bride & bridemaids — ring – cake – champagne glasses — heels — flowers

I love that the gold brings in an old-school romantic vibe, while the coral keeps things fresh and modern.  I think the key to wedding these days is not being too matchy, so when you choose your color scheme, don’t be afraid to bring in different shades to add dimension to the overall look.

What do you think of coral and gold as a wedding color palette?  What colors do you envision for your big day?  Do you like the idea of incorporating many shades of one color?  Share your opinion in the comments!

My glasses are from Lookmatic— an awesome company that sells all of their glasses for $88 or less, prescription included!  They even have a virtual mirror so you can “try on” many of the frames.  Next on my wish list: prescription sunglasses!  (Maybe these ones…)

What do you think of my new specs?  Are you a glasses-wearer?  Where do you get new pairs when you’re ready to change up your look?

{via}

Here are Nick’s top 6 tips for keeping your hair happy and healthy in chilly weather…

1. Get Rich Quick.  Not your wallet—your shampoo.  Pick up a moisture rich shampoo and conditioner for the winter months, preferably one with vitamins and oils.  Nick suggests L’Oreal Professionnel’s Serie Expert Liss Ultime shampoo and conditioner.  “It’s good to change up the product you use every few months so your hair doesn’t build up immunity to the ingredients,” Nick points out.  

2. Be Exotic. “One of the hottest new trends is incorporating Argan oil into your beauty routine,” reports Nick.  Argan oil contains fatty acids, Vitamin E and antioxidants that restore your hair’s natural luster without a greasy shine.   Nick recommends using the oil like a serum.  “Use about a dime sized amount and comb it evenly through damp hair,” says Nick. Or, look for a conditioning treatment that contains Argan oil like Shu Uemura’s Silk Bloom Restorative Treatment.

3. DIY.  If you want a more wallet friendly way to add some essential nutrients to your ‘do, try adding a nickel sized amount of honey or olive oil to your daily conditioner.  Nick’s tips to creating your own spa night at home are to soak a hand towel in hot water and let it steam with you in the shower.  Massage your strands with the conditioning olive oil treatment and let it rest.  Wring out the hot towel and wrap it tightly around your head and relax for 30 minutes. Invite some friends over and you’ve got yourself a spa night!

4. Go All the Way. While blow drying and using hot tools definitely dries up your hair, it is somewhat unavoidable during the cold months.  “If you’re going to blow dry, always use a thermal spray or serum that will protect your hair,” urges Nick.  Try L’Oreal Professionnel Serie Expert Absolut Repair Cellular Thermo Spray.   Moreover, Nick insists you go big or go home when blow drying. “Blow drying your hair half way will only create frizz and damage.  If you spend the extra 5 minutes using a round brush to blow your hair out to a smooth finish, it makes all the difference,” he says.

5. Avoid the Freeze. “Never go outside with wet hair,” says Penna.  Wet hair and even damp hair can easily freeze once temperatures drop into the 30s, and frozen strands mean split ends.  “If you have to run outside, be sure to work a quick squeeze of serum in your hair before tucking your hair beneath a hood or hat.”  Don’t be discouraged by hat hair—the serum will keep your hair smooth and moisturized, so you won’t have to worry about frizz or flatness.

6. Nourish from the Inside Out. Be sure to indulge in the season’s offerings—proteins, fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins and essential oils that help keep your hair healthy from the inside out.  “Believe it or not, eating balanced foods will improve your hair’s natural shine, bounce and body!  Many of winter’s seasonal goods, like dark leafy vegetables, beans and carrots provide the exact nutrients to promote shiny, silky hair.”

How do you take care of your hair in the Winter months?  Have you tried any of these tricks?  Do you notice a big change in your hair when the weather shifts?  Tell me about it in the comments!

So, let’s kick off the weekend right with some fun links from around the web…

DIY confetti table cloth…

I’d love this tote bag for Spring.

COOL bookshelves!!

I made this for breakfast this week and it was delish!

Simple, elegant dress.

I’d love to make a few of these for around the house…

Cute nail idea.

This recipe is next on my list…

Still in love with sliding barn doors.  (Remember this post?)

.

And a few {bb} posts you may have missed…

Blonde to brunette.

Floating rings and stacking rings.

How to wear a belt.

What are you up to this weekend, my sweets?  Going on any adventures of your own?  Cozying up at home?  Tell me what you’re up to in the comments!

Step 1: Choose 3 colors and paint your nails with the lightest of the three (in my case, white).

Step 2: Wait a couple hours to ensure that your nail is FULLY dry or else the tape will rough it up.  When the time comes, cut up a small piece of tape in any pattern you like— triangles, zig-zags, even little straight strips.  Press the tape firmly over the nail to make sure you seal the edges.

