THE ONE PIECE BATHING SUIT YOU NEED FOR SUMMER

I have never been so obsessed with a bathing suit. LIKE WOW. The color pop. The fit. It is literally EVERYTHING. This one piece swim is my new fave ever!! HAD TO MAKE A QUICK POST CAUSE SIZES ARE SELLING OUT FAST!

SHOP THE LOOK HERE:

Our Wedding At The Barn on Enchanted Acres

Our wedding was pure magic. The Barn On Enchanted Acres has to be one of the most special spots in the world. When I first started looking for a venue I was really nervous because I had to plan a wedding from out of town. I live in New Jersey -- so planning a wedding from another state seemed truly impossible but it turned out AMAZING. I have to credit the owners: RYAN and CELESTE -- they made my planning life so easy, MAGICAL and JUST A wonderful experience all around.

Our Invitations:

I made them with www.Minted.com 

They were custom LETTERPRESS I had them add a custom design of the barn on the front of the invitations. Emailing back and forth with their custom team was harder than in person edits but overall turned out great!

I ordered these envelope liners to make the inside of the envelopes look pretty when you open them. I literally hand cut and glued every single one into each envelope!

 It was tedious but worth it! 

Our Welcome Bags:

I used this etsy shop to make welcome tags for bags. So when everyone arrived to the hotel they had a bag with a note from us. You can get 100 bags for $22 HERE on amazon. Inside there was 2 water bottles and some snacks --which you can get in bulk from places like Costco.

OUR DJ: LONDON BRIDGES

Literally he was AMAZING!! Nicest guy on the planet and really makes your day the most special!! Great music and so much fun! MY GUESTS RAVED ABOUT HIM!

FUN FACT: He did Turtle from Entourage's wedding in Ohio (aka Jerry Ferrara)

www.djlondonbridges.com

https://www.instagram.com/djlondonbridges/

OUR PHOTOGRAPHER: JASON CROCKER

https://www.jasonthomascrocker.com/

OHIO is home for him but I know he may be based out of Iowa or New York now -- he travels back to Ohio often for weddings and he traveled for ours. He is amazing and great to work with, EPIC photos!!!!!

MAKEUP: MAGGIE KLEINMAN

https://www.mkleinmanartistry.com/

MAGGIE IS INCREDIBLE!!!!!! We never even had a trial run because I was out of state. So I just said --she's amazing lets go for it! And PS she also made my mom look like a goddess!!

HAIR: JOLEANE - from BEAUTY THERAPY

https://beautytherapyinc.com/

Bartender: DRINK SLINGERS

 http://www.drinkslingersohio.com/

 KEN WAS INCREDIBLE!! (I am not sure how they run it now but when we booked --You Bring Your Own Alcohol -- we got ours at Costco and I always say OVERBUY just in case!! And definitely TIP THEM at the end of the night!

This is what they recommended for alcohol for a party your size. (OURS WAS 130 PEOPLE)--we bought extra of everything in case.

(3) 1.75 liters of vodka, (2) 1.75 liters of whiskey, (1) 1.75 liters of spiced rum, (1) 1.75 liters of silver rum and (1) 1.75 of gin. For beer, (4) cases of a lager (Budweiser, yuengling, etc), (4) cases of a light beer (bud light, miller lite, Coors light), (4) cases of an import or craft beer (maybe corona). For wine (6) bottles of a red (Cabernet), (6) bottles of a white (Chardonnay) and (6) bottles of a blush (rosè). For mixers (3) cases of coke, (1) case of Diet Coke, (1) case of 7-up, (1) case of ginger ale, (2-3) 64 oz bottles of cranberry juice, (1) gallon of orange juice, (2) large cans of dole pineapple juice, (8) 1-liter soda water, (6) 1-liter tonic water, (2) bottles of sour mix, 15 limes, 8 lemons, (500) 9 oz cups, (200) 12 or 16 oz cups. Obviously every party is different so you may want to get more or less of some stuff or different wine, etc if you know what your guests like but that should be a good starting point for you. Thanks, Kenny

CAKE: SUGARFUSE

RED VELVET AMAZE!!!!

