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Recipe Roundup | Christmas Treats

December 23, 2019

Christmas Eve Eve is upon us, which means time to get that last-minute bakign in. We've roundup up a few of our favorite holiday recipes that are easy to prepare AND real crowd pleasers! Enjoy.

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In Bake Tags holiday, recipe, roundup, christmas, baking, dessert, sweet, treat, gluten free, dairy free, vegan, yummy, love, family, get together, party, festive, easy
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#shabraun | Our Rehearsal Dinner at Old Lahaina Luau

September 21, 2019

On the eve of our wedding day, we celebrated with all of our guests by treating them to a quintessential Hawaiian experience—an authentic Polynesian luau at Old Lahaina Luau!

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In Wedding Tags wedding, shabraun, luau, lahaina, maui, hawaii, destination, rehearsal, dinner, party, mauid, happy, love, weddingday1
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#shabraun | Our Nashville Strolling Reception Timeline

September 9, 2019

When deciding what we wanted from our Nashville reception, we knew that we didn’t want a formal sit-down dinner. Not only did the space not allow for seating for all our guests, we wanted everyone to entertained the entire night. When you’re stuck at a table you find yourself only conversations with those around you. We wanted guests to mix and mingle with everyone all night. Of course you’ll always find comfort and gravitate to those you know, but a more mobile reception options gives you the opportunity to run into others, meet new people and not be confined to one area.

Having never been to a post-destination wedding reception or party we weren't sure what would be expected of us as hosts, but we knew that a good time—ney a GREAT TIME—would definitely fit the bill!

Traditional receptions have guests enjoy cocktail hour, find their seats, watch the first dance, eat dinner, listen to speeches and toasts, then head to the dance floor. That’s all well and good, but it seemed to formal for our reception.

After research on research about reception styles we stumbled across ideas like “east coast,” “strolling,” “cocktail,” and “progressive” receptions. Now we’re talking! In these styles guests are invited to enjoy the receptions in their own way. Throughout the night different food stations are opened so guests can grab food at their own leisure, hit the bar whenever, and get down on the always-open dance floor.

Obviously since we hosted an intimate wedding not everyone was invited and we didn’t want our reception guests—people we love dearly—to feel like they weren’t important to us so a big focus of the reception was our guests!

We had our wonderful videographers (Dallas Wilson Wedding Films) put together a short video of our wedding day, mostly beautiful shots of LeBraun and I together, which we looped on monitors around the room. This way guests may feel like they were apart of the ceremony which typically would have been moments before. A little something to get them in the wedding celebration spirit, ya no!

Since a cocktail hour wasn’t necessary as we weren’t taking wedding party portraits or moving locations, we decided to start the evening with a 30 minute cocktail style reception before our entry so guests could grab a drink (or two), enjoy some appetizers, and mingle a bit to loosen up.

Then we did the traditional wedding party introduction followed by our entrance and first dance. We wanted to keep some of the traditional reception elements so guests felt like it really was a true wedding reception. We did father-daughter/mother-son dances, bouquet/garter tosses, and a speech or two!

We honestly had the best time! And since we had a tough time finding timelines for unconventional style receptions we wanted to share our Nashville progressive, strolling reception timeline in the hope that others will find it helpful in planning their big days no matter how traditional or unconventional they may be. Your wedding day is all about y’all so do whatever works for you!


11am: Deliver and set up decor pieces at the venue

2pm: Bride’s Hair and Makeup

S+L Note: At this point we were already behind as some signage got damaged on the way to the venue in the morning so I had to re-calligraph a couple which took more time than we hoped.

4pm: Check in to hotel

S+L Note: LeBraun and I were staying at the hotel where our venue was the night of the event so we brought our overnight bag as well as all the things we needed for the reception in a few hours.

4:15pm: Review venue // Set up looping video on monitors

4:45pm: Photographers photo details (dress, invitations, shoes, etc) and venue before guest arrive

Quick Tip #1: If you want photos of the invitations, remember to bring a copy with you.

