Beaulieu Vineyard Helps You Personalize Your Wedding Day!

 Looking to personalize your wedding day in a stylish and affordable way?  

Beaulieu Vineyard is there to help at “My Wedding My Wine“!

Choose from FREE, personalized wine labels, favor tags, wedding programs and wine tasting party mats!  Such a great idea for anyone looking to add a little something special to their day.

BV’s “My Wedding, My Wine” allows you to create using different fonts, messages, colors and styles. 

Giving out bottles of wine as your favors?  Personalize them so your guests can cherish the bottle even after it’s gone!  I LOVE these labels!!!

These would also make a great shower or wedding gift for your favorite wine-loving couple!

I actually just ordered these for my friend’s shower gift.  I gave the couple 2 bottles of wine and a bottle of champagne, each with a different label and saying.  I then threw in the sheets with even more labels on them so they can use them for future bottles of wine purchased - great for enjoying together or for showing off while you entertain.  Hey, be proud of your love!

My favorite was the label I created for them that said, “Anniversary Wine”.  Now the couple has a special bottle of wine they can drink on their 1st wedding anniversary!

I loved the idea so much, I even ordered some for myself.  The best part is that it’s free!  I didn’t even have to pay for shipping and handling.  They arrived quickly in the mail (they say it takes about 2-3 weeks) without any issues.  I love them! 

Beaulieu Vineyard even offers:

*Toasting tips

*Party styles

*Advice on how to pair different wines with food

*Information on how much wine you’ll need to order based on how many guests you’re inviting

 Order your free items now at: www.myweddingmywine.com!  Need to order wine?  Want to learn more about BV wines?  Go to www.bvwines.com!   It’s actually really great wine!

Thanks, BV!

 A Long Post - From A Long Weekend!

Wow.  I’m losing track of weeks here.  Luckily I think life will slow down soon, thank goodness!  This past weekend was especially crazy.  On Saturday, one of my best friends picked me up around 3pm to go shopping and get some things done before our friend’s shower on Sunday. 

We went to several different stores picking up the remainder of what we needed for the shower, along with a gift.  Luckily, her 2 1/2 month old son was an angel (we took him with us).  I got a GREAT workout on my left arm from holding him as he slept in my arms while shopping.  Take a look - isn’t he adorable!?

After we were done shopping, we went to her house and finished making the wine charm favors (we still had to package them).  On top of that, we had to bake four boxes of cupcakes, since we had the great idea of making cupcakes instead of a cake.  By 1am, we were both wishing we had just bought a cake in the first place…ha ha!  I think it was around 2am before I got home that night.

SUNDAY!  Shower time!  I had stayed up until 4am the night before, getting everything ready for the next day.  I then got up around 8:30am to get ready and of course run to the store to get more wrapping paper.  I got to the shower around 11am, and stayed until about 9pm. 

Long shower?  Well, not really…I mean, the majority of the guests stayed for about 3 hours, and left shortly after the couple was done opening their gifts.  But my close friends and I (a few of us bridesmaids) stayed, and so did some of their moms.  It was nice though, we cleaned up a little and caught up with eachother over coffee, leftover cupcakes and cookies for the rest of the evening.  I was good - I only had 2 cupcakes and 2 cookies.  But that’s another story! :)  I ended up getting home around 9:30pm that night, I believe.

I could of and should of went to bed right away, but nope -  instead, I stayed up for a few more hours trying to prepare for the NEXT bridal shower for my friend Jackie.  The same friend I went shopping with and I had to get her invitations prepared and printed.  Time was ticking!  I finally crashed onto my pillow around 1am after my eyes started burning…I was just way too tired!  It’d have to wait until the next day - after all, I work best under pressure!

So Monday comes.  I have to admit, I relaxed most of the afternoon on Monday, and even took a nap!  A MUCH needed nap.  Evening came and it was time to get chopping on those bridal shower invites!  I worked on them all night long…literally.  I pulled an “all-nighter”!  They’re created, formatted, printed and even cut.  I now officially hate scissors.  I need to invest in some better supplies.  I finally finished the invites and went to bed around 7am this morning.  They look nice, I hope everyone likes them.

