Inspiration for Upcoming Feb. Wedding

Kitchen Goodies

While every registry should be unique to each couple. Here are a couple staple items we think are worth including on every one's list:

Corningware® can go from the freezer or refrigerator to oven or microwave right to the table. Its material is resistant to chipping and cracking, while the non-porous surface does not absorb food odors, flavors or stains. They are easy clean-up and dishwasher safe, even the baked on goods wash right off leaving you with a clean white dish to last a lifetime! This set from Bed Bath & Beyond includes glass covers for baking and covers for storing leftovers.

A good Knife Set can make cooking smoother and more enjoyable. When you are shopping for a good knife set, you want to consider sharpness and finely ground surface, cutting edge retention, craftsmanship, comfortable and safety, balance, material and corrosion resistance and easy wash. If you want to go for the splurge, reviewers recommend Shun classic 8-piece knife set available at Amazon for $500. Looking for something a little more budget friendly consider a set from Chicago Cutlery available on Amazon for $60.

A Cookware set is a must for any kitchen. We settled with two picks for those of you who prefer stainless steel and for those non-stick lovers. Three things to consider when purchasing stainless steel: 1. Buy stainless steel cookware that has either an aluminum or copper core…or both! Both of these metals ensure that foods cook evenly without those annoying hot spots. 2. Ensure the aluminum or copper runs up the sides of the pans. A lot of stainless steel cookware on the market today only includes a layer of aluminum or copper in the base of the pot or pan which is good, but it’s even better is when the aluminum/copper runs up the sides of the pan. 3. Make sure the stainless steel is 18/10. The 18 refers to the percentage of chromium and the 10 refers to the percentage of nickel. Both of these metals ensure that it does not rust or scratch easily and that it maintains strength and durability. The higher the number, the better the metal.

Reviewers recommend Cuisinart Multiclad Pro-Stainless Steel from Amazon for $244 or Kitchenaid Gourmet Essentials 12-Piece Nonstick Hard-Anodized Cookware set for $165 from Amazon shown below.

Images via Bed Bath & Beyond, Amazon, Amazon, Amazon

Registry Woes

Gifts are supposed to be the fun part, so why do we feel so overwhelmed with registering? Here are some helpful hints and suggestions to help get you through this process and settled in with some great gifts!

• Register where you can get something in return for yourself or someone else: Macy's Registry Star Rewards gives you 10% back on self purchases and 5% rewards on gifts purchased from your registry. This starts to add up quickly! WeddingChannel.com will make a donation whenever anyone uses weddingchannel.com to purchase a gift from your registry. The final donation is based on a percentage (up to 3%) of how many purchased registry items through WeddingChannel.com. Many retail partners participate with WeddingChannel including Crate and Barrel, Bloomingdales, Target, Amazon.com and Barney's among others. Most stores offer a completion program where you can come in after your big day and buy items left on your registry at a certain percentage. While this is great, there are usually better coupons and sales out there than the discount offered by the completion program.
• Some think that registering is to forward and they don't want their guests to feel obligated to purchase a gift. However, most guests prefer to have a registry to base a decision from. It makes the purchasing process easier and more personal. It is helpful for guests to have a variety of price ranges on gifts so that they have options in a price range that they are comfortable with.
• If you register at multiple stores pull the lists together on one site like MyRegistry.com or be sure to cross check your registries. It will be helpful in the end as it is easy to lose track of what you have registered for and you don't want to end up with 10 party platters and no serving utensils!
• As the wedding date draws near and you pass gift milestones like the shower, check on your registry inventory and make sure you still have options for your guests. If you don't want to peek at what you are getting ask a friend or relative to keep an eye on it for you. If it is low you may want to consider adding more items or gift card options.
• Register for items that you want and need. Just because Aunt Agnes keeps asking which china pattern you are choosing doesn't mean you have to order china. If china isn't practical for you and your partner to be, don't register for it. Maybe you have lived together and really don't need new towels and dishes, then registering for your honeymoon or favorite charity may make more sense for you.
• Check with close friends who recently wed and see what they like/dislike about some of the things they registered for. This may help you when it comes to choosing big items that you will use frequently like cookware sets and luggage. Ultimately, the decision belongs to you and your significant other but it will be helpful to hear reviews from someone you know!

Need to purchase a gift? See below for some chic gift wrapping inspiration and check back this week for great gifts to give or register for!

Images via Real Simple, Style Me Pretty, sublime design, Bahraini Diva, itwasMadewithLuv

Farm-To-Table Wedding

I just received my September bride's look book for her Farm-To-Table wedding. I can't wait to open this baby up and see how close it resembles my image boards!

Spring Has Sprung

This beautiful weather is forcing us outside and on to our yard projects and I am not complaining!

Our front entryway was in need of some TLC. I always wanted to have a red front door, but it really doesn't go with our house. So, with the black door I decided on red potted plants to accent.

I love this country-french style chair now doubling as a plant holder that I found at Home Goods. The red pots are actually plastic! They look ceramic and I was quite surprised when went to lift them off the shelf. I had to drill holes in the bottom so the water could drain. We decided on red and white annuals for the flower colors.

This weekend we are moving on to some new bushes and mulch on the sides of the porch. I am still searching for the perfect door mat and wreath with red accents. Down the road we plan to get rid of the brass light fixtures and replace with black lantern style lighting.

Happy Spring!

Easter Goodies!

The Easter Bunny's preparations are under way at the Papaj house. We are non-traditional with no candy. On this year's list are a bag with all your pool essentials for Kat, garden tools and sidewalk chalk for Noey and some new ties and shirts for Jason! Hope they aren't peaking :)

Inside the eggs we hid bunny erasers, jewelry, leis, hair barrettes and of course clues to find their Easter baskets!

I can't wait for all the Easter fun on Sunday!

My Chair Has Arrived

No more kitchen table chair - the new office chair has been found! I searched high and low and waited until I found the perfect fit. It wasn't originally what I had in mind, but it really stuck out to me.

I like that it has arms. Most of the chairs I picked out did not. The legs also match my other office furniture nicely. The sage colored trim provides a nice contrast against my white desk and the blue fabric matches my walls perfectly!

Still left to buy is my sideboard, rug and a few odds and ends like a small table for the printer and some fun desktop accessories!

Pics of the whole office coming soon...