All posts by Gwenda

Alyce Haynes, Lifestyles, Newfangled Bride

To Wait, or Not To Wait?

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Being in the business of getting people married, I am constantly pelted with questions about my unmarried status. I normally go on autopilot and respond with the usual , “I’m concentrating on my career right now” or “I’m destined to make sure everyone else gets married first”, but I’ve decided to do a little research and come up with some cold, hard facts for my ring-less finger argument.

A quick google search yielded some interesting results. Apparently, there is an age range that significantly lessons your risk of divorce later on. Anytime before or after this age range increases the risk of divorce. So what is this golden time? Research says 28-32 years old (Whew!! I’m in the clear!).

For those of you in your mid-twenties, don’t worry! You’ve still got time to do some soul searching and really figure out what makes you tick. Be selfish, learn what makes you happy and figure out how a life partner could add to your life.

If you’ve passed into your early-mid 30’s, don’t think you have a “Sell-By” date and that you’re doomed to a spinster existence. Just stay patient and keep looking for ideal partner. You obviously know what you want, you just have to hold out to find it! (Plus the risk only goes up 5% each year, no big deal).

Finding out I have not quite hit my “golden age” for marriage definitely put my anxieties to rest (for now, that golden age is right around the corner…). For now, I will be able to dodge these questions and defend my unmarried status like a pro!

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Alyce

I got my facts from these two sites, check them out for more information!

http://time.com/3966588/marriage-wedding-best-age/

https://www.yahoo.com/health/the-right-age-to-get-married-126672874767.html

Business, College Corners, Lifestyles, The Bird Cage Boutique, The Style Note

The Style Note

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– comfy, lightweight, flexible –

This is the dress that everyone needs for this Spring

It will easily become your spring essential, it’s so comfy you will never want to take it off. A must have for travel, shopping, brunch or an evening on that restaurant patio with someone special.

Models – Autumn and Emily – Spring shoot for The Bird Cage Boutique, Salem, Va.

Photography by Kristin Gainey Photography, Styling by Roxanne Kelly Designs

Alyce Haynes, Newfangled Bride

My Grown Up Costume Closet

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I was an extremely lucky child. My mom painstakingly made sure my sisters and I had one of the most magical childhoods imaginable. So, she replaced video games with fairy wands, computers with forts and mini cottages, and television with our very own costume closet. I think this is where my love of dressing up originally stemmed from. My sisters and I would spend hours in this closet, dressing up as our own invented characters and planning numerous events and (yep…you could have guessed it), weddings!

I guess you could say I just expanded my childhood costume closet moving into my adult years. I’ve managed to fill my own shop with glittery ensembles, classic gowns and dresses that look like they are out of fairytales. When you come to the shop, you will constantly hear me tell everyone that they need to play dress up, and I wholeheartedly believe it. Weddings and events are already stressful/intimidating enough, shopping for a gown should not be either of those things. So, if I tell you to play in the dresses, I mean it!

Here are some of my tips for trying on wedding and prom gowns:

-Pinterest is your friend and your enemy. Don’t let it completely rule your gown choices.

-Try on every possible style imaginable, and listen to your consultant. They generally know what styles will look good on different body types.

-Let go of all preconceived notions of what you think you want. If you have an open mind, you will be more likely to find something that you love.

-Be careful of who you take shopping with you. It might not be the worst idea to browse solo first. Too many opinions can make any major decision difficult.

-Play! Channel your inner child and have fun. At the end of the day, this is going to be a special purchase, and you want all your memories associated with it to be happy 🙂

This shop is my own grown up costume closet, and I want you to see it that way too. If you’re in the market for a dress, hopefully we’ll see you soon!

Alyce – The Newfangled Bride

P.S. My sisters and I still regularly play dress up together here. It’s just on a whole new level 😉

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Cocktails | Rosé Champagne Mojitos

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Rosé Champagne Mojitos ~ sounds like the perfect start to a lovely and warm Spring season!

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coco bean biscuit

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YUUUUUUM!!

Firstly I love mojitos but this is the best variation I have ever had. Love Rosé, Love mojitos, Love Champagne. This is perfect to serve at a celebration if some of your guests don’t like champagne.

xo Rebekah

rose champagne mojitos

makes one but can easily be multiplied ! Total time 30 minutes

ingredients

6 to 8 fresh mint leaves

2 1/2 oz champagne syrup

1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice

1 oz white rum

2 oz rose champagne

1 lime, cut into wedges

champagne syrup

1 cup rose champagne

1 1/4 cups sugar

directions

In the bottle of the glass, add 1 oz of the syrup and the mint leaves. Muddle with a muddler or use a clean bottom of something blunt, like a screwdriver! Add ice to the glass, some lime wedges or slices, and pour rum, remaining sugar, lime juice and champagne over the top. Mix with a long spoon or knife and serve with an additional sprig of mint.

champagne syrup

Combine the champagne and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to the boil while whisking constantly until the sugar dissolves. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature, it will thicken slightly. You can store this in the fridge for a few weeks!