After going to bed at 7am this morning, I woke up around 11:30am.  Not much sleep, but it’ll have to do!  Today is my aunt’s birthday, so I’ve got to get ready, go shopping for a gift, run some other errands, drop off the bridal shower invitations to my friend so she can address, stamp and send them, and then it’s out to dinner to celebrate my aunt’s birthday! :) 

I’m excited for my aunt’s birthday - it should be fun.  We were just going to stop by, but they had dinner plans…so they invited us along.  But boy, oh boy, am I going to sleep good tonight! :)  Tonight, I’m hitting the sack early!

UPDATE: Dinner was SOOO good!  Off to sleepies! :)  To bed said Fred!  Zzzzzzzzzzz….

Yesterday was my friend’s wedding shower!  It was such an enjoyable time, and really one of the easiest showers we’ve ever thrown. 

The bride wanted us to keep it simple, so we honored her request by hosting it at her mother’s home (which she was very kind to offer to us), catered in some food, set up some card tables which we decorated of course, and then everyone just chilled and had a great time! 

We served tea sandwiches, fruit kabobs, vegetable trays, lemon and kolachke cookies, little candies, and the mother of the bride made this deliciously creative jello mold with edible flowers…it was so sweet!

Instead of ordering a big cake, we made cupcakes which we frosted with strawberry, chocolate and fluffy white frosting and decorated with engagement rings (which later was so funny to see all the women put the rings on and talk about how they were going to go home and show their men…ha ha!).

The favors we made were wine charms in sets of four, which were a hit!  We worked very hard on them (time consuming but worth it) and they turned out great!  I was so happy everyone seemed to really like them.

The tables were decorated with purple and white tablecloths, flowers and candles.  It really turned out lovely! 

Outside, we decorated the tree branches (which were just starting to bud) with very long strands of curling ribbon in light blue, spring green and white.  After the branches were all decorated, the long strands of ribbon blew in the wind, and it just looked so pretty.  I forgot to get a picture of it!  Oops.   So you’ll just have to try and picture it.  It really did look cool!

The day flew by of course, but it was such a wonderful time!

Congratulations Leeanne & Mike!

Vino, Darling?

My good friend Leeanne is getting married, and to celebrate, we’re of course throwing her a bridal shower!

We decided we’d make the favors (shown below) ourselves, so we made wine charms using clear beads, purple beads, green beads and pearls. We made over 200 charms (to give to guests in sets of four), and I’m finally ready and very excited to show you them!

Here is a set I sent to fellow blogger Sharleen over at Shartreuse (both her and Denise are always so inspiring to me, so I sent them each a set). She took a picture of the charms, and the card I sent her (card designed by Denise, owner of Bellis Studios). Thanks for the picture, Sharleen!

While it’s not decided yet whether or not we’ll stick with the wine theme the whole way through when decorating, I decided to put together this wine-themed inspiration board to present as an idea.

I’ve been collecting wine corks for years now, and love using them at home to decorate vases and candle gardens with. You’ve seen the wine-cork place card holders, and now here are some more ways to use those corks!

Hosing a wine-themed shower or party? Here are some other ideas:

1. Serve a sangria punch, or a regular punch in purple or light green (grape colors).

2. Decorate with bowls of green and purple grapes, along with flowers in similar colors.

3. Use empty wine bottles as vases to put flowers into, maybe tie with ribbon around the neck, or get really crafty and paint the bottle vases!

4. Offer a wine-tasting experience (If you’re doing this, make sure you set up several different tasting booths to make sure guest traffic flows easily…you don’t want 50 guests all crowded at one table!).

5. Give wine charms (shown), wine glasses, or wine as favors or as prizes for games.

6. Serve different cheese & cracker trays, along with dark chocolate for the red wine lovers!

7. For a shower, ask each guest (or maybe just each bridesmaid) to bring a their favorite bottle of wine to start the couples’ wine collection.

8. Personalize wine labels, wine tags and wine-tasting mats for FREE at www.myweddingmywine.com! This would be such a cute gift idea, to give to the couple with their very own names on a bottle of wine to enjoy!

9. Always make sure to have plenty of wine glasses available for guests to use, perhaps decorate them by dropping a flower or petal in each.

10. Set the music to some good old Italian tunes, and enjoy! Maybe a little Frank Sinatra? Hmm?

The Stylish Wishing Well!

Whitney over at Zinke Design emailed me about their new take on the traditional guest book.  I’ve seen many different guest book ideas in the past, but this idea really adds a new twist and style to tradition. 

I introduce you to the Wishing Well!