One of the best cakes we've ever had EVERRRR!

https://sugarfuse.com/

FLOWERS and FOOD: By The Venue

Barn On Enchanted Acres owners: 

CELESTE DID MY FLOWERS AND THEY WERE INCREDIBLE!

RYAN provided all the food with his company and people still rave about it to me! On the bus on the way back several people said "wow thats the best food I've ever had at a wedding ever!" FOOD WAS INCREDIBLE!

PHOTO BOOTH: CARICABOOTH

THEY WERE GREAT!! 

IT WAS SO MUCH FUN WE DID THE TOUCH SCREEN WHITE ONE. 

http://www.caricabooth.com/

SWENSON'S FOOD TRUCK

END OF THE NIGHT BONUS: INSTEAD OF WEDDING FAVORS WE RENTED

 THE SWENSONS FOOD TRUCK: IT WAS A HIT!!!!

RINGBEARER ACCESSORIES

MY NEPHEWS RING SECURITY BRIEFCASE AND EAR PIECE AND SUNGLASSES: 

ETSY! IT WAS SO CUTE AND ALL PERSONALIZED!

MY VEIL: 

SO GET THIS -- I GOT IT ON ETSY FOR $100 -- I LEGIT FOUND ONE I LOVED that was designer for $500 then I WROTE DOWN THE MEASUREMENTS, sent it to the Etsy shop with a photo AND THEY REPLICATED IT FOR ME!! CUSTOM! I DIE!!!!!!!!!!! Saved me $400!

WEDDING TOAST FLUTES: 

KATE SPADE (my exact ones are sold out) but there are the most similar ones from the new collection : Kate Spade Toasting Flutes

ROUND TABLE RENTALS: 

LASER CUT PLACE CARDS

NAME WOOD PLACE CARDS

I had these made with each guests name in script on etsy.

(Make sure you order in advance to receive them in time takes several weeks)

WE WANTED ROUND TABLES AND THE BARN PROVIDES LONG RECTANGLE TABLES AND CHAIRS. SO- WE RENTED ROUND TABLES FROM:

https://arisetentsandevents.com/

OUR WEDDING VIDEO:

https://www.hitchedcreative.com/

NATE'S SUIT:  

https://www.enzocustom.com/ ENZO CUSTOM 

MY DRESS: 

Designer is ALLISON WEBB 

(I PURCHASED IT IN WILMINGTON, DE)

Personalized cuff links For Nate:

this is an example below not the actual cuff links I gave to nate.

WHERE TO STAY:

Nate and I / and all of our guests stayed here:

Holiday Inn Express & Suites New Philadelphia 

145 Bluebell Drive SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663

They also have free breakfast which I was happy to have for guests! AND the staff was a dream. SO kind, so accommodating and so helpful with EVERYTHING. I would reach out and block out rooms for your guests as soon as you have your wedding weekend confirmed. 

SHUTTLE SERVICE:

I highly recommend this so you don't have drunk drivers on winding crazy dark roads at night.

We used a shuttle service to bring our guests to the venue and back home at the end of the night.

We did one big bus with Intimidator tours but they are out of business now it looks like and then we did two smaller buses with:

https://www.facebook.com/Jeffs-Black-Bus-Shuttle-Service-581029405608108/

REHEARSAL DINNER LOCATION:

 https://www.thelighthousebistro.com/

ITS WORTH THE DRIVE GREAT WATER FRONT VIEWS AND PHOTOS. 

WE RENTED A SMALL ROOM INSIDE BECAUSE I WAS MARRIED IN APRIL

 --FOR ABOUT 30 PEOPLE

BUT IF WEATHER IS NICE YOU COULD MAYBE DO TABLES OUTSIDE.

KEEP IN MIND THESE PRICES MAY HAVE CHANGED SINCE 2019

Deposit to secure the date - $200.00 

(this will be deducted from the total bill at the end of the event, given there are no damages or excessive clean up).

