Alright, we've been getting requests (OK, just one) for more of our cocktail series. And we know that many ladies like to bid a sweet farewell to the single life with fruity cocktails. Whether you're the bride-to-be or the person in charge of planning her bachelorette party, we have some recipes that might interest you. To keep it simple, all of today's cocktails are made with the X-Rated Fusion Liqueur.
X-Rated Tiara
1 part X-RATED Fusion Liqueur®
1 part Crown Royale®
Splash apple pucker
Splash cranberry juice
Splash pineapple juice
Squeeze fresh lime wedge
Garnish with a cherry
X Lover 
1 oz X-Rated Fusion Liqueur®
2 oz Pineapple Juice
Strain into a highball filled with crushed ice. Top with soda.
Jealous X
1 1/2 oz X-Rated Fusion Liqueur®
1/2 oz Campari
3/4 oz Blood Orange Juice
1/2 oz Lemon Juice
Pour ingredients into mixing pint over ice. Shake vigorously and strain into martini glass. Garnish with blood orange.
The Last Temptation
1/2 oz X-Rated Fusion Liqueur®
1/2 oz Cranberry Juice
Shake over ice and strain into shot glass.
Let us know what you think of these. Or better yet, give your own recommendations!
Friday Fun: Toast to the Bachelorette
Fall Wedding Favors
Now that cool weather is sweeping across most of the country, let's talk about weddings taking place this Fall and weddings being planned for next Fall. We know that Autumn weddings use rich gold tones and vibrant motifs, but what can we do about favors? Here are some of our favorite ideas (click on the pics for details):
Who Has the Best Bridal Shoes on the 'Net?
According to InStyle Weddings, the online seller Bellissima is #1 when it comes to bridal shoes. The magazine says Bellissima offers over 400 bridal shoes with a great range of styles and prices, in addition to swell customer service and a liberal returns policy.
Visit Bellissima.com to see more styles.
Yikes! Choreographed Wedding Dances
Just a few years ago, many couples did what they could to keep their first dances from looking too pre-arranged - even ones who took dance classes specifically for the big day. But today some brides and grooms are going in a different direction entirely with over-the-top, entirely choreographed, full-on (dare we say?) dance numbers. The trend seems to be to start off normally with a slow song, and then BAM!
Old School Surprise
The Afrika Bambataa/Zulu Nation Surprise (30-and-over say "HOOOOOOOO!")
No-They-Didn't Surprise
Hip Hop Surprise
If this trend catches on, watching a couple's first dance might be a lot like watching Dancing with the Stars. But at least it's guaranteed to be funny, right? So what do you think? Are first dances undergoing a "dance dance revolution"? Or is this just a fad?
Find of the Day
Mini Tote Bridesmaid Jute Bag
From Hanson Ellis
Click on the picture for more details.
Bridal Nail Art - Yay Or Nay?
Until fairly recently, most brides opted for a french manicure or a demure pink for their nails on their wedding day. Now, though, more and more are taking an adventurous turn by opting for sparkling nail art. And we're not just talking about a couple of swarovski crystals on pale nails. Take a look at these options and tell us what YOU think!
Courtesy of Dolish Nail Spa
Courtesy of Nails Magazine
Courtesy of Nail Creations
Courtesy of Estetica Design
Courtesy of Miraclez Nails
Courtesy of Cutie-Curls
Give us your opinion by clicking Comments.
Friday Fun Stuff: Will You Be My....?
Looking for a cute way to ask someone to join your bridal party? Look no more. Stationery companies have it all wrapped up. Here are a few of the adorable cards we found:
From Zazzle.com
Ebay seller Lenore_g
At Wedding Things:
How did you ask your friends and family members to stand up for you? We want to hear about your experience. Tell us all about it in Comments.
Wedding Dress For Charity
Did you know that Disney has a collection of wedding dresses? Well, if not, let us introduce you to Disney Bridal. The company is unveiling a special platinum wedding gown designed by Kirstie Kelly and inspired by Cinderella. For each platinum gown sold, Disney will donate $125 to the Make-A-Wish foundation. As you may already know, Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.
See more of the Disney Bridal collection at
House of Brides.
A Dazzling Review: Eclectique Soul
- by Erica
When you become a newlywed, you invariably discover things that make you feel "Wow, why didn't I know about this when I was planning my wedding?" This review for Eclectique Soul gives me that feeling.
Everyone who knows me knows that I love handmade goods. In fact, I first heard about today's vendor on Etsy.com, which is known for one-of-a-kind items. But, when I received a lovely sample packet from Eclectique Soul Paper & Gifts last week, I really didn't know what to expect from the contents inside. What a surprise! Inside were some fantastic pieces of stationery- all of them printed with a glittery image of a groom holding his bride. I loved the hand-drawn artwork that was embellished with glitter, as well as the swarovski crystals on the bride's earlobes!
But I wasn't won over yet. What if all this gorgeousness was printed on flimsy paper? I really wanted to get my hands on each of the products individually. What I found was that each item- tag, label, invitation, and blank card- was printed on a nice, premium cardstock with a bright, clean font. It was as if I had created these cards myself. Well, if I had any artistic talent at all. Which I don't.
