Thursday, January 6, 2011

{Celebrating} Dia De Los Reyes

When you hear the term "12 Days of Christmas", many people automatically think of the 12 days preceding Christmas. Well, the true 12 Days of Christmas are celebrated right after December 25th, known as Epiphany in the church calendar. On the 12th day of Christmas, the Three Kings, following the star to Bethlehem, arrived bearing their treasured gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Baby Jesus.

Traditionally, in Mexico, children receive gifts on this day, brought by the Three kings, "Los Reyes Magos", Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar. Some children receive gifts from both Santa Claus and the Kings, but Santa is seen as an imported custom, and the traditional day for Mexican children to receive gifts is January 6th.

Arrival of the 3 Kings:


A traditional Nativity Scene. {Stock Photo}

In the days preceding Kings Day, children write letters to the Magi requesting a toy or gift that they would like. On the night of January 5th, the figures of the Wise Men are placed in the nativity scene. Traditionally children would leave out their shoes near the nativity scene, or right outside their home, with a bit of hay in the shoes, to feed the animals of the Magi (they are often shown with a camel). When the children would wake up in the morning their gifts appeared in place of the hay.

Rosca de Reyes:


A traditional "Rosca de Reyes" served with some Mexican hot chocolate {Stock Photo}

On Kings Day it is customary to eat "Rosca de Reyes", a sweet bread shaped like a wreath, with candied fruit on top, and a figurine of a baby Jesus baked inside. The Baby hidden inside symbolizes the need to find a secure place where Jesus could be born, a place where King Herod would not find Him. Each person cuts a slice of the "rosca" and inspects to see if his/her slice contains the Baby Jesus. Cutting with the knife symbolized the danger in which the Baby Jesus was in. Whoever finds the figurine shall host, and invite everyone present to a new celebration on Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas), celebrated on February 2nd. The new host is also responsible for providing a new Ropón, "small dress robe", for the Baby Jesus of the Nativity scene. After the celebrated mass and blessing of the Baby Jesus, guests are invited to the host's home to enjoy some delicious tamales and hot chocolate or atole.


A traditional menu of tamales and Mexican hot chocolate or atole are a staple for family celebrations during "Dia de la Candelaria".
{Stock Photo}

I hope you enjoyed this little bit of Christmas history!

Pin It

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

The Knot Best of 2011

It's always nice to receive a wonderful little email with the following:



What a way to start the year, right? Technically, we received the email sometime last year (week), but we've been busy relaxing during the holidays! :)

A HUGE THANK YOU to all of our brides, past and current, who have voted for us and supported us to achieve this nice little honor.

Pin It

Monday, January 3, 2011

{Tips} Let the Wedding Planning Begin....The Bridal Extravaganza

Yes, it is that time of year. The holiday season brings many joys, including new engagements! So, with that being said...many CONGRATULATIONS to all the newly engaged couples! This is truly an exciting time!



In planning your wedding, you will need to be informed, and what better way than attending Houston's largest bridal show...The Bridal Extravaganza!

Please be sure to drop by and pay us a visit at BOOTH # 3033. Our staff and I are looking forward to helping you plan your perfect wedding!

TIPS WHEN ATTENDING THE SHOW:

We can't stress enough on the following tips we will provide you when visiting the Bridal Extravaganza (and any other bridal trade show)! Be sure to follow these tips to ensure a pleasant and relaxing experience!
  • Be sure you have at least three (3) hours, minimum, to spare when visiting the show.
  • It makes your experience much simpler having goals in mind. For example, if all you need is a cake vendor, a florist, a DJ or a photographer, then focus on those booths and don't accept promotional items for other vendors you don't need. (This will decrease your "baggage"!)
  • Be sure to prepare pre-printed labels, maybe 3 sheets worth, with the following information:
  1. Name of Bride & Groom
  2. An email address (I recommend you create a wedding email address for this purpose only)
  3. Telephone number (your choice of home or cell)
  4. Wedding Date
  5. Number of expected guests to attend
  6. Mailing Address (optional if you'd like to receive mail); personally, I wouldn't provide it on the labels, stick to email! :) Remember, your address will already be provided when you register at the show. Decrease duplicate mailings! :)
  • Only distribute your labels to those vendors you ARE interested in. Don't be afraid to say "No" to a vendor who insists you give them a label. It is YOUR choice, not theirs, so if you don't want to provide a label, then don't! :)
  • Please wear comfortable shoes for plenty of walking and standing
  • Bring some snacks or prepare to pay for food in cash. Some food vendors don't offer credit card purchases.
  • Don't bring in too many people with you; sadly not everyone is into your wedding! :) We usually recommend you have either your parents (mom), your fiance (if he's a willing participant for the show) and your maid of honor or willing bridesmaids.
  • If the fiance isn't into the wedding planning, don't force him to go, as it will only make for a long and miserable time. (As vendors, we've witnessed plenty of bored and upset grooms to be, who'd rather just not be there). In the end, it makes for a not so pleasant experience. Worst, your groom will be rushing you! :)
  • If you are unsure of what services you need, use Saturday as your "window shopping day", review the important vendors that night and go back on Sunday to "close the deal" or "set up consultations".
  • Take a backpack or a tote bag to use for your preferred vendor promotional items. Don't just grab a flyer/pamphlet because it was handed to you. If you're not interested in the company, don't take the flyer/pamphlet! Remember, it only adds unnecessary weight. ;)
I hope you have found this information useful!

Please be sure to visit us at BOOTH # 3033 as we will, not just be giving out delicious cake samples, but offering some phenomenal deals, valid that WEEKEND ONLY!


Our booth last year. {Photo Credit: A Day To Remember}

The Bridal Extravaganza will be providing a Fashion Show plus guest appearance by none other than the fabulous Randy Fenoli of "Say Yes To The Dress"! Oh, and here's the fun part...we will be giving away some VIP Passes to meet the fabulous guy!


Randy Fenoli of "Say Yes to the Dress" {Photo Courtesy of TLC}

Bridal Extravaganza Show Information:
Dates: January 8 - 9, 2011
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 on Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday
You can purchase your tickets {Ticket Information} online or at the door.

{Photo Credit: Lifetime Moments Photography}

Again, congratulations on your engagement! Stay tuned as we provide more information and give away tickets for the show this week. Can't wait to see you this weekend! Until then....Happy Planning!

Pin It