Step 3: Paint your nail with the other two colors you’ve chosen.  Make sure you overlap onto the tape to get a clean edge.

Step 4: Once the polish is completely dry, peel off the tape.  Add a shiny top coat and voila!

.

This look is a little tedious, but also super easy to achieve.  Mix up your colors and patterns for a unique look that’ll definitely impress.

What do you think of scotch tape nails?  Have you ever tried a method like this before?  Got any other nails looks you’d like me to showcase on the blog?  Email them to kim@blendingbeautiful.com!

{via}

In celebration of our first Valentine’s Day as a married couple, we sat down together last night and sifted through our full video.

Hiring a videographer wasn’t originally part of our budget and we weren’t that attached to having footage of our big day, but after last night I am SO glad we went for it!

Here are five reasons to hire a videographer for your wedding:

They will catch things your photographer missed. There were a few DIY wedding details that I put a lot of effort into that our photographer forgot to take photos of.  I was thrilled to see that our wedding video filled in all of those gaps!  With HD video, I’ll be able to take screen shots of those little details and include them in our wedding album as photos.

You will have footage of special people. My grandma passed away three weeks ago, and I’ve been really appreciating the fact that she was so involved in our wedding.  Watching footage of us hugging and dancing together made me so emotional, but it also made me feel really close to her.  I’m so grateful to know that I will always have this footage of my family to look back on, even when they’re no longer living.

You’ll get to see parts of your wedding that you weren’t there for. A couple weeks ago, I found myself wondering what our cocktail hour was like— what music was played?  How did the appetizers look?  Last night, I found out!  It was really neat to see how every piece of our day came together.

You get to re-live your ceremony. Our wedding ceremony was probably the best moment of my entire life.  We were both laughing and crying through the whole thing, and I’d never felt more loved by Travis than I did in that moment.  Getting to watch that back was so romantic, and I love the idea that we can listen to the vows that we made each other any time in the future.

Your kids will get to see. Travis and I decided to go ahead with a videographer after watching my parents’ wedding video.  Photos are one thing, but getting to see your parents in their mid-20’s, talking, dancing and laughing… it’s priceless.  I want our kids to have that same opportunity, and I look forward to sitting down with them one day and taking them through each moment.

Another BIG thanks to Dan Kendall for capturing every little moment of our big day!

Will you/did you hire a videographer for your wedding?  Do your parents have a wedding video?

It’s so fun to make cookies that look like they were decorated by an adult and not a first-grader :)

Here’s the sugar cookie recipe and the royal icing recipe.  (And I got my cookie cutters here.)

Sending you lots of love today!

xo

How are you celebrating Valentine’s Day?  Is anyone else making sweets?  Have you ever tried your hand at royal icing before?  Tell me about it in the comments!

With that said, here are my top 5 favorites from the night…

Adele’s look was safe and simple, but the retro vibe fit her body and her persona perfectly.

Carrie Underwood’s sparkly number was over-the-top glam.

Corinne Bailey Rae had a funky hairdo and a flouncy dress.  I loved the look and I think it would have been even better if she had chosen a bright color instead of play-it-safe black.

I’m not sure how I feel about Rihanna’s hair, but I’m all over her daring dress and gold accessories.

Kelly Osborne also sparkled in this pretty one-shoulder look.  And this is one of the few places where I can really get behind her lavendar locks.

(all photos via People)

What did you think of last night’s Grammy fashions?  Were you less than enthused or did you like what you saw?  Who do you think was best dressed?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

Let’s start off the weekend on a good foot with some fun links from around the web…

SERIOUSLY loving this manicure…

I’m hoping to have time for DIY valentine stationery.

Also, see-through valentines (via Offbeat Home).

Cute wedges!

These inside out carrot cake muffins look divine.

A hilarious tattoo!

Heart elbow patches.

I want to upholster an ottoman!!!

A wall of hearts.

Pretty, simple wedding invitations.

This ring makes me smile :)

H&M Kids is out-of-control cute!

Have a great weekend… See you back here on Monday!

What are you up to this weekend?  Anyone celebrating V-Day a little early?  Going out with a few friends?  Getting cozy at home?  Tell me what you’re up to in the comments!

In late November, my family had the pleasure of doing a photo session with Sarah Pope Photography.  We wanted to get some nice, relaxed pictures to celebrate Travis’ official entry into our family :)  Check ‘em out…

I think this one is my favorite…

I also asked Sarah to get some good photos of just my parents, and I love how they turned out.  After 25 years together, my mom and dad are so adorably in love and I really feel like that comes through here!

Sarah was so relaxed and sweet and fun!  She made it easy to pose for the camera and found a great balance between setting up shots and letting everything fall into place.  We love how the pics turned out— we’ll cherish these forever!

Check out Sarah Pope Photography to see all her work and to view the rest of our photo shoot.