Covered in stunningly beautiful fabrics, with a photo opening for personalization, this box holds 150 4×6 notecards and a pen for guests to wish the couple well and congratulate them all night long!  It also comes with a magnetic closure so you won’t have to worry about it dropping!

Not only would this be the perfect idea for weddings, but it would also work great for bridal showers, bachelorette parties, baby showers and graduations! 

For only $40.00, you can choose from 4 different beautiful designs.

New.  Stylish.  Fabulous.  Get yours at Zinke Design, and while you’re at it, check out their blog filled with tons of other inspiration HERE!  Thanks for sharing, Whitney!

I honestly never used to watch American Idol…until my wonderful mom suckered me into it, and now I can’t stop watching it this season! 

 Syesha Mercado sure did rock it last night, and I’m SO happy she stayed tonight…she deserves it!  This girl’s got soul, she’s got class, and she truly has such a beautiful voice.  I think all the American Idol contestants are great, but I have to admit, she’s one of my favorites!  What are your thoughts?

If you missed it, check her out from last night’s American Idol. 

To read more about Syesha Mercado and the other contestants, go to www.americanidol.com!

Are you a Syesha Mercado fan?  Check out her fan site: Syesha’s Faneshas!

I Got Tagged - Again - Twice!

Terrica over at Fabuluxe asked me to name the top 5 songs which I’m embarrassed to let people know I secretly love.  Ready?  No laughing, because SOON it’s YOUR turn!

1. “I’m A Barbie Girl” by Aqua

2.  Any song by Britney Spears (it’s ok, Terrica, I’m a fan too…lol)

3.  We Are Man And Wife by Michelle Featherstone

4.  Vampire by Antsy Pants

5.  Doin’ It Well by L.L. Cool J

6. Set A Drift On Memory Bliss by PM DAWN

Next, the lovely Meredith over at Countdown To Wedded Bliss asked me to name 6 unimportant things about myself.   So here we go!

1.  I can type very fast, and my husband loves the sound of my typing away.  He finds it relaxing in some strange, weird way.

2.  I went to school to be a court reporter.  I said I can type very fast, but not “380 wpm in shorthand” fast!  Heck, oh well, I tried.  Ok maybe I didn’t try hard enough, but I was only 19!  It’s all good.

3.  I smoke disgusting cigarettes.  Don’t ask me why, it’s this stupid thing called an addiction.  I do really want to quit soon though, I’m sick of it.  But I still love it.  Tell me how that works?

4.  I’m horrible at remembering to buy stamps.  Please forgive me.

5.  When I (very rarely) go to McDonald’s, I enjoy ordering the Kid’s Meal for myself! :)  My cat gets the toy.

6.  I’ve been collecting wine corks and bottles for a few years now.  I don’t know why.  I figure eventually I’ll find a use for them…but for now they just clutter up my closets!  I can’t get rid of them though.  I’m weird.

Since I think this is a fun way to share new or favorite bloggers with everyone, I’m tagging:

1.   Wedding Chicks, That Bride, Tastefully Entertaining, Paper & Cloth and  LotusHaus.

It’s Life.  Sometimes It Just Gets In The Way!

A fellow blogger, Kal Barteski (from I Love Life), explained my feelings perfectly when she said, “It seems that just when we get a delicious little routine we love - there are all kinds of things to mess with it “. 

While we love life, and accept it as gracefully as we can as it sometimes comes crashing in on us, I couldn’t agree with her more.  To read more of her post, go HERE.  But don’t forget to check out the rest of her amazingly creative mind and artistic talent by reading her very sweet BLOG!

So that’s what it is.  It’s life.  Lately life has been so hectic.  A happy hectic though.  A good life.  Just a hectic, happy and good life!  Lots of things on my mind, and plenty of creative ideas to share with you, along with some things I’ve made.  As for now, check out Kal’s creative, life-inspiring blog.  She’s a wonderful artist!  Have a lovely day!

(I) Love Life.  Get Inspired.

With my good friend’s wedding coming up, we’ve been thinking a lot about what kind of cake to serve.  I love cake.  Cake makes me happy.  I love everything about cake (well, except for the calories & fat of course!).  But even more, I love Portillo’s Chocolate Eclair Cake! 