Room rental fee - $125.00

Food & beverage charges

Bartender fee - $75.00

20% service charge on food and beverage plus tax

CONTACT EMAILS I USED TO BOOK:  

Kim Keen <kimberlyk@atwoodlighthousebistro.com>

CC: Tracie Knecht <traciek@atwoodlighthousebistro.com>,

 WEDDING BOOK:

Finally save yourself the money and get a wedding book online that you can make and design yourself! I made mine here with Mixbook. QUALITY IS INCREDIBLE!!!!

You can get 50% off your first order with my link here. MY BOOK WAS LEGIT 97 PAGES FOR $150!!!!! AMAZE!

HOPE THIS HELPS YOU BEAUTIES GETTING MARRIED IN OHIO! IT WAS PURE MAGIC!

FIND ME ON INSTAGRAM @ALEXBUTLERTV IF YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS! 

XOXO

WHERE TO BUY FACE MASKS ONLINE RIGHT NOW

JUST CLICK ON THE BLACK PLUS SIGN ABOVE THE MASK YOU LIKE AND IT WILL TAKE YOU TO THE WEBSITE WHERE IT IS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE.

---------

COZY FALL NEW ARRIVALS ALL UNDER $30

 

TARGET - ALL UNDER $30

  

 I CANT BELIEVE FALL IS ALREADY ALMOST HERE. 

2020 = FASTEST MOST INSANE YEAR EVER.

 I am living a comfy clothes only life right now so I put together a little collection of new arrivals for fall -- all under $30. I LINKED ALL THE LOOKS BELOW.

I ALSO LINKED A FEW TOWELS AND PAJAMAS STILL IN STOCK AT THE NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE. (THOSE ARE OVER $30)

 xoxo

NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE - WHAT'S IN MY CART

What a time in the world it has been. I haven't posted here in a long while because sharing fashion during a time of crisis didn't seem right. But I have received some messages about what I am buying in the sale so I figured it was easiest to share here. First and foremost I hope you are all doing well in these wild times!

Shopping opens for ALL card holders today at 9:30 am on Nordstrom. 

There are a few great deals --but I will be honest --I wasn't blown away by the sale this year. I personally only bought things like towels, sheets, and makeup erasers.  You can click on the black dot with the plus sign next to each product and it will take you to that item.  Most of the clothes seem to be a repeat of last year which is a bummer, but I feel like there will be better winter options in the fall. 

If you don't have a nordstrom card you can add it to your wishlist and then buy on August 19th. 

• August 13: Early access for members with “Insider” status, achieved by spending $500 in a calendar year or by holding a Nordstrom credit card (all card members start with Insider status)
• August 19: Sale opens to the general public

Happy Shopping! And sending you all wishes for good health and lots of love!

xoxo, Alex

Mother's Day Gifts Under $50

Dang searching for a gift that will arrive on time during a pandemic can be tough. I rounded up some good ones that I think you'll love and also should arrive on time! Don't wait til the last minute this year cause shipping is really backed up!

click on the images below and they will take you to shop the item:

2 Unique Gifts for the Whiskey/Bourbon Drinker

UPDATE: For some reason the links on this post may not be working. If that is the case please find me on instagram @alexbutlertv and I will be happy to send you the direct links.

Yes - I realize its the second week of 2020!

But basically I'm like Target: they had the hearts decor out the day after Christmas. LOL

Valentine's Day is a month ish away and so if you need an early start. Here you go!

I got these two gifts for Nate over the holidays and he is majorly obsessed. I couldn't share earlier cause I didn't want him to know he was getting them for Christmas.

He loves bourbon and whiskey and always orders an old fashioned when we go out to eat. But one day he had a smoked old fashioned at Bonefish Grill and he was like "BABE, I wish I could make this at home with clear ice cubes and how do they get the smoke in there!?!?" 

AND I was like straight to google. haha.

Found the two items you need to make it happen and the rest is history.