Thanks, Sarah!

lala

Why does everyone enjoy bashing Valentine’s Day?!

{via}

Seriously, sweets, please help me understand!  I’ve seen tons of anti-V Day Facebook updates and blog posts floating around, from single and committed girls alike, and it’s making me sad!

I know that people like to call Valentine’s Day a “Hallmark Holiday” and I agree that you shouldn’t wait until February 14th to celebrate the love in your life (romantic or otherwise).  But what’s so bad about having a holiday that gives everyone an excuse to be a little extra lovey to their friends, family, and significant others?

My hope for you all is that you take time to acknowledge love all throughout the year and that the people in your life do the same.  So let’s re-frame the way we look at V-Day and take it as an excuse to get dressed up and go to dinner with someone special or stay home and play a board game by candle light.

If you’re single and feeling like February 14th is a day to be dreaded, put a little effort into making special Valentines for your girlfriends… I guarantee that it will make you feel good to put a smile on their faces!

What’s your view on Valentine’s Day?  Does anyone else see it the way I do or are you just not a fan of February 14th?  (All opinions are welcome!)

P.S… Inexpensive gifts for everyone on your V-Day list and What not to get your guy on Feb. 14th

Sometimes when I’m feeling down, painting my nails in a bubbly way can be a nice reminder that in life there is always room for silliness.  And bonus: having fun nails makes other people smile, too!  My 6 year old cousin was a pretty big fan of these babies. :)

To get the look yourself:

I used two coats of Sally Hansen’s “Commander in Chic” as the base color.  After it dried completely, I took Wet ‘n Wild’s “Dreamy Poppy” and painted the tip of a toothpick.  I used the toothpick to dot my nails and voila!

Have you ever rocked polka dot nails?  Do you paint your nails in fun ways to cheer yourself up when you’re feeling down?  Got any other little tricks for making yourself smile?  Share ‘em in the comments!

{pre-race photo}

Anyway, yesterday I ran my first-ever race— a 10k (6.2 miles) along the beautiful cliffs in Santa Cruz.  It was so clear and sunny I almost forgot that it was February!  I started training a few months ago, and my overall goal is to run a half marathon (13.1 miles) toward the end of April!

Yesterday’s race was super rewarding, and I was so happy to share the experience alongside my sweet Momma :)  She’s been a runner forever and has done countless races, but I was especially proud of her for running this one during such an emotional time.  Here are a few photos…

{excited to get my race number}

{action shot #1}

{action shot #2}

{we did it!}

We ended the morning by going out to breakfast and then moseyed home to watch the Super Bowl.  Not a bad Sunday.

How was your weekend?  What were you up to?  Anyone else having amazing weather??

Thanks for bearing with me this week while I got back into the swing of things.  I’m happy to be back in the blogosphere :)

Here are some neat links from around the web:

Gorgeous knitted stools!

5 health reasons to cuddle (as if I needed any…)

Tea rex.

Low-commitment projects in 2012 (via YAMF)

Love this custom vintage inspired skirt!

Fun with tissue paper.

I want to do so many projects with this chevron fabric!

Kate Spade stationary makes me swoon…

What are you up to this weekend?  Anyone else planning to do something athletic?  Will you tune into the Superbowl?  Tell me what you’re up to in the comments!

1. ASOS rucksack; 2. Sailor’s Knot earrings by Kate Spade; 3. Coral boat shoes by J.Crew; 4. Ban.do hair bow; 5. Forever 21 striped scarf

So cute, right?

Are you ready for Spring, too?  Have you started to incorporate brighter colors or accessories into your wardrobe?  What’s on your Spring accessory wish list?

Today, I’m going to show you the simple steps to re-create this look for your big day!  (Granted, my version is a little toned-down for real life vs. the runway look.)

Step 1: Start with a fresh palette. Groom your brows, moisturize, and apply foundation & concealer as usual.  (Find tips on brow grooming here and here, and learn how to cover up dark under-eye circles here!)

Step 2: Highlight. Highlighting is a BIG part of this look.  Make sure to apply yours on your cheekbones & brow bones, on the bridge of your nose, along your upper lip, and on the inside of your eyes.

Step 3: Add liner. Line your upper lid with black eyeliner, starting with a thin line on your inner corner and ending with a thick, smudgy line toward your outer lid.  Softly line the outer corners of your bottom lids, too.

Step 4: Prepare your lashes. Grab a pair of false eyelashes and cut one of them in half.

Step 5: Apply false lashes. Place the mini-strips on the outer corner of your eyes.  If needed, “blend” them with your natural lashes by applying a few individual lashes to the middle of your lid.

Step 6: Finish it off! Once your lashes are in place, dust a little bit of black eyeshadow on your outer lids.  Top off the look with some glossy lip balm, and you’re set!

