As we all know, I am flipping obsessed with Etsy.com! I’ve bought hand-dyed scarves from India, the handmade bag Kristen Stewart carries in Twilight... yes... the same one... yes... I’m a loser. It is a world of possibilities. You can buy everything from jewelry to cupcakes! For serious, CUPCAKES and apparently they were really tasty, I just had to watch everyone else eat them... stupid vegan. So I thought I would show you all of the ways Etsy can help your wedding day rock.

Attire: I think this is the most obvious, you can find everything from veils, to jewels, to your wedding dress! There are some ah-mazing gowns on Etsy. Claire La Faye is genius!!! Stunning gowns at decent, not cheap, prices. You can send any pair of shoes to SVAjewelry and she will fully bedazzle them with Savoroski crystals, for 250 dollars, which even as steep as it is, is actually reasonable. Don’t even get me started on veils! They are everywhere! Fingertip, cathedral, lace, fine edge, birdcage, bedazzled, white, ivory, red... do. not. use. a. red. veil. I will never speak to you again. You get the picture. For birdcage, I love FascinationCreations and BrendasBridalVeils. Salchar makes the most beautiful lace trimmed veils. And Myrakim has the most adorable hair accessories with a little quirky twist.

Bridesmaids/Groomsmen's Gifts: There is no end to the fun stuff that you can find. Why just get your guys a flask, when you can get them a hilarious hollowed out book hiding said flask. Seller PommeFrites sell one for only 40 dollars. If you find bird jewelry as fabulous as me and so many of etsy’s jewelry designers. Find the most appropriate necklace for each girl... the same, but different is my favorite... I HATE matchy-matchy. Ick. How about a really cool framed photo that means something to you both. You can find beautiful photos for less than 25 bucks, some times as little as 10. I am loving SweetEventTide’s photos. they are brilliant. Afiori also has stunning photos. So, okay, do we see how easy it is to find awesome wedding party gifts!? Good, moving on.

Wedding Decor: Lanterns, handmade vases, cupcakes, invitations!!! Oh dear sweet baby Jesus!!!! I have so much stuff to show you that you could use. OrangeKiss will make you pompoms in a ton of colors to hang from trees/ceiling. I absolutely love MommyHolly’s butterfly confetti made of old dictionary pages. That would rock sprinkled on tables, amidst flowers or candles. Speaking of candles, need cute votive holders? Well, PoppySeedStation makes the cutest votive holders which they will adorn with your initials, the date, phrases...the best part, they are only a dollar a holder. Genius! I am freaking in love with the vase by DulcieNotDarcie and for only 22 bucks you can’t beat them!!!! And ohmylordy cupcakes, cupcake toppers everywhere! My favorites are SugarRobot, TeaLovesCake, and the IttyBittyCakeShop!

Disclaimer: Okay, you should know that anyone can sell on Etsy, so along with the genius stuff... well, let’s be nice, there’s a bunch of crap too! So beware junk. And if you find something you love look for feed back from previous customers or email the seller and have them send testimonials or additional photos. Seller’s want to sell their stuff they are more than willing to work with you.

So that’s just a little tiny bit of what Etsy has to offer! It’s a brilliant site and you won’t regret purchasing from it. Corporate America gets enough of our money on a daily basis, help out the little guy and in the process get truly ah-mazing and unique products!!!

Until we meet again, stay bridal and use your computer the way God intended... buying pretty things.

Lauren

In the world of working professionals and busy lives, it is no wonder we spend a large portion of our time on our PC’s and more importantly, our phones. With that in mind, we have put together a list of some of the most useful Wedding Planning Applications you can download. Some are free and some cost only a few dollars! Check them out and make your planning process organized and easier!

 

  Twitter: (free) There are a few different options available for your twittering convenience. PocketTweets and Twitterrific. If you haven't been introduced to the twittering world. there is no time opportunity like the present to acclimate yourself. Have friends and families sign up for their own twitter accounts and follow you for real time updates, posted pictures, and announcements from you and your fiancé. They can replay to your posts, comment, or ask pertinent questions regarding your wedding plans! Or search the Twitter world for information and advice using the “#” symbol. For instance if you want to learn more about Savannah, GA weddings you would write @SavannahWeddings and any tweets containing information would come up! Confused? That is ok..here is a great article explain what I am talking about! http://tweeternet.com/

 

iWedding Deluxe: (Just Released! $7.99) plan every little detail about your wedding with iWedding. Track  your  RSVPs with guest lists, meal choices, seating arrangements and contact information. Let the budget analysis keep you on budget. Integrate your contacts with your address book. Keep a record of all payments, total costs, and information for all of your vendors. They even have pre-installed to-do lists that you can customize or delete if you don't need them.

