Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Ring Care Tips

I remember how sparkly clean my engagement ring was when I first slipped it on my finger. Every year I go back to my jeweler and have them send my ring in to have it cleaned and buffed, just before my anniversary. I’m always taken aback at the difference that cleaning makes, and have become more aware of everyday care because of this.

I found a helpful article on Ring Envy today, about little things you can do to care for your ring between cleanings.  Not only does this article have do’s and don’ts, it also has helpful at home cleaning tips that can make your ring shine naturally!

Image courtesy of Tiffany & Co.

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Monday, May 18, 2009

Knots in lieu of ribbons


Learn how to tie a sailor’s knot to embellish your favors instead of using ribbon. This tutorial from Martha Stewart shows you how!

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Friday, May 15, 2009

Custom Cameo Silhouettes


There are times when I feel good about giving a newlywed couple pots and pans or some fun kitchen utensils. But there are also times when I want to break out of the box and give them something unique and artsy.

These custom cameo silhouette portraits would be perfect for an easy-going couple with natural or vintage décor.

I love how Jenny of jennyleefowler spiced things up by cutting out the silhouette from a piece of birch bark. Jenny has lots of experience cutting traditional freehand profiles from paper, bark, leaves and other materials. You can check out her etsy shop, flickr site, or blog for more inspiration!

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Thursday, May 14, 2009

DIY-ish invitations at 100 Layer Cake



I love the look of these DIY-ish invitations featured on May 12th over at 100 Layer Cake. The colors and patterns caught my eye first, and then I saw the lovely assortment of vintage stamps that were to adorn the front of the envelope. Everything is just perfect, and not only that, the supplies are widely available to regular DIY brides, not just designers! Check out the post for more information about the supplies and how they accomplished this fabulous look.

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Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Birthdays + Cupcakes, like peas in a pod


Today is my 23rd birthday, and what would a birthday be without cake? My husband and I will never finish a whole cake, so instead I think we’ll indulge in some sweet confections from our local gourmet cupcake shop.

Speaking of cupcakes, I ran across the wonderfully talented Cheryl Porro — software quality engineer by day and baker for hire by night. Cheryl operates a fun little blog called Cupcake Bakeshop, where she posts unique cupcake recipes along with tantalizing photos (caution: drooling may occur).

Not only do I love Cheryl’s photos, I love the ingredients and toppings she throws together. Let’s face it, she blows Martha out of the water in the cupcake department.

If I were in San Francisco today, I would definitely request a birthday treat from Cheryl, but until then, I’ll just flip through her pictures and recipes… dreaming.

{All photos courtesy of Cheryl Porro}

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Monkey Business


Even though this may not be wedding related, it's just too darn cute not to share! I created this monkey themed invitation for my mom, who was throwing a baby shower for her friend.


We decided on a flat 5 x 7 invitation featuring this adorable monkey illustration. We stuffed that, along with a custom map to the shower location, into a recycled brown envelope and sealed it with a monkey sticker (made by my amazing Xyron sticker machine).

I love doing projects like these, because they're simple and cutesy... And everyone needs a dose of cutesy once in awhile!

Enjoy!

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Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Lilly Queen Earrings


I don’t wear earrings very often, just out of forgetfulness, nothing more. But if I did want to dress up my ears a bit, I would definitely put on some of these lovely vintage style earrings by Lilly Queen.

Each set has something different going on, but they all share the same classy qualities. Nothing too gaudy or dangly, and the colors remain serene and natural.

Lilly Queen is having her spring clearance sale right now, so be sure to take a peek at the amazing prices as well!

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Monday, May 11, 2009

One Lovely Blog


A big thanks goes out to Aletha at Inspiring Fresh Ideas for passing along the One Lovely Blog Award last week! We're so happy to be a part of the wedding blogging community, and are approaching quickly on our 300th post (I smell a giveaway!). So thanks again, Aletha!