What do you think of this makeup look?  Would you wear it on your big day?  Got another makeup tutorial you’d like to see on the blog?  Tell me about it in the comments!

{via}

So, thank you to my sweet readers for giving me a reason to write everyday, for engaging and commenting, for sharing {bb} with your friends, and for being so darn wonderful!

I’m so excited for what the next year has in store.  (I’ve got some exciting stuff coming up in February alone!)

Also, do you get presents for your blog-iversary?  If so, I’d like these sandals from J.Crew :)

xo Kim

I’m easing back in today with some links from around the web that have made me smile, kept me grounded, or have reminded me of my grandma in one way or another.  Hope you like ‘em…

Portraits of dogs as they shake off water.

This is what all maps should look like.

Jess has a valentine project worth participating in.

L-O-V-E these painted cuffs.

Sweet words.

Vintage-looking lock & key bobby pins.

Amazing field of tulips.

The cutest tea cozy.

Alooooha!

What have you been up to in the past week or so?  Got any links of your own to share?

p.s. my mother just read this and thought that the terrifying/hilarious dog photos somehow reminded me of Grandma and I feel the need to say that NO my grandmother did NOT look like a dog shaking off water :)  but the photos did make me smile.

For the most part, I adore her style.  But I’m not gonna lie… this nail ring freaked me out a bit.  I love painting my ring fingers bright colors to make them stand out, but for whatever reason, this jewelry just isn’t working for me.  Maybe it’s fabulous and I just don’t get it… what do you think?

.

If this is a look you’re diggin’, you pick up Emily’s nail ring here.

Had you ever heard of nail rings?  Do you think they’re hot or not?  Do any of you ladies own one?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

I wrapped this present for Travis’ dad using parchment wrapping paper from Target (I believe it’s $2/roll).  It’s a simple, clean paper appropriate for men or women.

I tied the gift with grey yarn— the nice part about this neutral color is that you can choose ANY accent color.  And for the gift tag, I downloaded this free printable template, s0 easy!

What do you think of my parchment gift wrap?  Do you have wrapping paper on hand, just in case?  What’s you’re go-to way to wrap a gift?

Here are some fun links I collected from around the web this week…

Best chocolate mousse. (And so easy!)

I’m kind of obsessed with this blog about men’s street style.

DIY fabric covered vases!

Not a huge fan of these colors, but SCENTED NAIL POLISH?!

Why don’t more people have vertical silverware storage?!

Speaking of which, I need to reorganize my kitchen…

Daring heels.

This white enamel cookware makes me want to go to France.

Gorgeous wedding the Australia’s wine country!

Hope your weekend is great! xo

What are you up to this weekend?  Anyone else rooting for their favorite football team?  Is the weather as crummy in your neck of the woods as it is here?

{via}

{via}

{via}

{via}

I don’t know about you, but sometimes bright nails are just the pop of color I need to keep me cheery during the day.

What do you think of the nail ideas above?  Are you craving a dose of cheer this January?  How do you keep yourself cheery during the Winter months?

look 1

look 2

look 3

Gorgeous, right?  Which one deserves a tutorial?

.

Which bridal beauty look is your favorite?  How would you/did you wear your makeup on your wedding day?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

{via}

{via}

{via}

I’m curious to know what you think about ‘em…

Are you a fan of colored jeans?  Do you own a pair (or two)?  Are there certain colors that are better than others?  Tell me about it in the comments!

We had some friends over on Saturday night and I used the opportunity to bust my new pans out.  The result was so easy and tasty, I just had to share with you!

I started with Ghirardelli brownie mix because it doesn’t get much easier or more delicious than that.  After I had the batter, I added 2 teaspoons of orange zest.  Then, I baked the mini cakes at 325 degrees for 18-20 minutes.  And look how cute they were when they came out!

I decided to incorporate a sweet surprise in the middle hole, so I made a go-to topping of mine by mixing marshmallow creme with equal parts cream cheese.  (It’s a tangy, sweet combo that tastes good on just about anything.)  I used an icing bag to fill the little holes.

Then, I frosted the top and adorned each cake with edible pearls.

These were such a hit and way too easy to make.

Have you ever eaten a mini-cake?  Ever tried making one?  Are you a chocolate lover like me?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

Before we part ways, let’s check out some fun links from around the web…

I’m loving these his-and-hers pillowcases :)

An amazing spread comparing plus size models vs. runway models.

Gorgeous wedding in Italy. (Love the bride’s hair!)

These trousers would bring a fun pop of color to the office!

Tips for flower arranging like a pro…

Four perfect weekend outfits.

These fabrics invitations make me swoon.

Stamped party favors aren’t just for kids.

Great tips for minimizing frizzy hair this Winter!

What are you doing this weekend?  Does anyone get Monday off?  Find any fun links to share this week?  Please do so in the comments!