 

My Wedding: (3.99) This app is a great organization tool to manage every aspect of your wedding event to make sure nothing gets neglected. My Wedding has all of the ever so important tracking of vendors, budget, guests lists and the new “Ask Me” feature where you can ask a question and it acts like a Magic 8 Ball. However, you cannot import your contacts into the guest list portion of this application with this application but they are working on it!  (Also available for Blackberry)

 

Organizer: (free) There are a great many versions of this type of app to pick from. The task management tool for iPhone enables you to stay on track with appointments and “To Do" lists to help you become more organized. You can set your phone to notify you when an item is due for payment, an appointment time, or an every so important decision needs to be made.  

 

Wedding List: (2.99) The Wedding List makes it easy for you to manage your guest list like a pro. You can upload your whole list and then track who has RSVP’d, who has yet to RSVP and who is coming for a portion of the day and their meal choices to boot!

 

 

Wedding Wire: (free) This is one of the best I have seen yet! Not only will this allow you to research, get contact information, and pick actual vendors in the area you want to get married in, it allows you to create your “To Do” lists, budget watch, and sync to your planning platform site. If you haven't checked out Wedding Wire it is the where to guide for the best vendors and the reviews for each!

 

TheWedLink: The app allows bridal couples to announce their engagement on their own website, plan their wedding through a comprehensive to-do list, and discover local wedding planners and other vendors to hire.

 

Bride Guide: (4.99) if you only need one app that can handle it all, this is the one. Tons of features including a countdown timer, to-do lists, budget calculator, and tons of informative articles that will take you from I will to I do.

 

Gotta Etsy :(.99)You are going to love this app!  Etsy is the on-line source for all things handmade – and there are a ton of different wedding related items from custom letterpress invitations and save the date cards, to ring pillows, table numbers, favors, cute packaging, veils, and much more.  If you cant find what you are looking for..post a alchemy request and spell out exactly what you want or are looking for and watch the proposals and quotes flow in!

 

Nike Training Club: (free) Train like an athlete with the NikeWomen Training Club. Create a personalized training program you can access anytime. Customize your workouts, invite your friends, and watch training videos. This exercise app focuses on the five areas of athleticism: cardio, core, strength, balance, and flexibility.

 

WeatherBug: (free) This app does more than the standard weather application that comes on your iPhone: like vide0 forecasts, radar maps, current humidity, and much more.  (Also available for Blackberry)

 

Wedding Anniversaries: (free) – this app will help you for years after your wedding! Wedding Anniversaries tells you what the perfect gift are for your 1, 5, 10 and 20+ year anniversary.

 

 Sunrise Sunset: (.99) Want to know the best time for pictures? Maybe you want your ceremony to happen while the sun is setting? Or you just want to know when the sunrise and sunset times are…well this easy to use application will display the sunrise, sunset, dawn, solar noon, and dusk using your built in GPS for the location where you are currently or enter your own custom location.

 

Yoga Trainer lite: (free) – This is the free version – but there is also a paid version – Learn Yoga at your own pace. From beginner to advanced levels. Customize the sequences, video guides, voice and step by step pose instructions.

 

Amazon Mobile: (free) As everyone knows, Amazon  is the most comprehensive on-line shopping site on the internet. Create a wish list and share it with friends and family. Use it just like a bridal registry. Guests can even order gifts right from your wish list, and send them to you with a gift card.

 

iBridal Gown: (3.99) Designed by a bridal salon owner, this app will help you in your search for the perfect wedding gown. This app will also help you understand all the jargon bridal salons use such as “Mermaid” and “Empire Waist” style dresses. As you visit bridal salons you enter info about the different dresses you love. Your favorite dresses are stored in an easy to use list, where you can view details, pictures, and even directions back to the store with your perfect dress.

 

TheKnot wedding 911: (free) This app was designed by the editors at the Knot magazine and the Knot.com and serves as the go to place to get instant answers from other brides-to-be or wedding experts.  Post pictures, questions or give advice yourself!

 

Google: (free and usually comes on your phone) All you want to know and more for your searching needs! Google has a great many features for your wedding planning needs. Search images, create a calendar and "to do” list, group contacts, email with gmail, or simple Google what you want to know!  This site will do just about anything you need! (Also available on Blackberry)   

Flickr: (free) Search photos and videos on Flickr for just about anything! Want to find pictures of purple and green bouquets? Simply search for just that! Thousands of users upload their photos and geo-tag them so users can find what you want to see! You too, can create an account, take, tag, upload and share your photos as well!  (Also available on Blackberry)

TheBible: (9.99) – There are tons of different Bible apps for the iPhone. –Don’t know what to have read for your scripture readings…well, this app is easy to search, navigate, and add comments to your favorite passages. 

