Utterly Engaged } The 1st Online Wedding & Bridal Magazine. Inspiring Brides with Style.

They say the way to a man’s heart is through the stomach. And boy is that true. This year I’ve made the resolution to be a domestic diva! Lol! I’m tired of making the same old ramen (although I do spice it up with my own stuff, not the packet), fried rice, polska kielbasa (the mr’s favorite!), and boring chicken. I was ready to spice things up and get my super adorable apron on (still looking for one) and get bakin’ and cookin’! My hubby knew that so he got me all kinds of baking apparatus, including a whoopie pie pan, cake decorating kit, mini donut maker (yes, one of those), and electric mixer. So since January 1, 2012, I’ve been making sweet treats almost every other day, and it’s been quite a successful month so far. And the Mr. couldn’t be happier to get his hands on those treats (and the baker, oh behave!).

For this month, I can’t wait to try one of these sweet Valentine ideas! Someone’s getting lucky tonight!

I actually made the regular shaped version of this for Chinese New Year, but I love this V’day twist!

Red Velvet Whoopie Pie via Annie’s Eats

When I saw this, I had to laugh. It’s genius! And what guy doesn’t like bacon and pancake?

Cupid Arrow Bacon & Pancake via On Being Blythe

Who doesn’t like getting things in the mail! Especially these adorable s’more hearts!

You’ve Got S’more Mail via Miriam Corona Events

If you don’t want to invest in heart-shaped pans, you can always try this trick of putting a marble or 1/2 inch aluminum foil in your cupcake pan. Voila! Heart cupcakes!

Cupcakes for Cupid via Family Fun

So what will you be baking this Valentine’s Day?

xoxo, Henny V.

We are super excited to announce our 3rd annual new year party, but this time it’s a Leap Year Party! But not just any party, it’s a Remix Party, taking familiar things and giving it a new spin! It’s going to be an epic party that comes every 4 years! And you are all invited! Get your tickets now!

We’re also bringing back the most anticipated Design Challenge for Wedding Professionals for the third time in a row! This year, the teams will be designing for a cause. A portion of the entry fee will go towards emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies via Shelterbox. All the attendees will be voting on their favorite table with their dollar (included in the ticket sale). If you’re ready to take the challenge, contact Lucia at lucia@utterlyengaged.com for application and details. Hurry, space is limited!

The event is also the perfect way to promote your business to the best in the wedding, events and blogging industry. If you’re interested in sponsorship opportunities, please email Henny at henny@utterlyengaged.com for more information.

To see what went down in our last new year party, go to p. 8 in this issue.

The gowns that show up on red carpets at award shows are always a great place to get inspiration for your wedding gown. We have a few favorites from last night’s Screen Actors Guild Award.

Ruffled & Romantic: A Romona Keveza dress worn by Kaley Cuoco

Gilded Elegance: A Marchesa gown worn by Viola Davis

Whimsical & Spunky: A Collette Dinnigan dress worn by Judy Greer

Modern Glitz: A Givenchy Couture dress worn by Zoe Saldana

This weekend my husband’s going on a field trip with his classmates. Yes, he’s a grown man. And no, he’s not going on a yellow school bus (but our family van, no less). So I’m inspired to round up all things school for this weekend. Have a lovely one!

Clockwise from top left: Try this messy librarian bun. Wear this teacher-like chiffon blouse in rust. Eat this apple pancake. Put on this secretly slimming pencil skirt (especially after that pancake). Update my books with this cool spine.

xoxo, Henny V.

It’s DIY Friday! We wanted to repost one of favorite DIY feature in our January issue. Chocolate “countdown” cookies! Created especially for Utterly Engaged from food stylist Diana of Casa de Perrin and stylist, Alicia Buszczak. They’re super easy to do and super cute too.

INGREDIENTS

Butter - 6 tablespoons
Unsweetened chocolate - 1 1/2 inch squares
Milk - 6 tablespoons
Baking soda - 1/3 teaspoon
Sugar - 3/4 cup
Egg (beaten) - 1
Flour - 1 1/8 cups
Baking powder - 1 teaspoon
Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon
Salt - 1/4 teaspoon

RECIPE

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
Melt chocolate over hot water.
Cream butter and sugar.
Add chocolate and egg and mix thoroughly.  Set aside.
Sift flour, measure, and whisk in baking soda, baking powder and salt.
Combine alternately with milk to the first mixture.
Add vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.
Roll dough out on slightly floured surface until it is 1/4” thick.
Use enough plastic wrap to cover the rolled out dough, and gently press typography blocks to make imprints.
Remove plastic wrap and use a large enough cookie-cutter to separate each cookie.
Using a spatula, place individual cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Once cookies are cooled they may be iced and decorated to perfection!

Wrap them up to fit your wedding style and give them as favors to your guests. Love it!

Remember how we promised to show you more images from our magazine? Want to see more?

Well head over to Facebook and “like” our Facebook page to see more amazing images from this editorial shoot. Happy Friday to you!

Credits: Concept, Design, Props & Rentals from Casa de Perrin
Custom Linens & Styling Alicia Buszczak / Photography  Studio Castillero