Alice in Wonderland

I have been so enthralled in Alice in Wonderland bridal shower theme that like Alice I have been stuck in a fantasy world for too long.  Being frivolous and having fun are just one of the joys of having a bridal shower and the Alice in Wonderland theme incorporates that reckless abandon of your last night as a single woman.

Before you even begin to consider using this theme for your bridal shower or hen’s party make sure that you have the use of one of your friend’s gardens or you have a garden of your own.  Trees are integral and create fabulous natural hanging spaces.  If you would like to use a venue make sure that the venue has a garden and a space inside.  Outdoors is always best but sometimes the rain can come along to spoil all your hard work.  Always have a plan B at the same venue.

For the invitations use clocks, rabbits, teapots, small bottles or slices of cake with the invitations on the inside of the labels with either “eat me” or “drink me” on the front.  Use clocks with words like “don’t be late for a very important date.” Also if you would like guests to wear crazy hats use the following wording “The Mad Hatter and the Bride invite you to wear or create a fun hat for this special occasion.”

Your table should be decorated with teapots, cups, saucers, cakes and loads of tea time treats.  If you would like to serve alcohol, Pimms and lemonade are perfect for this occasion; you could even add fruit or cucumber.  Place little bottles with a drink me label and tiny pieces of cake with eat me labels attached or you could simply place little squares next to the teapots or the pieces of cake.  Your tablecloth should be white and the brides chair should be a wingback that you have borrowed or from your own home.  You can use different style chairs or the same around the table.  A great idea that I found on Martha Stewarts site is too glue together teacups and saucers together to make cake stands.  Meringues, cupcakes, sandwiches, petit fours, pies and savoury treats should be spread haphazardly around the table.  Pick flowers from the garden or seasonal flowers and place in the teapots or cups.  Hang bunting above the table in the trees above (remember to keep the colours pastel and soft).  From the trees you could also hang a mirror, a large clock and an empty frame.  The empty frame is a stunning place to take photographs so that the bride can remember her special day.  Dressing the bride up is incredibly easy and a pretty summer dress will do the trick. 

Alice in Wonderland is a traditionally British theme which is very easy to emulate but if you would like to bring in aspects of Africa, here are some ideas:

Use African Daisies,hydrangeas or sunflowers in the teapots or place a daisy on the linen napkins. 

Use guinea fowl feathers and beaded place mats. 

Serve dishes like milk tart, koeksisters, scones, soetkoekies and savoury biscuits with marmite and biltong shreds.

Amarula cream is also a great addition to the drinks table.

Rich reds, yellows and oranges can be used for bunting and the occasional patch on the tablecloth.

As usual I have spent hours and even days looking for the best inspirational pictures that I could find on the internet.  If you are still stuck and need advice, you can contact me at myecowedding@telkomsa.net.

Loads of love

Faye

Glorious South African Beach Weddings

I think the extreme cold has brought on a longing for summer and lazy days on a gorgeous South African beach somewhere.  It is for this reason that I have been inspired to give a few tips on having a beach wedding in South Africa.

1. Go to the beach that you want to get married at and make sure that it won’t be crowded with people, if you live overseas, use a wedding planner to help you find one. 
2. Get hold of tide charts if you are planning your wedding yourself.  The last thing you need is the tide coming in and guests clambering to grab their goods while you say your vows.
3. You will also need a permit to use the beach.  This can be arranged at the local municipality.
4. Send a message in a bottle invitation.
5. Make sure that the location isn’t so remote that your guests will have to walk for miles to get there.  Also make sure that there are restrooms close by.  These will more often than not be public and probably not look wedding ready.  Think about dressing them up with flowers, nice smelling soaps and hand towels. Rolled up face cloths in a basket are great for this purpose.  The real biggie here is to make sure there is toilet paper.  You can purchase recycled paper toilet rolls online from South African manufacturers. (EarthnLove make great hand soaps and creams.)
6. South Africa has fabulous beach front bed and breakfast hotels and lodges. They would help arrange your wedding ceremony and the the reception would be at their premises with views of the sea.
7. Renting a tent or making a make shift cover from the sun for your guests is imperative.  The South African sun can be very strong. 
8. Rent chairs from a local rental company.  Hang buckets with flowers from chairs down the aisle.
9. You can also use cushions for your guests to sit on.  This is comfortable but not a great option if you have elderly people attending your wedding.
10. At the entrance to the beach, put flip flops in bags for your guests.  Place another basket and recommend that your guests place their own shoes in the bags and then the basket to collect when they leave.  There is nothing worse than getting sand in your shoes.
11. A beach wedding generally means a picnic reception but this does not always have to be the case.  There are fabulous caterers that can assist you with a menu and set up. 
12. Never try and compete with your surroundings.  Use the colour of the beach and the ocean in your décor.

Thanks for stopping by.

Faye

MAGICAL MOMENTS NON PROFIT ORGANISATION

 “There is something very special in each and every one of us. We have all been gifted with the ability to make a difference.  And if we can become aware of that gift, we gain through the strength of our visions the power to shape the future.”

[Excerpt from The Starfish Story by Loren C Eiseley]

An image of Susan's home and belongings.