 

 

iTunes: (free-comes on your iPhone) – download songs, and create playlists of your favorite wedding songs. Of course this is no substitution for a professional DJ or a live band, but it does provide some great music for getting ready, or so you can share ideas with your DJ.

 

Maps: (free-comes on your iPhone) – There are some powerful features to the built in map program – When you are visiting a venue, use the drop a pin feature to note the location then add it to your contacts. You can get directions from your hotel to the venue, and reception and send them to friends so they don’t get lost, too. You can even check traffic patterns so you don’t get stuck. My favorite and the most progressive and accurate is GOOGLE Maps. (Also available on Blackberry)

 

Contacts: (free-comes on your iPhone) Stay organized with all your vendors. Names, addresses (and links to maps) websites, and notes are all just a few taps away. Create groups to take it to the next level. (Also available on Blackberry)

 

Banking Apps: (free) Most all large banks have mobile applications (Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, USAA, and even Paypal) will help you keep track of your finances and stay on budget. Check your balances to make sure you have the funds in your account and check when checks/deposits have cleared. (Also available for Blackberry)

If you love to shop online or just don't have time to face the crowds and lines, then you need to check out EBATES. You are going to LOVE THIS! It is free to sign up and costs NOTHING but each time you make a purchase from one of the 1200+ stores listed on their site, you get money back! (up to 25% back on some stores!)  I have received about $300 dollars back in the last two years from my shop online ventures. From big names like Macys, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, Saks Fifth Ave,  Sears, DSW, Walmart, Best Buy, Gap, Ebay, Nordstrom's, Banana Republic to MANY more food, travel and gift stores,  you are sure to complete your wedding present or holiday shopping in a breeze. You can add your list of favorite stores to notify you when they are doing double cash back rewards and hot new coupons to make sure you don't miss the best deal!

To sign up simply click here and follow the instructions and start shopping! You will get a check in the mail every 4 months! NO STRINGS ATTACHED! Plus, if you refer your friends and family, you get rewarded with money for that too! Check it out…I am sure you will find this a worth the 3 minutes of your time and will reward you for something you do and will do the rest of your life!

And…I am sure your guests would like to know about this little diddy! Post it onto your wedding website and refer them! No reason you shouldn't get  the money for that and save them some at the same time!

Happy Shopping!

While reading my Instyle Magazine this month, I came upon a great article (well more like 10 pages of amazing sites/blogs to check out) and the site I am about to tell you about was one that caught my eye. The site is Social Couture and you need to check it out! The site is meant for dinner party entertaining..but there is no reason we cannot enlarge the concept to accommodate your wedding reception or a bridal shower to boot! Everything you see is for sale on their site and the ideas they give you are just the beginning. Not to mention that you can save 20% off anything by using promo code: instyle.

This is one of my favorite finds! My very own wedding photographer showed me this little ditty! I use it for all of my photo needs to this day and I guarantee you will too!

So…if you are on a limited budget when it comes to photo prints of any kind….my advice…go to MPIX , upload your photos, share and order! They are amazing quality!  Your guests, family and friends can all see your pictures and order what they would like as well! It is kind of like online hosting.

Now, I know some of you will say,"What about Snapfish, etc?” Well I have ordered prints from Snapfish and a few of the other online photo websites and while they are OK if the option is CVS or Snapfish, the quality isn't the greatest and for your wedding photos, you want as close to the photographers quality as possible. I haven’t found another site that has as competitive pricing as MPIX does along with the quality. If you know of another..I would love to add another to my mix!

They also have some other great options for sale: coffee table book, stretch canvas, greeting cards, and even for the ambitious, statuettes! HAHA. See below for just some of their work!

Please Note: These albums are not going to be anything near the quality that your photographer can get you, but they are great gift options for loved ones!

Holiday cards as the new Mr. and Mrs?

How fun would these be for new address announcements with your picture?

I just thought I would throw this in there….don’t lie…at one point in time you have done this!

You’ll thank me later!

Bridal magazines are great if you are looking at the many styles of wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and sometimes some good advice, but they aren't where you want to get your inspiration from! After all, imagine how many other brides are looking at the same ideas you are looking through? Unique? I think not!

I have nothing against magazines such as Bride, The Knot and Modern Bride, but if you want real inspiration for your wedding decor that is truly fashion forward and unique m then look in the style, design and home decorating magazines. Seriously…..I know what you are thinking…”Morgan, how does a fashion or home decor magazine help me come up with a design for my wedding?” Well let me help you understand!