So first: The clear ice cubes maker!!
<The round ones are sold out but they still have them in square.>

HUSBAND TESTED AND APPROVED. It works.

It makes 2 at a time and crystal freakkkkkking clear. NO FILTER BELOW.

Next: THE SMOKER-- ALSO HUSBAND TESTED AND APPROVED. 

PS. Turns out they use the same one at Bonefish Grill. All you need it batteries it even comes with the wood chips! Here is nate's first attempt as using it.

          

Video of Nate releasing the smoke below:

SO boom you're done. Add the whiskey or bourbon and bada bing bada boom

happy drinks,

XO Alex

25 VELVET DRESSES FOR FALL/WINTER

dress/ shoes/ mine is old Kate spade but I linked a similar>> bag

I honestly was never much of a velvet girl - I think its because I grew up in Florida. We didn't really have a need for long sleeves and velvet when we had "fake winters" (aka fake icicles on palm trees LOL). So, now that I live in a colder climate its totally growing on me and I can't stop buying velvet! I wore this dress to a wedding over the weekend and got a ton of compliments on it. (FYI: if you are short or petite like me -- you will need a hem on it) It sold out at Nordstrom but I did find it at one other store. HERE. 

 Since the velvet dress was so popular I decided to link a bunch that I am loving right now they are listed below from highest priced to lowest. How do you feel about velvet?

TRAVEL GUIDE: HONEYMOON IN ST LUCIA

WHERE TO STAY:

LADERA RESORT

Let’s begin with the resort that quite frankly was even better than what we imagined!! Photos don’t do it justice! You have to see this beauty with your own eyes!! Ladera is a resort high at the top of a mountain facing the Pitons. What makes this resort the most unique is that you have a room with only three walls - the fourth wall is open and the views are breathtaking. 

We stayed in the Paradise Ridge Suites- Room 6. On one side you have the insane painting like view of the Pitons and then from your balcony on the other side you will see a gorgeous green lush setting filled with mountains and palm trees.

PRO TIP:  (if you have one of the heated pools) — When you arrive your private pool might be warm or cold and you can ask them to set it at whatever you prefer.

THE BONUS: Every room comes with a private pool and almost all of them have a swing above the pool. YES, I SAID A PRIVATE POOL AND A SWING. When Nate and I first arrived we were speechless. Below you will see our room and the view. 

PERSONAL PHONE:

Every room comes with a private phone that leads to either your private butler or the concierge front desk. This “Butler” perk that came with Paradise Ridge suites was INCREDIBLE!!!!!! If we needed a ride from our room to dinner at the front of the property you just call and schedule it. If you need anything in your room you can call your butler to restock and you can even have them arrange your dinner reservations!!! TRULY AMAZING and the best part they are SO SWEET and nice!!! 

PRO TIP: NEVER LEAVE THE ROOM WITHOUT THE RESORT PROVIDED PHONE.

This way if you need a ride or reservation you always have a contact at the resort and they will send a car to get you wherever you are. It’s your lifeline on the trip. 

REFRIGERATOR:

Inside of your fridge you will find:

Piton Beer 

(locally made beer its delish) & Sodas (replenished daily)

Snacks

3 Local Rums —

 My favorite is the Peanut Rum (If you like Peanut butter you will love LOVE LOVE IT.)

BONUS: Every time housekeeping comes they restock the fridge and leave a dessert treat. 

Oh and you MUST stop at the gym and get in a workout!! 

THE VIEW from the treadmill is insane!!

WHAT TO DO:

 We booked all of our tours through the resort. 

<AND there are way more options than just what we did below.>

1. FREE SHUTTLE TO SUGAR BEACH: 

   

The first shuttle leaves at 9am picks up around 1pm and the second shuttle leaves at 12pm picks up at 4:45pm. They will give you the exact time just make sure you are there for pickup when its time.