Check out the Wedding Collection to see more invitations and save-the-dates. Eclectique Soul also does lovely products for children's events. You can bet I'm bookmarking the website for a later date.
Your Rehearsal Dinner Dress
By Guest Blogger, Christine Epps
You’ve envisioned in your mind exactly the way you want to look on that special day. Your ebony curls swaying in the wind thanks to a new hair weave, perfectly polished nails and toes, and makeup that would put a MAC makeup artist to shame. But you still have no idea what dress you’re going to knock them dead in.
I’m not talking about the wedding gown, of course. You knew which wedding dress you were going to wear three months after he proposed. I’m referring to the one dress associated with your wedding that allows you to really show your personality. The one your guests expect to be sensual, fun, and flirtatious all at the same time. The ever wonderful rehearsal dinner dress.
Look for dresses that flow from side to side, made of rich, natural materials like silk. Rich, deep colors such as crimson and maroon are not only in season, but they make most dresses look more expensive than they really are. Try a below-the-knee hemline to win the approval of your older guests but do consider a cinched waist or sweetheart neckline to show off your curves.
Even though you’re planning the most stressful, hectic event in your life, your appearance shouldn’t show it. This printed silk strapless dress by African-American fashion designer Tracy Reese will not only make you look naturally polished, it will also knock your guests and future husband right out of their socks! With a sweetheart-inspired square neckline, pleated bodice, and thin sash, I can’t imagine a single bride who wouldn’t look gorgeous in this abstract design.
To browse more designs by African-American fashion designer Tracy Reese, click here.
Christine Epps is the owner of Maryland’s premier retail marketing firm, Epps Consulting. She is also the online fashion writer for the Baltimore Examiner.
Project Runway: Wedding Dress Challenge
Who saw Project Runway this week on Bravo? Yikes! The final four designers had the task of designing wedding gowns. Anyone who watches the show knows that the contestants never have enough time to do what they truly want to do with a garment. But, alas, that's all part of the competition- and the fun! So take a look at what they came up with and answer this question: would you wear ANY of these?
Korto
Leanne
Kenley
Jerell
We don't want to spoil the ending for those of you who haven't seen it yet. (It will probably run again over the weekend.) But you'll find more info at Bravotv.com.
Beyonce Has Her Say
Beyonce is finally giving some of the details surrounding her marriage to hip-hop mogul Jay Z. In the upcoming November issue of Essence Magazine, the singer reportedly confirms that she and Jay were wed in a small ceremony back on April 4th.
She says she didn't want an engagement ring and she says she doesn't need a lot of the trappings that often accompany celebrity match ups. "What Jay and I have is real. It’s not about interviews or getting the right photo op. It’s real."
Read more HERE
Bridal Shoe of the Day
Bamboo by Shelley George
Why we like it:
We have had some great-looking shoes here. But this one is a classic that feels good, too. It's perfect for the modern bride who knows she's going to be on her feet all night and wants to be comfortable.
How Long is Too Long to Be Engaged?
A Married Guy's P.O.V.
-by guest blogger, Lamar Tyler
This question comes up from time to time and is only second to the infamous, "how long is too long to date?" I'm talking about how long is too long to be engaged? I have a friend that caps it off at one year and you know what? I’m with him on that. Kinda sorta…. Roughly a year is enough time but before I start reading the comments about I was in school when we got engaged and I wanted to wait and etc. etc. etc. there are exceptions to the rule but in general a solid year is enough time or in that ballpark. If not maybe your man just caved in to the pressure of marriage talk. I saw someone comment on my blog before that “it ain’t an engagement until you have both a ring and a date”. How about that? I thought that statement was the truth.
I was talking to a coworker that said she knows a couple that has been together for seven years then they got engaged but the weddings not planned for another four years or something like that? Sounds suspect to me. If you’re getting engaged you should be able to come up with a date in the foreseeable future. I saw another comment that said if the engagement is lingering on forever then that person is trying to figure out if they really want to be with you and guess what, that should have been done before the two of you got engaged. Do you agree?
What do you say on this one? Is a year too long, not enough or just right? In general terms how long is too long to be engaged and lets hear some of those stories you've lived or heard about.
-Lamar Tyler runs a blog with his wife called BlackandMarriedWithKids. com where they talk about relationships, parenting, product reviews, and current events.
Obama Celebrates Anniversary With Flowers
Last night the Democratic presidential nominee took a break from campaigning for an important event- the celebration of his 16th wedding anniversary. Senator Barack Obama brought his motorcade to a halt yesterday to grab a dozen roses for the Missus. Later, the handsome couple went out for an anniversary meal. More details HERE. 
Time is Running Out
You must register to vote. We're less than a month away from the most important election of our lifetimes. By now, we all know what's at stake. If you are not yet registered to vote, do yourself a favor. Get it done.
Find out more in this new video from Diddy.
Hanging Chandeliers: Wedding Trend Alert
Not too long ago, chandelier earrings were often considered a bit much for a bride to pull off. But today, "a bit much" is just right. Right now chandelier earrings are a great way to add a little drama to your wedding day ensemble. The right ones will add pizazz without overpowering your look.
Erica Koesler
Cristal D'Or
Cinderella Collection
European Imports
Full Line