4:50pm - 5:15pm: Finish getting dressed in our room // Family and wedding party arrived dressed and ready for photographs

5:20pm - 5:50pm: Couple, family, and wedding party portraits at the venue

5:50pm: Couple and wedding party chill in hotel room during cocktail half-hour while guests arrive at the venue

6pm: Eat food delivered to room, brush teeth and final prepping // Doors open for guest arrival // Passed appetizers are served // Bar opens // Background iPod music is played

6:25pm: Couple and wedding party escorted to venue

6:30pm: Grand Entrance // Band emcees wedding party introductions followed by the new Mrs. & Mrs. entrance

6:35pm: First dance // Father-Daughter dance // Mother-Son dance

6:40pm: Passed appetizers end // Small plates & salad stations open

6:45pm: Welcome speech by bride’s father

6:50-7:15pm: Band plays lively background music

8:10pm: Small plates & salad stations close

Post-Event Note: A timeline of the evening was on entry signage, but we wish we would have asked the band to make announcements throughout the night in regards to food changing over, reminders about the photo booth, guestbook, etc.

7:45pm-9:15pm: Band plays first dance set

Quick Tip #2: Appoint someone to help “move” you to and from conversations. I wanted to stay and chat with everyone, but because of I didn’t have anyone helping me there were some people I never got around to see.

8:20pm: Main stations open

Post-Event Note: We should have asked someone to bring us food throughout the evening because the only food LeBraun or I ended up eating was what had been brought to our room before the reception started. Everything smelled so good, but I was doing my hostess duties. In hindsight, as the bride I should have taken advantage of asking people for help.

9:15pm - 9:30pm: Band break // Requested iPod dance songs played

Post-Event Note: It would have been nice to add a time for taking photos in the photo booth to the timeline so we we didn’t miss it. By the time I made it back inside (which was 10:30pm), the photo booth had already been packed up. LeBraun and I never got a fun photo strip from our own reception. :(

9:30pm: Bouquet & garter tosses // Guestbook switched to favor table

9:35pm - 11:30pm: Band plays second dance set

9:50pm: Main stations close

10pm: Dessert stations open

11:25pm: Last dance is played

11:30pm: Dessert stations close // Guests filter out as reception ends // Band packs up

12pm: Intimate After Party // Late-night snacks are served // LeBraun connect Spotify playlist and put on Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince on the monitors

1:30pm: After party ends // Bar closes // Tear down and clean up begins


In Wedding Tags wedding, nashville, reception, shabraun, la jackson, l.a. jackson, thompson, hotel, downtown, band, food, party, receptionvideo1, nashreception1
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#shabraun | Adding Personal Touches To Your Wedding Events

September 8, 2019

Every couple wants their wedding to be unique. The wedding should be a reflection of you as a couple. It is your big day after all. We’re hoping sharing some personal touches we added to our ceremony and reception will help others find some creative ways to make their days stand out from the rest.

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In Wedding Tags handfasting, wedding, ceremony, reception, personal, touches, touch, creative, shabraun, maui, hawaii, nashville, party, food, postcards, ukulele
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#shabraun | A Look Inside Our Destination Wedding Welcome Bags

August 16, 2019

Make your guests feel welcome as soon as they arrive with a welcome bag filled with local goodies and personal touches. Welcome bags are a great way to say “Thank you for making the trip, we are so excited you are here, and want you to relax and enjoy yourself!” Plus they are really fun to put together. :)

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In Wedding Tags wedding, destination, bag, guests, maui, hawaii, shabraun, tips, sunglasses, tote bag, happiness, happy, party, weddingparty1
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Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches

August 1, 2019

Hot Summer days call for a chilled, creamy childhood favorite! I love how simple ice cream cookie sandwiches are to make. You do have to have some patience to allow the ice cream to set back once it’s sandwiched in the cookies, but the cookies are simple as you just adjust a simple boxed cake mix. Less time baking and more time munching!

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In Bake Tags gluten free, dairy free, ice cream, sandwich, summer, chill, easy, kids, childhood, classic, vanilla, dessert, sweet treat, sweet, party, cookie
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Travel Guide: The Strip, Las Vegas

July 30, 2019

Designed with entertainment in mind, Las Vegas always has somewhere fun to go, somewhere great to eat, something amazing to see, and something for everyone. Let me help you navigate it!