If you’re from Chicago you know about Portillo’s, it’s a classic here!  And it’s soooo good!  While I’m of course a huge fan of their hot dogs and everything else on their menu, my favorite is their Chocolate Eclair Cake.  It’s simply heavenly.  No, for real!

 This awesome cake has four layers of graham crackers with éclair filling layered in between, topped with a chocolate frosting.  It serves 10-12 people for only $19.99!  Since Portillo’s offers catering, I was thinking what a great idea this would be to serve at any bridal shower or party!

Portillo’s also offers other yummy desserts, such as their Famous Chocolate Cake (a favorite of mine), New York Style Cheesecake, Tiramisu, Strawberry Short Cake (another favorite of mine), and many more!  To order the perfect dessert for your upcoming party, click HERE or go to: www.portillos.com!

I LOVE www.cocomyles.com!

Tired of trying to find the perfect combination of dresses to make all your bridesmaids happy?  Let’s face it, as women, we come in all different shapes and sizes.  And sometimes, trying to find dresses can be a task that’s both frustrating and tiring for both you and your girls! 

How many times have you stood up in a wedding where you wish the bride would have chosen a dress that looked good on everyone, instead of the one that just looked “so cute” on little Miss Size Zero? 

No offense Miss Size Zero…we’ve been there with you too.  Yes, I’m sure many of us were once close to a size zero at one point, however we’re not 19 anymore.  Gone are the days of dancing off calories until dawn every night, and running your butt off serving tables. 

We’re growing up, and many of us are growing curves.  Our womanly curves need to scream “SEXY!”, not “HELP ME, I NEED TO BREATHE!”. 

Do not fear, Coco Myles is here!  Coco Myles offers not only offers an amazing collection of celebrity-inspired dresses you can choose from, but also a collection of different tops and bottoms, a maternity collection, and also the perfect dress for your junior maids! 

Let your girls look like a million bucks, for only a few bucks.  All of their dresses are really quite affordable compared to the majority of dresses out there in stores.  But the best part?  Your bridesmaids can have their dresses CUSTOM MADE to fit not only their taste, but their bodies too.  Let them choose from different styles, colors and fabrics, with or without a sash.  Get them glam!

I just recently received my dress from Coco Myles which I absolutely love…I tried it on, it fits perfectly, and it’s so very flattering!  The quality and feel of the fabric is amazing.  I couldn’t be happier! 

Normally that is not how I feel after picking up a dress.  More than half the time, I end up having to get the dress altered.  It’s not only frustrating, but can get expensive too!  It gets stressful.  I’m happy to say I don’t have to do that with my Coco Myles dress.  It was a great deal when I got it, and an even better deal now that I don’t have to get it altered!

Guarantee your girls comfort, style and your photographer great looking pictures!  And when your girls save tons of money by purchasing a Coco Myles dress, who knows - maybe they’ll splurge on you!

Get those dresses ordered now at: www.cocomyles.com!

(Did I mention Coco Myles is great for every formal event?  Attending a wedding as a guest?  No problem.  Prom?  Piece of cake.  Hey, you could even turn any of their dresses into your wedding dress!  Gotta love the possibilities!)

Where In The World Is Waldo Jaime?

Hello darlings!  I know I’ve been slacking on posts lately (oops), but do not fear, I’m still here!  I’ve just been a super busy little bee as the wedding season is in full swing! 

I can’t wait to show you what I’ve been working on, but it’ll have to wait until my friend’s shower is over as I can’t have her peeking!  Here’s a clue:

A stamp I picked up at Michael’s craft store on clearance for only $1.00!  Can you guess what I’m going to use it for?  Keep checking back to find out!  And of course, have a lovely day!

I recently ordered a cashmere & silk pashmina wrap from The Pashmina Store for my friend’s wedding coming up, and had to share with you how excited I was when I received it!  I loved everything about it…the quality, the feel, the detailing and the comfort.  It was so very soft and luxurious feeling!

I wear it all the time, and I get so many compliments on it!  I can’t wait to wear it to my friend’s wedding.  It’s great for covering up on a cool night wrapped around your arms, and works well wrapped around your neck as a scarf for casual wear.  There are so many ways to wear a pashmina wrap!  They can even be used as throws! 

From shawls, wraps, scarves, blankets and more, you’ll surely find something you love at The Pashmina Store.  They come in several different colors, using pashmina cashmere and silk.  Perfect for weddings or other special occasions, and also great for comfy cozy casual wear too.  They make wonderful gifts, especially for bridesmaids! 