Style and Home Decor magazines offer the most up-in-coming trends, color combinations, and prints that set the average apart from the amazing. Here is a perfect example of how the inspiration from a magazine could translate to your wedding! 

From a home decor magazine

that can translate to your wedding design…

The best part is, they cost a fraction of the price of the wedding magazines and you have a use for them after your wedding! Bridal magazines usually get recycled quickly after you use them. Where as these magazines could you newlyweds spruce up your new digs!

Want to know some of my favorites? 

I know, I know…you love it! Just don't go over board and create a Barnes & Noble magazine section in your home. Trust me…your hubby to be might have some discourse over having enough fire power to keep a bon fire going! Being creative can be hard when you are looking at the same magazines the million other brides are looking!

Find inspiration in all things non-wedding! It is the only way to ensure your wedding will stand out and be as unique as you are.

So I have hair that is reminiscent of a rabid poodle so hair products are very important in my life. All of the products I have listed are amazing and must haves for everyone! Now, I have been touchy about trying products right before your big day, but generally not much harm could be done trying these...still...be on the safe side...try it ahead of time.

Hair:

Best Shampoo & Conditioner: L’Oreal Everpure Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner is the bomb diggity. I love this stuff, plus it’s cheap!!!!! Not only does my hair feel soft and smooth it smells out of this world!!!! Rosemary, Juniper, and Mint, yummo! And on top of that, it is exactly what it says...pure. No sulfates, 100% Vegan and it’s still an awesome product. I swear, I prefer this to any super expensive, fancy shampoo/conditioner I have ever tried. On top of all of this it is color safe because let’s face it nobody has the hair color they were born with...

Best HairSpray: Pantane Pro-V Ultimate Texture Hair spray has done me just fine...I have used this bargain buy for as long as I can remember. I use it on stage to hold my hair through a performance under some crazy hot lights or whenever I need just a little bit of hold. It never makes my hair look stiff, but simply keeps things put and it helps me deal with horrid Southern humidity.

Best Curly Haired Products: Prive Curl Activating Creme is the bees knees! My rockstar of a sister-in-law introduced me to this stuff and get out! My curls have never looked better...I really do nothing, pump this into your hand comb it through your damp hair and bam. It is really that easy. I have used tons of products to try and tame my curls, this is the best.

Best Anti-Frizz Product: Bumble Defrizz is such a classic product and when you have the frizzy Italian monstrosity that is my hair defrizz isn’t so much a must have, but rather an necessity. I can’t go anywhere without this stuff. Now the reason this wins out over cheaper options is the grease factor, like any defrizz you only need a little dab, but this product never weighs your hair down and you never look like a grease monkey, just perfectly put together.

Best Styling Tool, Straight: Original Chi Flat Iron is as far as I can tell the most user friendly flat iron out there. Really what you are looking for is heat and the Chi has that. The slim ceramic plates heat and cool quickly, and they get hot...really, really hot. When I use the Chi my hair never looks fried or dry, always sleek and shiny. A few user tips, always have some type of product in your hair before you straighten, I like Redken Straight, then start from the underneath using small sections of hair. Sure it takes longer, but the result is much smoother and even.

Best Styling Tool, Curling Iron: Revlon Perfect Heat 3/4” curling iron is my sexy hair friend. When I am aching for Kate Hudson curls I go to this thing. It rocks! I bought it at Target for 15 bucks and I have definitely gotten my monies worth. I wrap one inch sections around the curling iron starting at nose level. I think that this would help you make the perfect beach wedding hair.

Stay Bridal and Beautiful.

Lauren

For all your customizing needs, My Own Labels offers you so many different options to choose from. If you don't see something they have a template for already, they would be more than happy to custom create exactly what you need. Here are just some examples of what they can be used for.

 

   What more? They even give you ideas and recipes for the DIY bride that wants to get creative. From baking, beer, drinks, canning to favors and their fun packaging ideas.Here is just one of MANY examples….You can see many more ideas here.

Pesto

• 1-1/2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 6 cloves fresh garlic
• 3/4 cup total, blend of olive oil and water to your taste
• 3 Tbsp pine nuts
• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese

In a blender, put basil, garlic, oil, water and pine nuts. Blend until garlic is chopped very fine. Pour mixture into mixing bowl and stir in Parmesan cheese. To serve: toss pesto and freshly cooked hot pasta together, add more pesto to your taste. Serve as a side dish, or top with sautéed prawns or grilled Italian sausage for a main dish.

Package pesto in glass jars. Kerr canning jars can be found at most grocery stores, or specialty jars can be ordered online at Specialtybottle.com.

 

Don’t for get the details…and trust me….these are details you don’t want to overlook!