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In Travel Tags las vegas, vegas, nevada, bellagio, travel guide, the strip, resort, weekend, party, see, play, do, eat, cirque du soleil
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Gluten-Free Shredded Brussels Sprout & Spinach Salad

June 16, 2019

 I love the simplicity of this salad. It tastes professional but is incredibly easy to prepare, and I love a recipe that requires very little effort. 

The dressing is creamy, light and tangy which the perfect juxtaposition to the sweet dried cranberries, salty seeds and crunchy greens. It’s a wonderful combinations of flavors and textures. If you want something with a little of everything, this Gluten-Free Shredded Brussels Sprout & Spinach Salad is it!

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In Make Tags brussels sprouts, spinach, fancy salad, salad, summer, easy, party, party food, lemon, dressing, vegetarian, goat cheese, yummy, light
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Gluten-Free, Vegan Chickpea Salad

May 6, 2019

Growing up chicken salad was my go-to sandwich so I’ve captured all my favorite elements with a vegan twist—Chickpea Salad!

Chickpea Salad is a great base for a picnic basket as it’s hearty yet light. Creamy, crunchy and full of comforting flavors.

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In Make Tags picnic, spring, party, party food, savory, crunchy, creamy, vegan, gluten free, sandwhich, sandwich, onion, easy, yummy, appetizer, snack, date night, chickpea, salad
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Gluten-Free, Vegan Bunny Bait (Easter Trail Mix)

April 20, 2019

So here’s the easiest Easter snack. Sweet and salty. Crunchy and creamy. A little something for everyone at your Easter gathering. Have a Hoppy (I mean Happy) Easter!

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Tags Easter, easy, kids, party, holiday, gathering, trail mix, snack, crunchy, sweet, salty, creamy, chocolate, vegan, gluten free, dairy free, spring, party food
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Travel Guide | An Insider’s Guide to Celebrating The Ultimate Bachelorette Weekend In Nashville

April 12, 2019

If you’re reading this you may be considering or have chosen Nashville for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you won’t regret it. Nashville has become one of the hottest bachelorette party locations in the U.S. The city’s bursting with delicious food, amazing music 24/7/365, Southern charm, friendly people and laid-back, fun-loving atmosphere. Plus tons of Instagrammable locations to capture the weekend’s memories. The party doesn’t stop in Music City!

As locals we took our tried-and-true activity, food & drink, and shopping recommendations and created this detailed guide to help you plan the perfect destination Nashville bachelorette party experience for your bride’s last bash in Nash! Boots optional.

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In Travel Tags nashville, guide, travel, bachelorette, party, girls, getaway, weekend, ladies, bridesmaids, bride, wedding, capitolhill1
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Travel Guide | 10 Experiences for an Epic Bachelor Party in Nashville

April 10, 2019

Luckily you’ve chosen to spend that last hurrah weekend in Nashville. The party doesn’t stop in Music City USA. With live music is rockin’ 24/7/365, the city’s foodie scene in full swing, Southern hospitality, and laid-back vibe—Nashville’s one of the nation’s hottest party destinations.

Whether you’ve previously been to the city or not, we’ve pulled together 10 Nashville experiences that will help create an epic bachelor party for the groom!

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In Travel Tags nashville, bachelor, party, weekend, boys, guys, groom, groomsmen, nashvegas, nashbach
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Recipe Roundup | Game Day Snack-Atizers

February 2, 2019

Crowd-pleasing game day snack-atizers with gluten-free, dairy-free + vegan adjustments optional. Come for the game but stay for the snacks.

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Tags snack, appetizer, crowd, party, party food, savory, sweet, dip, chili, soup, gluten free, dairy free, vegan, wraps, crackers, chips
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Crafting A Fabulous Gluten-Free, Vegan Cheeseboard

January 9, 2019

Discovering the best vegan cheese is really a trial and error, personal preference kind of experience. Whenever I see a new brand or flavor at the grocery, I’ll try it out. But in order to save you time, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorites to share with you today!

