{culture & traditions} A New Twist on Bridal Henna

…Mehndi, also known as henna, is used to adorn brides prior to the ceremony in South Asia,  Middle East, and North African countries. I have seen Mehndi in many lovely and intricate designs but never have I seen it in white as it is on this brides arm. What an equally elegant alternative to the deep reddish brown colors often used. Beautiful! What do you think?

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Feliz Cinco de Mayo Mangorita!

Maybe it is my Latin and Caribbean roots that just adores anything mango! There is not a fruit that I love more than a good mango and now, I think I just fell in love with it some more. Does this mangorita not look absolutely delish? This frozen mango margarita has my mouth watering. The salt rim is calling to be licked. What a signature drink this would make!

1 1/2 ounces tequila

1 1/2 ounces triple sec liqueur

1 1/2 ounces fresh lime juice

1 mango – peeled, seeded and sliced

a few ice cubes

1/4 Cup mango nectar

slice of mango or orange for garnish

1. In a blender, combine the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, mango, and ice. Blend until ice is finely crushed.

2. Sweeten with mango nectar to your liking…and drink up!

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{culture & traditions} The Chuppah

In any culture and in any religion you can find something quite beautiful to celebrate or recreate at your wedding. One of my favorite things about a Jewish wedding is the “chuppah” or “huppah.” A chuppah is a canopy supported by four poles or sometimes held by four attendants. The chuppah symbolizes the house that the couple will create together. I love the symbolism behind the chuppah and it just makes the ceremony cozy and intimate for the couple.

David and I actually had one at our wedding in Puerto Rico. I am not Jewish but I fell in love with the idea…and you know me…I am not the conventional gal! Here are a few gorgeous Chuppah ideas that you can use for your wedding, too.

{wedding culture & beauty} Mehndi

Many cultures around the world celebrate the rites of marriage in beautiful ways. One of the most beautiful rites for countries like India, Pakistan, and other Asian and some Middle Eastern countries involves adorning the bride’s hands and feet with Mehndi.

Mehndi {henna} is applied as a paste in the most beautiful and intricate patterns on the brides hands and feet. The design details can be simple or elaborate, and vary from country to country. After the Mehndi is applied the hands and feet are sometimes wrapped for a few hours to increase the intensity of the henna’s color. The gorgeous Mehndi designs will last for days sometimes even weeks after its application.

Different countries celebrate the event in a different ways according to the marriage customs, rituals, and culture in that area. Usually, the festive event takes place the eve of the wedding and involves sweet treats, women dancing and singing traditional songs.

A professional Mehndi artist or a relative a is asked to create the Mehndi designs similar to the ones below. Aren’t they beautiful?

{click on image for source}