Just wanted to share a few items I found around the web this week. Sigh… so lovely…
This may be the most flattering dress on earth! And doesn’t it look comfy?
Great prints, great colors— love these pillows!
I’m all about earthy, modern design. If only I had $400 to blow on this coffee table from CB2.
This summery tunic is begging to be paired with a big floppy hat and a poolside lounge chair!
What do you think of these items, ladies? And what’s on your current wishlist?
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Today I am answering a question sent in from a reader, just like you! Briana writes…
I need great wedding gift ideas for a gal on a budget. Help!
photo courtesy of lauren nelson
I’m guessing that with wedding season in full swing, this is probably a very common problem— how do you give an awesome wedding gift when you can’t afford to spend much? Fortunately, it’s totally possible! Here are some ideas:
1) Personalize their registry. Most couples register for items when they get engaged, and if they followed registry etiquette, they should have added inexpensive items to their list along with expensive ones. If you want to keep the pocketbook happy, buy them those measuring cups they asked for, then type up your favorite recipe and tie it to the gift. You know they’ll love what you bought (since they picked it out themselves!), but you will have added a personal touch that will make the inexpensive gift feel more substantial.
photo courtesy of Muffet
2) Get a little crafty. I read an article written by a former bride who claimed that the very best gift she received from her wedding was a set of thank you cards! Hopefully the wedding invitation will give hints to the colors, so you can buy a pack (or two) of blank cards to match. Add ribbons to accent , or simply type or write “Thank You” on the front of each card. The couple will be so happy to have one less thing to think about!
3) Don’t go it alone! Do you know other people who will be attending the reception? If so, don’t hesitate to purchase a medium-sized item off of the registry and split the cost. I’ve received plenty of co-gifts over the years, and I’ve never once resented the gift-giver! Just make sure you don’t go too small— they are paying for you to be there, after all.
photo courtesy of MarcinMoga
4) Think ahead. If you still have a few weeks until the wedding, I would totally recommend getting the bride one of these awesome monogrammed totes from L.L. Bean. Put her new married initials on there, and I guarantee you that she’ll love having a big bag to throw her wedding-day necessities in. Make sure it gets to her ahead of time, though, so she can really put it to good use!
Hope this helps!
What do you think of these budget gift ideas? Have you ever given one of them to someone for a wedding or bridal shower? Do you have any other great budget wedding gift ideas to share? Help Briana out by spilling them in the comments below!
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Happy Monday, all! And a happy belated Father’s Day to all of the awesome papas out there (especially mine!) I was browsing the internet last night and discovered that the super awesome clothing site, Mod Cloth, has totally expanded their site! They now offer tons of cool home decorating pieces along with their vintage-inspired dresses and accessories.
Check out some of their cute stuff:
This bird hook is so sweet and girly and wonderful!
I don’t know about you, but I would much rather hang a cardboard deer head on my wall than a real one.
I am pretty sure I NEED this vase for my desk once we move into our new place!
Ask Travis— I’m a sucker for all things dandelion. These tea towels certainly fit the bill.
And how romantic is this bird jewelry stand? Sigh…
What do you think of these pieces? Did you know that Mod Cloth is now furnishing your apartment?! Take a look at the site and tell me what your favorites are in the comments!
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Travis is getting a degree in Web Design on today, and he had a big portfolio show last night where he got to meet with industry professionals and show off his work. As a special treat, we designed and crafted an awesome giveaway to get people interested in his booth, and I’m dying to share it with you all!
Both Travis and I are big tea drinkers, and since Travis’ logo is black, white, and green, we thought it would be fun to give away mint tea bags with his logo and business card slipped in!
Check it out:
First, we used glue to attach mini-logos on the string tab.
Then, we glued strips of paper with his name on one side and his logo on the other to create bags to hold the tea.
We slipped his business card in the bag for an easy take-home treat!
This would be an awesome DIY favor at a wedding, baby shower, birthday party, etc… And after you get the hang of it, they’re pretty easy to do. (Just set aside plenty of time to ease any stress!)
What do you think of our homemade giveaways? Would you give out personalized tea bags as party or wedding favors? Ever made DIY favors or giveaways of your own? Discuss it in the comments!
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Today I am answering a question sent in from a reader, just like you! Sirleen writes:
I recently bought a tube of Revlon face “illuminator” and I don’t know the best places on my face to put it – all over? on my cheek bones? forehead?
photo courtesy of linh.ngân
I was so happy to see this question in my inbox because illuminators and highlighters are one of my very favorite makeup tools— mostly because there’s so many ways to use them! I use Benefit’s High Beam, but Revlon’s illuminator works in the same way.
For an all-over radiance, you can combine a few drops of the illuminator with your foundation before applying. Mix them together with a brush or on the tips of your fingers, and then apply the rest of your makeup as you would normally. This technique will probably be the least noticeable, but I guarantee you will still love the glowy look.
If you’re looking to highlight and sculpt your face, apply your highlighter in the following areas:
1) The top of the cheekbones— this will give you a more radiant look while visually slimming your face by emphasizing your cheekbones.
2) The brow bone— run a dab of illuminator under the arch of your eyebrow for eyes that really pop!
3) The bridge of your nose— this trick makes your face look glowy and the rest of your makeup more relaxed. It also has a slight slimming effect on your nose.
4) Your cupids bow— if you’re looking to accentuate your lips, this is a great (and unexpected!) place for a little highlighter.
5) Your collarbone— on days when your wearing a strappy (or strapless) shirt or dress, a little highlighter on the collarbone can go a long way!
Hope this helps, Sirleen! Let me know how it goes!
Do you wear illuminator or highlighter? What’s your favorite brand? Where do you apply it? Any places I didn’t mention? Discuss it in the comments!
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