Couples who have been living together for many years before their wedding or who are entering their second marriages have all the kitchen and household equipment they could want.  In these situations and in the spirit of what is green asking gifts to donate to a charity of your choice is a great and eco idea.  It is always advisable, however to explore, relate and understand the charity that you choose.  Magical Moments is a non-profit organisation that I love.  I had the pleasure of joining Ilana and Bianca of Magical Moments in December last year, where they enlisted the help of volunteers to scrapbook a page and photograph of each child and their magical moments.  As I arrived I was immediately given a crown, some glitter for my cheeks and a choice of envelopes.  Initially I felt rather silly in a room of women I had never met, all wearing crowns and glitter but soon realised that this charity was about making a moment magical.  Everyone was there for the same reason, to capture a child’s magical moment in a memory of hearts, stars and wishes.  Glitter and crowns were therefore imperative to help you really feel how that little girl’s life had changed for that day.

The children in these photographs had broad smiles across their faces, princess dresses, crowns, glitter and cupcakes.  All the things that we take for granted.  I chose to advise you on this charity, because similarly a wedding is a day of smiles, princess dresses, crowns, glitter and cupcakes.  If you could enrich one little girls life for one day, to give her the moment that you are about to have, you would have put a smile on an angels face.

8 August 2009

To Magical Moments

Dearest Ilana and the Magical Moments

I am so excited to say to you that you are so wonderful. Thank you so much for what you are doing in our lives.  When I see my self in the photo album, I don't know how I can express my Joy.  The blankets you gave to the children in my sanctuary brought warmth to the children.  We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

The photos created a memory that will last forever.  On behalf of every child in my Sanctuary I thank you.  I appreciate your generosity and your love.  I promise to extend this love you've shown me to nations.

I will always love you.

With lots of love.

Salem

Salem's Sanctuary

[10 year old girl] 

 

  

Magical Moments, a registered, non-profit charitable organisation “Proudly created, with love in South Africa”, reaches out to abused, abandoned, disadvantaged, impoverished, neglected, orphaned, underprivileged and vulnerable children in the greater Johannesburg region, of all cultures, race and religion – “rainbow children”.

Most of these children come from severely financially disadvantaged backgrounds and many experience extreme trauma and difficulty through poverty, neglect, abuse and being orphaned or abandoned. We give the children a chance to escape from the world that they come from and live in – a chance to play, to laugh, to have fun, to indulge, to celebrate, to be children and for a magical moment, to forget.

Since March 2004, we have touched the lives of over 22 000 children through enchanting excursions, tantalizing treats and astonishing activities, focusing predominantly on children aged 2 to 12 years of age.

OUR MAGICAL CHILDREN

We bring magic to various organisations, some that may not be registered, do not receive any funding and who do not have a network of support. Many of the day care centres, crèches or places of safety are situated in the back rooms of someone’s home or in shacks in squatter camps. We have treated toddlers living in a prison, incarcerated with their mothers or who live on a dumping site.

There are children living in the most dire circumstances and environments, left to fend for themselves, exposed to alcoholism, sexual and drug abuse, neglect, ignorance, poverty, illiteracy, apathy and other social ills. These are children “living with life threatening diseases” – forsaken. These children are also deserving of dreams and wishes. “Just because you live in the gutter, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look up at the stars”.

SHINING STAR FOUNDATION

Inspired by Salem, a 10 year old girl from Hillbrow, we established an initiative called Shining Star Foundation. This is an education scholarship for a child under the age of 12 who shines brightly. Our first beneficiary is Salem who commenced high school in 2010 at the age of 11 years. We will assist with her school fees, uniform, stationery and school requirements providing that she honours her commitment to the scholarship criteria of achieving 80% in all subjects at school. Donations towards this initiative will go towards uplifting future bright stars.

HOW YOU CAN ADD MAGIC

1. Funding for basic administration costs in order to continue operating the organisation. There are insufficient funds to pay stipends or salaries.
2. Financial donations to fulfil wishes, treats and outings.
3. Assistance in creating awareness about Magical Moments.
4. Sponsorship of Marketing/PR initiatives e.g. branding, newsletter/email design and via community and mainstream media.
5. Sponsor a Magical Moment event as part of your CSI/Pay it Forward gesture.
6. Sponsorship of outings by suppliers of venues, child appropriate environments and entertainers i.e. party venues, activity centres, theatres, restaurants, face painting artists, jumping castles, movies, magicians, transport etc.
7. Sponsorship of child appropriate gifts i.e. crayons, pencils, colouring books, blowing bubbles, balls, toys, puzzles, books etc.
8. Donation for or sponsorship of T-shirts branded with Magical Moments for children and worn as uniforms for fairies.

HELP FILL THE COOKIE JAR - MAKE A DONATION

BANK STANDARD BANK

BRANCH SANDTON CITY

BRANCH CODE 018105

TYPE OF ACCOUNT SAVINGS

ACCOUNT HOLDER MAGICAL MOMENTS

ACCOUNT NUMBER 407 600 876

SWIFT NUMBER SBZA ZA JJ

FOR THE RECORD

Magical Moments is registered as a Non-Profit Organisation N.P.O. 051-318 and Public Benefit Organisation P.B.O. 930 026 251. Donations are exempt from tax according to Section 18A of the Income Tax Act 1962. The organisation is audited and Financial Statements are submitted annually to the Department of Social Development.

