala | page 42
With a decade of career success already under her belt, Lala Vazquez added the role of wife to her roster when she married her soul mate, Denver Nuggets superstar Carmelo Anthony. In our interview, Lala discusses motherhood, her next career moves and her new role as wife.

Beautybox | page 32
Stunning makeup tips for a fresh, luminous spring look, plus jewelry and accessories to get you glamorous for your big day.

Spotlight: Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier | page 52
Since 2002 Mark Ingram has owned one of the most chic and stylish bridal atelier’s in Manhattan. In this interview he talks about how he got his start in the bridal industry and also provides a few tips for the modern bride.

Making Frugal Fabulous | page 112
The “Budgetnista” dispels the popular myth that there can be no romance without finance. She breaks down four ways you can use a little creativity, communication and compromise to make frugal fabulous in your relationship.

Check out behind the scenes coverage of a recent Munaluchi bridal editorial photo shoot.

Munaluchi Bridal targets women of color, a severely untapped audience but the magazine is well received by all women, regardless of race and ethnicity which speaks volumes. Munaluchi is filling a void in the bridal market and does it beautifully by providing amazing photographs and content that is uniquely rich. There is inspiration in Jacqueline Nwobu’s story and her vision lends itself to beautiful women and their bridal planning world-wide. Preview and buy Munluchi Bridal now online.

If you are a writer or a publicist reading this post, contact Munaluchi Bridal to pitch content or get your client featured in future issues.

Think Outside Of The Box For Decor Ideas

This test tube centerpiece is beautiful and not a first thought kind of idea. This creative idea is so simple but not a obvious choice. It has a blend of modern and classic. The centerpiece is super unique and will fit into any home or event.

I saw this posted on ellyB Events blog. They suggest using the test tube centerpiece in areas where you want a minimal decor impact but an impact nonetheless. For example, in your guest bathroom or at the bar of a cocktail party. I think those are perfect suggestions.

Also found on the ellyB Events blog was this…

hanging frames for escort cards! I am in love with this idea. This decor idea is a marriage between vintage and contemporary. Simply placing table seating cards on a banquet table is so blah. Do something different. The hanging frames is the perfect inspiration for a custom idea.

And last, also found on the the ellyB Events blog are the sweater vases.

Just in time for the winter, these sweater covered vases will give any cozy home a even softer feel. This is the cutest DIY decor idea.

Head to the ellyB Events blog for even more event planning ideas and the original sources of the ideas you saw here.

Add Some Personality To Your Cake

I found this Tiffany glass inspired wedding cake on Dog N’ Bird Artful Wedding. I love to see a cake that is oozing with personality. I am so over the plain and boring three tier cakes with super corny butter-cream flowers on each tier. I think it is important to be creative and let your guest get a glimpse of who you and/or what you are celebrating. Sounds deep but it CAN be achieved through cake. Here are some examples below I took from my favorite cake designers, CakeGirls in Chicago.

Custom Luminaries

Custom made luminaries by Paper Acorn is a great edition to any event or home. Customize them for a wedding, engagement celebration, birthday party, or product launch. Martha Stewart loves this idea and so does GMPR.

Head to Etsy.com to place your order now!

Picture Perfect Event

Event planning company, Extraordinary Events, used video immersion to provide a truly amazing experience for their corporate tech client’s reception. Every sixty minuets, Extraordinary Events took their guest through six different cultural regions through a combination of imagery, videos and music.

Without a prop in sight, it’s what events are striving for in today’s market…”experience”. And here, the experience happens in a total surround…on the walls that immerse you in the newest, most unique and emotionally engaging event experience to be found anywhere!

— Taken from Facebook album description.

This idea is so innovative and amazing, I’m just mad I wasn’t there to experience it.

Cake On a Plate…No Way!

Looking for a way to shake things up? Are you the nontraditional party planner? Do you want your party guest to know that you have mastered thinking outside of the box and off the plate? Well, do just that. Don’t hand them a slice of cake on a plate but do give them cupcakes in a jar.

Cupcakes in a jar is such a cute idea and it makes for the perfect favor. I never met anyone who doesn’t like red velvet cake so I am so sure that your guest will jump at the chance to savor this favor (corny…I know but I had to say it).

For step by step instructions and pictures go to the  My Cakies Blog.

Cool Ice

Chill your summer drinks in a cool way.  These ice cubes are like art and the mint adds a tasty sensation. This idea is perfect for any outdoor summer event and is easy enough to do it yourself. I promise you your guest will appreciate the extra step.

Instructions:

1. Fill ice cube trays one-third full with distilled water
2. Freeze for one hour then add small flowers or mint leaves
3. Add more water and freeze all the way

P.S. I got this idea from Dog n’ Bird

DIY Napkin Bow

There are hundreds of napkin folds  but this one is a hit with the guys and girls. The bow is reminiscent of a men’s bow tie and a bow on a women’s dress. The napkin bow is by the wonderful Martha Stewart and I found the tutorial on Utterly Engaged

Here it is:

“Spread a dinner napkin out, lying flat. Fold opposite sides in so they meet at the center. Then fold again at the center to form a narrow, ribbon like shape. Next, fold short ends in so they meet at the center. Cinch in the middle with a ribbon in a coordinating color, and glue at back.”

4th of July Sweets

Trying to be the hostess with the mostess this 4th of July, than don’t forget the desserts. Delish.com is featuring plenty holiday dessert ideas and I picked out one just  for all you  backyard barbecue planners.

♥Vanilla-Raspberry Sundaes with Spoon-Shaped Cookies♥

Recipe found on delish.com

Ingredients

• 2 cup(s) sifted all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon(s) salt
• 4 ounce(s) (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup(s) sugar
• 1  large egg
• 1 teaspoon(s) pure vanilla extract
• 2 quart(s) vanilla ice cream, softened
• 2 quart(s) raspberry sorbet, softened
• Blueberries, for garnish

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Directions

1. Make the cookies: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Mix in egg and vanilla. Gradually add flour mixture, and mix until dough comes together. Shape dough into 2 disks, wrap each in plastic, and refrigerate at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).
2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Roll out 1 disk of dough to just less than an inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Using a paring knife, cut out spoon shapes, each about 3 inches long. Get the spoon template here.
3. Transfer to baking sheets. Chill in freezer for 15 minutes. Roll out scraps, and repeat once.
4. Bake until cookies are golden around the edges, about 12 minutes. Transfer sheets to wire racks to cool. Repeat with remaining dough.
5. Make the sundaes: In 8 small bowls, layer 1/4 cup ice cream, 1/2 cup sorbet, and another 1/4 cup ice cream. Garnish each sundae with blueberries, and serve with 2 or 3 cookie spoons.

Not Your Average Guest Book

It’s pretty hard to thank your guests for gracing your event with no guest book. The days of regular boring guest books are over. It’s time to be creative. Creativity is my favorite word…seriously, no joke. So here are some ideas I found on the net to inspire your creative side.