For $10 a month, Birchbox sends 4-5 samples of different beauty products to your front door!  It gives you a chance to try out new products without committing to the full size.  Plus, you can earn Birchbox points that you can use toward the purchase of your new favorite beauty products!

As a girl with a bunch of wasted beauty items, I think this is such a neat idea.

Wouldn’t a subscription make a fun gift?  (Especially if you’re looking for something last minute!)

Have you heard of Birchbox?  Would you try it out?  Tell me what you think in the comments!

I briefly considered a short dress for our wedding, but it just didn’t feel like it fit in with the look of our big day.  Still, it’s fun to look at short wedding dresses every once in a while… how lovely are these?

{via}

{via}

{via}

{via}

{via}

So fun, right?!  And just think of the amazing shoes you could pair them with…

Are you a fan of short wedding dresses or do you prefer long ones?  Which one of these would you wear?  Share your opinion in the comments!

]]> http://www.blendingbeautiful.com/wedding-wednesday-short-wedding-dresses/feed/ 1 http://www.blendingbeautiful.com/the-2-beauty-tool-that-everyone-should-own/ http://www.blendingbeautiful.com/the-2-beauty-tool-that-everyone-should-own/#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:13:15 +0000 Kimberly http://www.blendingbeautiful.com/?p=7830 If you have a couple dollars laying around and you want gorgeous eyebrows, then you better listen up…

As a woman with sparse brows, I need all the help I can get.  And I absolutely adore my eyebrow wand.

When you’ve tweezed your brows and filled them in, spray this little brush with a strong hold hair spray and comb your eyebrows into place.  They’ll stay perfectly groomed all day… no fly-aways!

This also works on stubborn little wispy hairs around your hairline.  The brush puts things in their place without an overly hair-sprayed, slicked back look.

Do you own a brush for your brows?  Have you ever used this hair spray trick?  Got any other quick & easy beauty tricks to share?  Tell me about ‘em in the comments!

I started with a white shirt (I used a Target “boyfriend” tee— one of my favorite everyday t-shirts) and dampened it.

Then, after separating the front and back with a few plastic lids, I took Elmer’s glue (the blue gel kind… that’s important) and wrote the words to my favorite poem on the front.  If you’re more artistic, you could draw a picture.  Or you could do crazy squiggly lines all over the shirt.  The possibilities are endless!

After the shirt and glue have dried (I waited overnight), grab your favorite hue of RIT dye and create a cool dye bath.  (If it’s too hot, you’ll mess with the glue, so dissolve the dye into a few cups of super hot water first and then add it to a larger bowl of cool water before you submerge your tee.)

Rather than rinsing right away, wring out lay out your freshly-dyed tee and let it air dry until the majority of the moisture is gone.  Then, soak it in cool, soapy water for 15 minutes to dissolve the last of the glue.

Wash & dry normally and enjoy your new creation!

Though this project was a bit time consuming, it was super easy and fun to make.  I’m already plotting future shirt designs…

What do you think of this DIY tee?  Have you ever dyed your own clothing?  Anyone planning to try this out themselves?  (You better send me pics of the finished product!)

Travis and I are in the market for some new bowls, and I have my eye on these babies…

I finally bought these glasses, and I’m dying for them to show up in my mailbox!

Coolest DIY ever— how to make a scratch-off lottery ticket!

I know Hanukkah is over, but I’m seriously craving latkes.

So many uses for this chevron tape…

How adorable would this be in a country kitchen?

DIY printable envelopes… love the color palette!

Such a touching and heartbreaking letter…

I hope you all have a fab weekend!  I’m super excited to share some fun DIY projects with you next week!!

What are you up to this weekend?  Anyone else spending some time outside?  (Or is it too chilly in your neck of the woods?)  Got any other great links from around the web?  Share ‘em in the comments!

We always order through Overnight Prints, and I especially had fun with our holiday cards because we added rounded corners and a matte finish to make them look a little different.

I like the freedom of using postcards because you can design everything yourself, so you know that whatever message you’re sending will be 100% unique to you.  Plus, they only cost 28 cents to mail!

Have you ever designed your own card?  Ever sent a homemade postcard?  Got another favorite way to mail out invitations/holiday cards/etc…?  Tell me about it in the comments!

{via}

I was still a teenager when Travis and I  started dating, so I didn’t enter our relationship with any sort of deadline for marriage.  But soon into our relationship, when I realized that he was the man I would marry, I started timing everything out.  I wanted to get engaged the summer after we graduated college and married a year later, on our 4 year anniversary.

And guess what?  That’s exactly what happened!

I know some women with age-related timelines.  Some want to get married by age 30, some want a proposal by 27, etc… I have the feeling that it’s pretty natural for women to set a deadline for marriage, especially if they want to start a family.  I’m curious to know how many of you have one, too…

.