Featured in several magazines including Good Housekeeping, Southern Bride, InStyle and Marie Claire, you know they’re a trustworthy company.  And I couldn’t agree more!

 So check it out www.thepashminastore.com.

Get stylish, get comfy cozy, and get compliments galore at The Pashmina Store!

Today My Husband and I Are Celebrating Our 5th Wedding Anniversary!

(Yes, this post is a mushy one!)

I remain the luckiest girl in this world.  Today my husband and I are celebrating 5 wonderful married years together…though we’ve actually been together for 10 years total! 

Thinking back, I don’t think I would have changed a thing about our wedding.  We had a black and white wedding.  I carried a bouquet of black magic roses, wore a dress by Mon Cheri, and my bridesmaids carried bouquets of white calla lillies and wore long black strapless dresses by Dessy.  The guys wore black and white tuxes with calla bouts.  Best of all, I married my husband…who before we met, I never thought such a wonderful man even exhisted.

We married in the Catholic Church, in front of all our friends and family.  Afterwards, we celebrated over dinner, drinks and dancing during the reception.  Oh, and we can’t forget the cake.  Yum.

The night flew by too quickly (I highly suggest having your pictures taken before the ceremony, so you can spend more time celebrating than posing for the camera), and then my husband and I were off to stay at The Ritz Carlton in Chicago for four nights for our honeymoon.  We stayed in the Anniversary Suite, which we hope to eventually visit again someday.  

For now, we celebrate our anniversary every year, and our love every day!  We look forward to many more happy years together.  Marriage rocks.  If you both believe in it, stick to it, and marry for the right reasons, marriage can be the most wonderful thing you’ll ever experience! 

I’m still madly in love with my husband, and realize I’m truly Blessed.  I am one lucky girl.  Even though he claims he’s the lucky one…ha ha.  Whatever, we’re both lucky to have found eachother.  I married my best friend! 

If you’ve actually decided to read this entire mushy post, here’s something to entertain you.  The “traditional 5th wedding anniversary gift” is wood.  Riiiiight….

Sugar Inc. Kicks Off The Wedding Season With IDoSugar!

I’m so thrilled to bring you this exciting news!  If you haven’t visited any of the sites by Sugar Inc. yet, you’re missing out!  But it gets better, because now they even have a site for all things wedding! 

If you’re planning your wedding, make sure to check out the brand new  “IDoSugar” which just launched this week to kick of the wedding season!

So your invitation comes back from the printer, now what?  Is there a special order they should go in when assembling them?  Turns out, there is.  Some printers will include a mock-up for you.  But in case yours didn’t, here’s my instruction sheet.  You can download it in pdf format here.

1. Address outer (mailing) envelopes with the guest names and full address.
2. Address inner envelopes (if any) with guest names only.
3. Lay invitation face up.
4. Place tissue over the writing.  Using tissue is optional.  Tissue was originally used to keep ink from smudging.  No longer a concern today, it is completely up to the couple if they want to adhere to the tradition.
5. Layer enclosures (if any) large to small and face up, on top of tissue (the largest enclosure would be closest to the invitation).
6. Put a stamp on the response envelope.
7. Tuck response card, face up, under the flap of the response envelope (the flap will cover part of the writing).  Place on top of the enclosures (or tissue) with the response card face up.
8. If using an inner envelope: slip the resulting stack inside the inner envelope.  The back of the invitation should rest on the inside of the flap as you insert the stack.  Folded edge first (or left edge first if invitations are not folded).  Fold the flap, but do not seal the inner envelope.  OR If you are not using an inner envelope: slip the resulting stack inside the outer envelope.  The back of the invitation should rest on the inside of the flap as you insert the stack.  Folded edge first (or left edge first if invitations are not folded).  Seal, stamp and mail!
9. Place inner envelope inside the outer (mailing) envelope with the names on the inner envelope facing up.  When the outer envelope is opened, guests will see their names.  Seal, stamp and mail!

TIPS:

• Keep in mind, the actual assembly of your invitations may vary depending upon how traditional they are.  Overall, your guests should see their names on the inner envelope as the mailing envelope is opened, and should read the response card when the inner envelope is opened.
• Take one invitation to the post office and have it metered!  Fully assembled invitations are heavier than a standard letter and odd shapes (ie: square) may require extra postage.