• The only negative is that the Viceroy Sugar Beach resort charges anyone who is not a guest of their hotel $50 per beach chair to rent them. You can always lay on the beach with your towels though if you would rather not pay for them. They also have a pool for the guests - if you bring white towels you might be able to fool them into thinking you are staying there ;)

   

2. SOUFRIERE TOUR:

This tour takes you through Soufriere and makes stops at all the most popular attractions.

• Botanical gardens
• Waterfalls
• Volcano (yes, its bubbling)
• Mud bath / sulphur springs 

3.  SUNSET TOUR  — THIS WAS OUR FAVORITE!! 

The skies were unbelievable!! We even saw a rainbow!

(This tour is ONLY on Tuesdays and Fridays, so make sure to book that one as soon as you arrive).

• 2 hour trip on a Catamaran boat provided by MYSTIC MAN TOURS. 
• MYSTIC PUNCH (trust us its delish) or PITON BEER is provided
• They also provide light snacks
• PRO TIP: snacks  are very light so bring your own in case you get hungry <3
• PRO TIP: After the tour — Have dinner at Petit Peak (a local yummy spot thats walking distance from the drop off point of the sunset cruise)
• OR you could even hop off when they make the Sugar Beach Viceroy stop on the way back and go to the Bayside Restaurant.

 .       

4. THE ANSE MAMIN TOUR — 

This one is more of a stay at a private beach.

Anse Mamin is the beach privately owned by the Jade Mountain and Anse Chasanet resorts. 

It is so neat because it's a black sand beach! 

• You can rent benches on the far right end of the beach OR you can just lay on your towels.
• If you book through the resort your trip will also come with paddle boards and snorkels.
• PRO TIP- the sand can get VERY hot! Keep your sandals on til you get as close as you can to the water.  

WHERE TO EAT:

Note: All meals at all resorts in St Lucia are about $35 to $45 per entree

Most days we skipped lunch because we were out and about in the middle of the tour and breakfast filled us up.

1.DASHEENE:

LADERA RESORT RESTAURANT

BREAKFAST

So breakfast is included with your stay at Ladera and let me tell you it is TOO LEGIT! AND you can go for a swim after like I did below:

What we ordered: French toast, Banana pancakes, scrambled eggs bacon and toast.

Every time you arrive at breakfast you are offered pastries. My fav was the mini chocolate croissants. You also get fresh juice and you have to try their cocoa tea!! Honestly breakfast filled us up so much that most days we weren't hungry until dinnertime.

PRO TIP: There is one green couch table outside that has the best views -- if you get to breakfast early enough and no one is sitting there you can ask to sit their for breakfast.
 It's magical!!

DINNER:

WOW! THE FOOD HERE IS SO GOOD and the dinner views will take your breath away!!

For an appetizer ask for FRIED ACCRA!!! It might not be on the menu but sometimes they can still make it. It is LEGIT! 

We ate at the resort for the majority of our stay. I ordered the SHRIMP AND SCALLOPS like literally every night and it was so legit! It came on top of a puff pastry with the most incredible sauce I have ever tasted in my life. Nate got the steak one night and then the market fish on another night. Ask if Chef Nigel is working -- if he is: dinner will be EXTRA GOOD!

PRO TIP: Get to dinner early around 6pm for the best table with the best views of the Pitons. Also spray yourself with bug spray before you go (cause nighttime and outside). And remember they are on island time... so dinner does take a little bit longer to come out depending on how busy it is. Order some drinks and you'll be fine! :)

2. BOUCAN BY HOTEL CHOCOLAT:

(ACROSS THE STREET FROM LADERA RESORT)

Before we went to ST LUCIA this was the most highly recommended restaurant to go to. Every single item on the menu is made with a little but of chocolate. 

MUST ORDER: Chocolate Martini and the Lava Cake dessert

Appetizer: Prior to the the appetizer, you are given bread with 3 spreads (a chocolate infused type olive oil, chocolate infused butter, and pesto sauce). DELISH. For our actual appetizer we had the Pulled Pork Piton. It was very good and was a great for sharing.