Unmarried gals: do you have a desired age that you’d like to be married or engaged?  Has your timeline changed as you’ve dated different people?  Married gals: did you have a marriage deadline before you got hitched?  Did everything turn out the way you thought it would?  Share in the comments!

{via}

{via}

{via}

{via}

These are all so doable… it pretty much leaves no excuse for empty wall space in my apartment.

Which of these pieces do you like best?  Have you ever painted wood to create your own piece of art?  Working on any other DIY projects lately?  Share in the comments!

{via}

I feel like resolutions get a bad rap.  Yes, some people give up on theirs right away, but not all resolutions are impossible to complete.  I’ve decided to make a few, and I thought I’d share them with you all.

1) Take more pictures.

2) Say “yes” more often.

3) Do more “how-to” posts on the blog.

My resolutions are easy to start and maintain, but for whatever reason, I haven’t put the energy into them thus far.  I’m looking forward to chipping away on them right away!

Have you made any resolutions for the new year?  What are they?  Or do you think resolutions are silly?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

{via}

2011 was an awesome year for me personally…

I was in Glamour Magazine!

I became a licensed cosmetologist, and had fun showing you ladies all kinds of hair tricks.

We moved back to San Francisco…

Our wedding day finally arrived!

And so did my big makeover…

And we had lots of fun chats on the blog…

We discussed wedding hairstyles…

Nail polish trends…

Yummy recipes…

And gorgeous design.

I am so grateful everyday for all of you— I still get excited every time I get a new comment or email.  You ladies are so inspiring and I love hearing your thoughts and opinions.  Thank you for making this job so much fun!

xo

Bandaids that remind you that life’s not really that hard…

A perfect NYE dress.

This levitating globe is so cool!

Love this reclaimed wood coffee table…

These sweet baby boys have a lot to say!

This amazing braided updo makes me wish I still had long hair…

I’m in the market for a big, sturdy bag.

Make your own sequin photobooth!

25 New Years resolutions you can start today…

Travis and I designed this website as a Christmas gift to my cousin… check it out!

Have a safe and festive time this weekend… see you next year!

xo

What are you doing for New Years Eve?  Is anyone hosting a party?  Traveling?  Laying low?  Tell me what you’re up to in the comments!

We made a pit stop in San Luis Obispo for lunch, and it felt like Summer!

Then, we visited Solvang… an old Dutch town about an hour north of Santa Barbara.

We enjoyed yummy baked goods and avocado hummus (my favorite!!) from the farmer’s market!

When we arrived in Santa Barbara, we took a walk along the pier at sunset…

…and enjoyed dinner and drinks at a little Italian bistro on State St.

Today, we plan to rent cruisers and take a long bike ride along the water… what a wonderful escape from life in the city!

Where would you go if you could take a mini-getaway?  What are you up to this week?

{via}

{via}

{via}

I’m a big fan of bird cage veils, but what do you think of them?  (If you’re a big fan, get an awesome DIY tutorial here!)

.

Do you think bird cage veils are hot or not?  Would you (or did you) wear one on your wedding day?  Tell me what you think in the comments!

A few of us got into a debate about the best ways to prevent a hangover, and I’m curious to know what you do to ward off that yucky feeling the morning after…

I recently heard that a glass of water and burnt toast right before bed is the key.  (Apparently the carbon in the burnt parts of the toast help to soak up impurities in your system?)

Another friend swears by the combination of a liter of water, four ibuprofen, and a multi-vitamin.

With New Years Eve coming up, I’d love to hear what your routine is after a night of over-indulgence…

What do you do to prevent a hangover?  Have you tried either of the methods above?  How did they work?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

Since Travis’ birthday is the day after Christmas, he doesn’t always get the birthday shout-out he deserves.  So here it goes:

Travis, I love you so much, and I’m so lucky to call you my husband.  You are my best buddy and my biggest cheerleader, and I love how darn silly you are!

And thank you for all of your support with the blog— there’s no way I could have kept it going this long without you!

xoxo forever and ever…

Didn’t have time to mail out holiday cards?  Send a cheeky holiday e-card instead!

An entire website devoted to ugly christmas sweaters and accessories!

Mason jar wine glasses… what a hoot!

Quick & easy hairstyles for your holiday weekend…

A great list of winter craft projects for kids.

And DIY holiday cards for grownups.

I am so addicted to infinity scarves!

.

And a few holiday {bb} posts you may have missed…

A festive manicure.

Holiday table inspiration…

My favorite makeup palette is only available this time of year!

See you back here on Monday! xo

Do you celebrate Christmas?  If so, what are you up to this weekend?  Anyone hosting family?  Going on vacation?  Tell me what you’re up to in the comments!

.

.

.

How did you answer the questions?  Were any these especially easy or difficult for you?  Tell me about it in the comments!