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In Make Tags gluten free, dairy free, vegan, savory, sweet, party, party food, cheese, appetizer, snack, dessert
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Gluten-Free, Vegan Poppyseed Roll Cookies

January 7, 2019

Each cookie is soft, but crunchy. Sweet enough to satisfy that sweet tooth and yet light enough to not feel like you blow your New Year’s Fitness Resolutions, and perfect to be enjoyed with an afternoon cuppa on a chilly day like today!

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In Bake Tags cookies, gluten free, dairy free, vegan, easy, christmas, party, poppyseed, tea, sweet, dessert, sweet treat, yummy
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Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Christmas CRACK-ers

December 24, 2018

For this holiday classic it’s all about the layers. A layer of crunchy crackers coated in a caramel-y sauce, topped with chocolate…but wait there’s more…then finished off with a topping of choice, in our versions, peppermint candy canes! 

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In Bake Tags christmas, holiday, party, party food, easy, dessert, sweet treat, snack, chocolate, candy, candy canes, gluten free, dairy free, ginger1
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Gluten-Free, Vegan Peppermint Pretzel Bark

December 22, 2018

Now peppermint and chocolate have always been a winning combination, but the addition of crunchy, salty pretzels kicks each bite up a notch! A simple, quick sweet treat that everyone will love. Mmm!

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In Bake Tags xmascrack1, dessert, sweet, sweet treat, pretzel, chocolate, chocolate-covered, candy canes, candy, bark, snack, holiday, christmas, party, party food, gift
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Gluten-Free, Vegan Peanut Butter Popcorn

December 21, 2018

Anyway, movies aren’t complete without some popcorn and this recipe takes a standard bag of microwave popcorn and turns it into a slightly salted, creamy peanut butter dream. The texture and flavor combination is riiiight on! crunchy, chewy, creamy, salty, sweet…each bite has got us verbally uttering YUM. :)

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Tags popcorn, peanut butter, easy, movie night, chewy, crunchy, snack, sweet, sweet treat, dessert, gluten free, dairy free, vegan, caramel, gift, party, party food, twix1
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Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Gingerbread Doughnuts

December 21, 2018

The countdown is officially on. We’ve made it to the final stretch. Christmas is five days away which means we are in full-on Christmas mode here—snacking on candy canes, hot chocolate and gingerbread everything!

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In Bake Tags gluten free, dairy free, ginger, gingerbread, doughnuts, donuts, easy, holiday, seasonal, christmas, sweet, dessert, sweet treat, party, party food
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Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Potato Latkes

December 3, 2018

A great latke should have a crispy, golden outside and soft, savory center. Mmm! This version is classic, simple, and humble. No fancy ingredients here, just wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

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In Make Tags latke, hanukkah, holiday, potato, potatoes, easy, savory, snack, side dish, dinner, party, party food, christmas, winter, spotatochips1
Older Posts →
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Hi, I'm Shalan! Studioist.co is my journal devoted to adventures, creativity, recipes, and my husband LeBraun and I's semi-nomadic lifestyle. I spend most of my days wondering how to combine my two loves, traveling and illustrations. The rest of my time I spend trying to create awesome gluten-free, dairy-free recipes. I want this to be a place of inspiration and encouragement as well as a fun place to spend your time. And yes, sometimes it gets messy, but I wouldn't have it any other way.


Here’s what shakin’, bacon!

@Studioist

Homemade popsicles make a simply subLIME treat! Canada Day 🇨🇦and the 4th of July 🇺🇸are coming up next week + there’s nothing like enjoying a cold popsicle on a hot day. ☀️ It’s the ultimate refresher! | Recipe on the blog

Studioist.c
Hi, 👋 I’m Shalan. I love Rice Krispie treats, illustrating buildings, walking outside + spending hours in bookstores. #fridayintroductions 
The charming @shakespeareandcoparis has a collection that is literally overflowing into the sidewalk. ?
GF/V STRAWBERRIES & CREAM CHEESE TOAST // Now everybody is on the avocado toast train, and admittedly it’s one of my favorites as well, but for a colorful, fresh summer alternative we’re hopping aboard the strawberry toast train. 🍓A
Rêve un petit rêve de moi! 💕
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#ilovemyhusband #hubbyandwifey #paris #parisjetaime #parisfrance #loveinparis #cityoflove #highscoolsweethearts #lockbridge #lockbridgeparis #studioist
PARIS ITINERARY PT 2 // Spiral outward on the second half of our 10 day itinerary—La Rive Guache,  La Marais, Montparnasse + Versailles! Now on the blog.