Main Dishes we ordered (we went twice):

Lightly Spiced Coconut Curry & Cacao Chicken 

Beef Fillet / Ribeye -Aberdeen Angus 48 hour marinated in freshly roasted cacao. 

12-hour Marinated “Bois Bandé” Chicken

9 hour lamb shank

Dessert: We shared the Rabot Chocolate Lava Cake. It was incredible!!!! However, the dessert takes about 20-25 minutes. So you could order it while finishing your main dish if you don't want to wait.

Honest Review: We did not love the food at Boucat. We tried dinner here twice and the first night my chicken was overcooked and the second night it was just ehhh nothing special. Could have been that it's the off season so maybe their best chefs were not there? All I know is EVERYONE says this is the place to eat on the island and I wasn't impressed. Still go and give it a try and see if you love it. It's definitely at the least worth going for dessert.

3. LA PETIT PEAK

(Restaurant in Soufriere)

Dinner was very reasonably priced here. (Especially compared to the resort pricing).

We dont remember what we ordered (blame it on the mystic punch from our sunset cruise LOL) but I can tell you it was DELISH!!! WE SCARFED IT DOWN!!! 

This is a must stop and a great choice after the sunset cruise drops you off. That way you only have to pay for a taxi ride home from the restaurant. 

4. Bayside Restaurant

(Restaurant at Sugar Beach Viceroy)

When you take the free shuttle to Sugar Beach this is a restaurant available for lunch until 2:30 and then for dinner starting at 6pm. We didn't get a chance to eat here but we heard the food is LEGIT.

5.  JUNGLE BEACH GRILL
 "THE WORLD'S BEST BURGER"

(Located at Anse Mamin beach)

After taking a water taxi to Anse Mamin you will see the gorgeous black sand beach. To us it almost feels like a private beach because very few people are there. 
This is a MUST STOP!! 

They will begin taking burger orders at noon. We got the Gourmet Burger it was sooooooo insanelyyyyyy good!!!! 
P.S. There is a bar there as well! And I had a madddd good mojito!

ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS:

ARE THERE BUGS?

Yes, you have one wall open to your room so of course you will see some bugs --but I can tell you as a girl who will scream if she sees a moth. (LOL)— it really wasn’t bad AT ALL. 

But we came prepared!

 Our advice: BRING DEET OFF BUG SPRAY from the US - THIS is the one we used.

Spray your body every morning and night. 

Keep it on you in a bag to reapply if you’re out walking trails or out late at night.

I walked away with maybe 3 mosquito bites and Nate had 5. For a 7 day trip with one wall open -- I’d say thats pretty good. You will only get bit by mosquitoes when you forget to spray! :)

The rooms also come with a non deet spray and after bite aloe just in case. 

Plus - they have a candle they or you can light by your bed every night that keeps the mosquitoes away. AND your bed as a mosquito net over it so you don't have to worry about bugs while you sleep.

PRO TIP: TURN ALL THE LIGHTS OFF BUT LEAVE THE LIGHTS ON BY THE POOL AND IT WILL KEEP ANY BUGS OUTSIDE.

IS THE ROOM AT LADERA HOT? WITH IT BEING OPEN AIR?

I was actually very worried about this. We had a room with an incredible breeze so it never really got hot. But I think it depends on what time of year you go and what room you are in. I brought THIS FAN from amazon and sat it on the bed in case and only used it the last night we were there. So I would recommend to just buy a mini travel fan and bring it in case. BUT I AM TELLING YOU ITS WORTH IT!

Alright well I really hope this answered your questions. 

What I can tell you overall is:

St Lucia is magical.

The views are insane. Almost to beautiful to be real.

And the people are the kindest and most wonderful you will ever meet.

We were so sad to go and truly can't wait to go back!

OUTFITS IDEAS:

   

  

SHOP MY TRAVEL LOOKS:
Also everything is linked in the Liketoknow it app.
Feel free to message me on instagram if you can't find the link to something. 

XOXO,
Happy travels!

Alex