As part of it’s new series of Search Stories, Google presented this Parisian Love ad during this evening’s Super Bowl event. It’s a pretty simple approach really, with hardly any budget towards fancy footage or acting, but it certainly stresses the significance of the core search feature.  It focuses on the integral role it plays in our lives, offering every-day solutions and new opportunities. Watch here.

{video found via battellemedia.com}

Check out these Williams-Sonoma exclusive cookie cutters where you can customize your treats with special messages. You simply slide the letters or pre-made words into the cutter to form a name or a message, then you press the cutter into the dough, and voila! Your lettering is imprinted on the cookie.

Could you imagine these as a sweet favour for your next event? The great thing is they can work for multiple occasions, with endless message options to come up with. Perhaps “Happy Birthday Sarah” or “Jessica & Adam 2.7.10″? It’s up to you!

{Message cookie cutters from Williams-Sonoma. Images from Ohdeedoh}

An amazing new project has surfaced from two famous bloggers, Kristen of Paper Crave and Maddy from Inspired Bride, called Nonpareil Magazine. It’s an online magazine filled with clever DIY projects, inspiring ideas, and downloadable printables and templates to use. The first issues titled Beautiful on a Budget was just released 2 days ago. Check it out here! I’m already excited for future issues. Congratulations ladies and everyone who contributed!

{image from Paper Crave}

{image from Jessica Ortwerth on Flickr}

I am a huge fan of the King and his sultry 50s sound. His collection of ballads are truly classic and this one remains one of my all-time faves. It gained popularity from the 1961 film Blue Hawaii in which Elvis starred, but has since lived on in many hearts as one of the best love songs of all time, with covers sung by the likes of Bob Dylan, Bono, Harry Connick Jr. and my personal favourite, Ingrid Michaelson. Her version is simple, clean and beautifully honest.

{image from the cat & the exercise bike on Flickr}

Today is a fresh start. I woke up, grabbed myself a light, healthy breakfast and completed a yoga routine. This felt awesome. I promised myself that in my new ‘adult life’ I will make a habit of yoga and pilates a few times a week. I need balance in my life and I think this is the answer.

It also feels awesome to be revealing the winner of the Spread the Love Giveaway. Here it is…

The third commenter wins. Congrats Victoria! Expect some pretty Valentine’s Day cards in the mail this week. I can’t wait for the next giveaway already. Thanks again to all who entered, and for all the sweet comments. They definitely made me feel all warm and fuzzy.

A bit of news: To Have and To Hold will be getting a make-over this coming month, so look out for it! I have commissioned my dear friend Chris from university to take care of the re-design since I’m so busy with other projects and work. But trust me, it’s in good hands. You can check out his portfolio here. He does some pretty amazing stuff. I’m so proud of him. :)

Well, I’m off to meet another special person who you may or may not hear about in the future in regards to H+H, but… that’s for me to find out today. Wish me luck! xo

I want to share some illustrative work I found on Flickr a while back. Kate works under the name Little Doodles online and produces a beautiful collection of hand-drawn/painted pieces. She relies on a technique called pointillism, and is known best for her vast collection of little birdies. They have made appearances on stationery, tote bags, window displays, and a variety of trinkets.

Check her Flickr stream, blog and Etsy shop for all the goods!

{images from Little Doodles on Flickr}

It seems we’ve been craving sweets lately here on our blog with multiple sweet features in the past week. I had to share these instantly because the desserts are absolute works of art. These are featured on a delicious dessert blog by pâtissière expert, Leonor de Sousa Bastos, with photographs by Miguel Coelho. Both are outstanding and talented, and have a lot of inspiration to offer any celebratory dessert menu.

These pokka dots look fun and equally delicious, and would go well with a playful theme. Filled with mousse, this cake redefines strawberry cake!

These strawberry ice cream meringues looks so delicious, and remind me of other finger foods I’ve mentioned before. I’d love to see these bite-sized goodnesses at a wedding part :)

And of course every wedding needs a cake. This pomegranate yoghurt slice not only has a beautifully floral appearance, but is light in calories which is always a plus! For more food porn, recipes and ideas for dessert, visit Flagrante Delicia.

{images from Flagrante Delicia}

Pom poms aren’t just for cheerleaders. They’re a huge hit in the craft world too. I used to make the yarn ones all the time and they’re really easy and fun to make. (My cats think they’re fun too). But I found these lovely, light paper poms from PomLove on Etsy, and I think they need to make an appearance at one of my future parties. What do you think? I’m even considering a carnival theme, so I can see these fitting in perfectly.

{image from PomLove on Etsy}

Happy Sunday everyone!

There are a few things I need to update you on… but first, I’m feeling generous and thankful so it’s time to launch our very first giveaway! In the spirit of Valentine’s Day we’re calling it the Spread the Love Giveaway.

So here’s the deal: I’ll be giving away a pack of 12 Bee Mine cards with envelopes included for you to hand out to all your friends and loved ones. To enter, simply comment on this post with a reason why you like Valentine’s Day, or a favourite memory associated with it. People bash on this day, but we need to remember that holidays like this aren’t about how much money you spend, but the time you spend with the people you love. You don’t have to be in a relationship; Valentines is for families too! Show them that you’re thankful for having them in your life.

The giveaway will be closed on Thursday, January 28th at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 29th at 12:00 a.m. The winner will be chosen by a random generator and will be announced that afternoon.

Finally, I just want to say thank you to those of you who have supported us so far. I really do appreciate all of the visits. Even though we are still in the young stage of development, I promise you we aren’t going anywhere and we intend on continuing to grow. I ask you to ’spread the love’ for us by spreading the word about To Have and To Hold on Facebook, Twitter or on your own blog. It really means a lot to me that we have already received so much love after just a few months of being at work.

Thanks again and I look forward to reading your comments!