Studioist.co/posts/travel-itinerary-10-days-in-paris-2
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#paris #parisjetaime #pa
🇫🇷 Nestled on a cobbled stone corner of Paris’ charming Montmartre neighborhood, La Madison Rose has been serving up coffee to the local artists and writers for more than 100 years! 
Hand-drawn + watercolored illustration now available in my
🇫🇷 Lesser know that its neighbor Notre-Dame de Paris, Saints-Chapelle is not to be missed! It has one of the most extensive 13th century stained glass collection anywhere in the world. 🤩 Seriously WOW!
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#saintechapelleparis #saintechapell
🇫🇷 PARIS ITINERARY PT 1 // You could spend years in Paris and still have more to see, it’s just that kind of place—a city filled with enchantment! 
Most people can swing a 10 day holiday so that’s what we wrote up. A jam-packed 10
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Wedding Button
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Summer Treats!

Featured
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Strawberry Cream Pie
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Strawberry Cream Pie
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Pretzel Salad
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Pretzel Salad
Gluten-Free Watermelon, Tomato + Feta Salad
Gluten-Free Watermelon, Tomato + Feta Salad
Gluten-Free, Vegan Peach Crisp
Gluten-Free, Vegan Peach Crisp
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Rum Cake
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Rum Cake

A FEW OF MY FAVORITES

Featured
#shabraun | Our Rehearsal Dinner Video by Dallas Wilson Wedding Films
#shabraun | Our Rehearsal Dinner Video by Dallas Wilson Wedding Films
Travel Guide | Nashville Wall Guide Pt. 1 - Where to get that IG-Worthy Mural Shot
Travel Guide | Nashville Wall Guide Pt. 1 - Where to get that IG-Worthy Mural Shot
#shabraun | Our Wedding Video by Dallas Wilson Wedding Films
#shabraun | Our Wedding Video by Dallas Wilson Wedding Films
Gluten-Free, Vegan S’more Cookies
Gluten-Free, Vegan S’more Cookies
Travel Guide | Maui, Hawaii
Travel Guide | Maui, Hawaii
Gluten-Free, Keto Lemony Lemon Bars
Gluten-Free, Keto Lemony Lemon Bars
Homemade popsicles make a simply subLIME treat! Canada Day 🇨🇦and the 4th of July 🇺🇸are coming up next week + there’s nothing like enjoying a cold popsicle on a hot day. ☀️ It’s the ultimate refresher! | Recipe on the blog

Studioist.c
Hi, 👋 I’m Shalan. I love Rice Krispie treats, illustrating buildings, walking outside + spending hours in bookstores. #fridayintroductions 
The charming @shakespeareandcoparis has a collection that is literally overflowing into the sidewalk. ?
GF/V STRAWBERRIES & CREAM CHEESE TOAST // Now everybody is on the avocado toast train, and admittedly it’s one of my favorites as well, but for a colorful, fresh summer alternative we’re hopping aboard the strawberry toast train. 🍓A
Rêve un petit rêve de moi! 💕
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.
.
#ilovemyhusband #hubbyandwifey #paris #parisjetaime #parisfrance #loveinparis #cityoflove #highscoolsweethearts #lockbridge #lockbridgeparis #studioist
PARIS ITINERARY PT 2 // Spiral outward on the second half of our 10 day itinerary—La Rive Guache,  La Marais, Montparnasse + Versailles! Now on the blog.

Studioist.co/posts/travel-itinerary-10-days-in-paris-2
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.
#paris #parisjetaime #pa
🇫🇷 Nestled on a cobbled stone corner of Paris’ charming Montmartre neighborhood, La Madison Rose has been serving up coffee to the local artists and writers for more than 100 years! 
Hand-drawn + watercolored illustration now available in my