Don’t get me wrong, I think my dress was pretty enough, but as you probably all know if you’ve ever worn a strapless dress to an event: they’re annoying!  They slowly slide down and you’re constantly assessing whether your boobs are falling out, which is an especially terrifying thought on a day when you are literally the center of everyone’s attention!

I knew going in that strapless dresses have a tendency to move around, so I got it tailored really snugly.  I tested it in the alteration shop by moving around and lifting my arms above my head and it stayed put.  Success, I thought.

But then, I lost 5 lbs. out of stress in the last couple of days before the wedding.  Normally, I would never complain about losing 5 pounds without trying, but it definitely made the dress fit differently.  There are a few wedding photos where I can see the edge of my strapless bra creeping out of the dress, and right after I walked down the aisle, our sweet friend and officiant whispered to me that my bra was popping out.  (Thanks again, Tina!)

Needless to say, if I were to do it again… it’s all about sleeves or straps :)

Would you (or did you) wear a strapless wedding dress?  Have you ever had trouble with a dress falling down?  Style-wise, do you prefer strapless wedding dresses or dresses with sleeves/straps?  Share your opinion in the comments!

I’d really like to integrate more belts into my wardrobe but I’ve never found a good style or size for me.  Any tips?

Oh, belts… they seem like such a simple accessory, but they can really make or break an outfit!  The great news is, once you find the size and style of belt that best suits your body, you’ve got a great way to add a little punch to your wardrobe.

{via}

When it comes to belts, the two biggest things to consider are size and placement.  A general rule of thumb: if you’re a small person (in either weight or height), aim for a thinner belt.  Likewise, if you’re a little larger, a wider belt will suit you best.

Even more important than size is placement.  When it comes to placement, remember that wearing a belt at your natural waistline isn’t always the most flattering, even though it seems like it would be.  In truth, that look is best suited for women with longer torsos and smaller hips, like this:

{via}

If you have a shorter waist (especially if you’re well-endowed), it’s generally more flattering to wear your belt a little lower than your natural waist:

{via}

And if you’re carrying a little extra weight in your midsection, try wearing your belt slightly higher than your natural waistline:

{via}

The most important thing to remember is that you don’t want to draw attention to the belt, you want the belt to draw attention to you!  So, the best advice I can offer is to visit a department store with a wide range of styles.  Wear a loose-fitting top or dress, and play around with width and placement.  You’ll be amazed to see how different your body looks with each way you wear a belt.

Do you have trouble finding the perfect belt for your body?  Do you follow the rules about size and placement?  Have you been a little unsure about incorporating belts into your wardrobe?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

And here’s how I look now:

I went to Mane Attraction in SF and got my big cut courtesy of Kate (who is also a newlywed, so we shared lots of fun wedding talk!)  I was prepared to feel super sad the moment she cut my ponytail off, but having short hair has been pretty liberating so far!

Did you do anything fun this weekend?  Have you ever cut your hair super duper short?  Tell me about it in the comments!

As excited as I am, I’m also really nervous.  My hair currently falls to the middle of my back, so I’ll be getting rid of 15 inches or so… yikes!  Of course, I’ll update you with photos first thing on Monday.

But until then, let’s enjoy some fun posts from around the web…

This Esty shop has great prints…

The world’s shortest woman has such a beautiful smile!

Pretty (and easy to make!) holiday garlands.

NARS’ newest color is called G-Spot— how scandalous!

I’d really love a long-sleeved party dress for the holidays…

Why are edison light bulbs so awesome?

If you’re an eggnog fan, here’s an easy recipe right out of a blender!

I, personally, have more of a sweet tooth.

Make cute & simple hair bows… no sewing required!

.

And a few {bb} posts you may have missed…

Check out my entire wedding album, now up on the {bb} facebook page!

The perfect red lip (just in time for the holidays!)

I’m going to miss my voluminous curls when I chop my hair this weekend…

What are you up to this weekend, lovely readers?  Doing any last minute holiday shopping?  Crafting any fun gifts or decorations of your own?  Anyone else giving themselves a makeover?  Tell me what you’re up to in the comments!

And it got me peeking around online at other gingerbread creations… you have to see these!

{via}

{via}

{via}

I’m not sure I have the talent or the patience to pull any of these off, but aren’t they beautiful?!

And I just couldn’t resist showing these amazing creations to you…

What a clever idea!  Get the full DIY instructions here.

What are you doing to get into the holiday spirit this year?  When was the last time you made a gingerbread house?  Anyone else tempted to try the mini ones?  Tell me about your holiday doings in the comments!

I love bold red lips and nails with an otherwise makeup-free face.

Pink cheeks remind me of the flush you get as a kid when you run around outside on a cold day.

Winged eyeliner & matte lips— what a combo!