We endeavour to make a difference in the lives of the special children whose lives we touch – creating childhood memories, making children’s wishes come true – enriching their spirit with hope, love and joy – “A Celebration of the Niceties in Life”.

T : 083 324 0320

F: 086 671 3562

dreamtime@mweb.co.za

P O Box 78517, SANDTON, 2146

www.magicalmoments.co.za

Registered as a Non-Profit Organisation – N.P.O. 051-318

Public Benefit Organisation P.B.O. 930 026 251

“Celebrating the niceties in life and not only the necessities”

FOREST FINDER

For further information and a visual insight into Magical Moments, please take a stroll and browse through our website www.magicalmoments.co.za to share in the magic that we create or contact Fairy godmother & Chief Operating Fairy, Ilana Friedman on info@magicalmoments.co.za or 083 324 0320.

With love, hugs and kisses and magical wishes.

Special offers and Discounts

In the tab bar of my blog, please have a look at the Eco Wedding Amazon Store. These are products that I have chosen from Amazon that you would need for your wedding.  Unfortunately not all the products are green but can be reused at a later stage.  There are some fabulous books in the store too.  Green wedding planning books as well as how to go green in your home and life. 


If you don't find what you are looking for in the Eco Wedding Amazon Store, you might find it at Kalahari.net.(see left of post, click on image and browse.)


To the right of this post you will see my chosen two affiliates for the week. They have the best specials and reviews.  Make use of the coupon for Exclusively Weddings.com.  Light in the Box is providing readers with photos and real weddings, as well as reviews.


Take care and I hope that you like the products that I have chosen.


Faye

Plantable Seed Invitations

This recipe for making plantable seed wedding invitation cards does not make use of chemicals or any other inks or dyes.  Making your own paper from recyclable scraps is easy and good for the environment.  In America, plantable wedding invitations are very popular.  Choose local and indigenous flower seeds like the African daisy or Gerbera; these grow beautifully in a pot or in the garden.

Papers

• Computer paper ( Use Sappi green paper, this has been recycled)
• Magazines
• Toilet paper, tissues and serviettes
• Newspaper
• Craft Paper
• Egg Cartons
• Phone Books
• Yellow Pages

Ingredients:

• Blender or food processor
• Old picture frame
• Sponge
• Kitchen cooking baster
• Stockings or screens
• Staples
• Small Plastic wash bin
• White felt, old dishcloths
• Baking paper or old newspaper

Directions

1. Using the old wooden frame, pull the fabric tightly over the frame, stapling the fabric down at the same time
2. Tear off small pieces of paper and place in the blender until it appears half full.
3. Add warm water, filling the blender.  Blend the paper and water for about a minute or until you cannot see any pieces of paper and a smooth pulp is visible.
4. Fill the wash bin about half full of water and pour in pulp from blender. Add in at least 3 blender loads of paper-more if desired (the more pulp, the thicker the paper). Add in flower or vegetable seeds. Stir the mixture.
5. Slip the frame into the washtub, gently moving it from side to side to get the pulp around to the top of the frame level and to the desired thickness. Let the layer of pulp settle and slowly lift the frame up so it is above water level. Let it drain for a moment and check to see if it is level. Fill the turkey-baster with pulp from the washtub and use it to fill in any uneven spots or gaps in the pulp.
6. After removing the frame from the water, let it drain. When it stops dripping, carefully lay the frame (pulp side down) onto a fabric square or an old dishcloth. Use the sponge to press out as much water as possible (wring excess water back into tub).
7. This step may take some practice to master so be patient. Holding the fabric square flat, slowly lift up and remove the frame. The wet paper should remain on the fabric. If the paper sticks to the screen, you may have pulled too fast or not pressed enough water out of the paper. Once you successfully remove the frame, gently smooth out any noticeable air bubbles or rough edges.
8. Keep repeating steps 4-6 and stack the fabric squares (or dish towels) on a cookie sheet. When finished, place a piece of cardboard on top of the last piece and use bricks or another cookie sheet to press out the remaining water in the stack.
9. Gently separate sheets and dry them on a clothesline or out in the sun for 12-24 hours. When they are dry, gently separate the paper from the fabric squares (or dish towels).
10. For great gifts, use cookie cutters or stencils to trace holiday shapes. Cut them out and attach a ribbon for thoughtful gifts that last beyond the holiday season. Other uses for home made paper include scrapbooks, stationary and note cards, journal or photo album covers, lampshades, etc.

Don't Forget the Instructions for Planting

Tear off bits of paper containing seed and plant directly in the ground-the paper will compost naturally. To pre-sprout the seeds, place dampened paper into a plastic bag and check periodically that paper remains moist. Keep the plastic bag at the appropriate temperature until seeds sprout and transplant them into pots or directly into the garden.

Reference: http://www.sustainable-media.com