Here are the easy rules:

1. Accept the award.

2. Post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and the blog link.

3. Pass the award to five other blogs that you enjoy following.

4. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

 

Here are five blogs that I enjoy following:

1. April at April Foster Events

2. Le'Trice at LePenn | Designs

3. Amber at Daisy Chain

4. Jennifer at Earth Friendly Weddings

5. Kelley at My Island Wedding

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Branch Centerpieces


Right about now, in Michigan, the flowering trees are out in full force. Just driving 15 minutes around our little town, you can see and smell the wonderful varieties of flowering crabapple, magnolia, and cherry trees.

Sometimes I think these trees can be even more beautiful than vase full of flowers. The branches have character and accent the light blooms perfectly, which is why I thought they might make clever centerpieces! Trim a few nonchalant branches from some of your neighborhood trees for a harmless way to dress up your wedding décor.

Here’s a how-to straight from Apartment Therapy on a simple branch centerpiece.

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Friday, May 8, 2009

Upcycled flower pins


These hand-made flower pins from Linda & Harriett are not only beautiful, but eco-friendly too!  They’re part of a new, Redesigned Line, and are assembled using letterpress misprints.

Use these as they are or add some natural looking embellishments for a trendy corsage at your bridal shower. Check out more dazling paper products at the Linda & Harriett site!

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Pillow Boxes from Paper-Source




The pillow box is a pretty simple, and traditional design. But pair it with a bright chartreuse and polkadot pattern, and you'll have a super trendy addition to your wedding. I really like the way they styled the photo above, tying the box with a knot instead of a bow. It’s modern and not incredibly feminine!

I’d fill these little containers with vibrant pieces of candy, like these tasty treats from Mister Bulky.

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Thursday, May 7, 2009

Real Wedding from Whitebox Weddings


I love this real wedding featuring Kelly + Terrell, over at the whitebox wedding {photo blog}.

It’s real, fun, and and filled with color! The shoe shot originally attracted me to the blog, and once I was there I was completely amazed at the attention to detail. The wedding is filled with playful and coordinating details that all come together to compliment this casual outdoor venue. 

I love it, and wish I was this brave with color!

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Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Handmade for Mother's Day


Mother’s day is one of those holidays where a handmade gift will only do. But if you’re as busy as I am, you may not have time to start a DIY project for mom. Etsy to the rescue! Check out some of my favorite handmade items from the best place to buy & sell all things handmade.

Links: black pepper soappotato sack market bagporcelain mug, succulent baskettin picture frame, tiny mexican planterspapercut silhouettesweater broochrecipe box.

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Monday, May 4, 2009

Bella Rock Studio

Have you ever wanted to be a supermodel, or strut your stuff in a high fashion photo shoot? Bella Rock Studio can make it happen. They photograph some amazing weddings and engagements, all in that high fashion style. You’ll look like you jumped straight off the pages of Vogue. Lisa at Bella Rock Studio captures your glowing moments and sets up some pretty fun and fresh shots.

I love this series of images from Jamie & Carmen’s wedding on 12.5.08!

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Interview with Wed Michigan


Over the weekend I was so graciously featured over at Wed Michigan. Lindsey is one of many incredible people I've met through twitter, and it was so nice to be able to connect to someone familiar with the Michigan wedding industry. You absolutely must go check out her blog, it's packed full of helpful planning tips and inspiration!

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Friday, May 1, 2009

Winner: Microsoft Office 2008 Giveaway


Thanks to everyone who entered the Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac giveaway! Our random integer happened to be number 6… So, congratulations Spark Creative Photography!


Please email {MrsCronkright@gmail.com} with your mailing address and we’ll get your prize sent out.

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Claire Bean: Floral & Event Design


I’m really loving the style of floral & event designer Claire Bean right now. It’s probably because I’m a sucker for anything involving flowers, especially the picture perfect blooms featured in Claire’s work. I'm also on a big purple kick... must be the fresh spring air. Either way, these lovelies caught my eye today!

Take a peek at her site for endless ideas on bouquets, table tops and ceremonies.

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