The holidays are a great time to try out metallic accents, like the gorgeous champagne version above.

Do you switch up your makeup based on the season?  Which of these makeup looks has you most inspired?  What else are you gravitating to in the Winter months?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

(maybe so… these two are 22 years apart!)

Katie Couric just called off her relationship with a beau who is 17 years her junior!  And it got me thinking about how much age matters in a relationship.

There’s the old standby rule to figure out if an age difference is “appropriate”: take the older person’s age, divide it in half, then add seven.  For example, if the older person is 40, they shouldn’t date someone younger than 27.

Travis is not even 2 full years older than me, but I once dated eight years my senior.  It was very brief, and though age didn’t directly get in the way, I think it contributed to the reasons why we weren’t a good match.

.

Would you (or have you ever) dated someone much older or younger than you?  Do you believe that relationships with big age gaps can still work?  Have you heard of the “appropriate age” rule?  Share your thoughts and stories in the comments!

Milkmaid braids have become and indie girl staple, and I’ve even worn them a time or two.  If you’re not sure exactly what I’m referring to, take a look:

A messy version…

And a clean one…

For the most part, I’d say this look is hot, especially when the milkmaid braid is incorporated into another hairstyle.  But where do you stand?

.

Do you think milkmaid braids are hot or not?  Have you ever worn one yourself?  Do you prefer the messy version or the clean one?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

Our full wedding album is up on the {bb} facebook page! (Make sure to “like” {bb} while you’re there!)

Stunning underwater maternity photo shoot!

The best. DIY. site. ever.

Speaking of DIY… an awesome felt wreath!

COATT now offers morse code bracelets :D

I really want to master royal icing…

Pretty ornament chandelier.

Before + After.

Good gift idea for the burger lover in your life…

What’s your beauty resolution?

What are you up to this weekend?  Any holiday parties or other festive plans?  Find any share-worthy links for us?  Tell me about it in the comments!

1. North Face Fleece Running Jacket, $55  2. Champion sports bra, $16.99  3. Adidas running socks, $10  4. Underarmour Capri leggings, $49.99  5. Nike running shoes, $70

Do you run?  Do you know any ladies who would be excited to see these items under the Christmas tree?  And what’s on your wish list this year?  Share in the comments!

]]> http://www.blendingbeautiful.com/my-running-wish-list%e2%80%94-a-gift-guide-for-active-girls/feed/ 0 http://www.blendingbeautiful.com/wedding-wednesday-our-reception-part-2/ http://www.blendingbeautiful.com/wedding-wednesday-our-reception-part-2/#comments Thu, 08 Dec 2011 01:21:34 +0000 Kimberly http://www.blendingbeautiful.com/?p=7399 Ok, now onto the real party!

The reception was held on the other side of my parent’s property.  My awesome dad expanded their lawn to fit a tent and dance floor… how amazing is that?!

Here’s what was going on inside the tent… it was quite the group effort to make this all happen!

My dad found these beautiful manzanita branches in the forest and cut them to size.  The day before the wedding, he and Travis were hanging them with fishing line above each table!

My mom and aunt made the fabric napkin holders by hand, and my cousin stamped 110 of those little brown bags for each of our favors!

My father-in-law made these planter boxes out of old fence boards, and we filled them with succulents that were donated to us by my grandma’s work.  My brother welded each table number and then my dad applied a compound that gave them a beautiful rusted finish.

Another aunt of mine has the best handwriting ever, so we had her write out our menu on an antique window that we’d picked up at a flea market months before!

My dad cut tree rounds for our beverages and the cake.

Speaking of cake, we decided that just one dessert wasn’t enough!  Every item on our dessert table (besides the wedding cake itself) was homemade with love by a family member or close friend.

And I made our cake topper!

Once we sat down to dinner, my father made an awesome speech.  He called Travis “the man of his dreams”, which cracked us all up!

Travis’ older brother followed, and proceeded to tell everyone that I was pregnant.  (For the record, that is a big fat lie :)

Unbeknownst to us, our friends had written us a sweet little message on our programs and held them up during one of the toasts!

Our first dance was to Amos Lee’s “Sweet Pea”, which has been Travis’ song for me since the beginning of our relationship.

Then, instead of doing traditional father-daughter/mother-son dances, we invited both of our immediate families onto the dance floor to celebrate the joining of our two families into one.  This resonated a lot more with me and Travis, and we had a blast kicking off the dancing! (By the way, our moms are the ones hugging in that photo.)

After that, the dance floor was packed all night!

For me, the cutting of the cake was a bit of an awkward tradition.  I mean, who wants people watching them while they’re eating?  But hey, that cake was delicious, so I guess it was worth it in the end :)

One of the highlights of my night was dancing with my niece.  That girl likes to boogie and we were all having fun watching and dancing along!  (Apparently the next day she was telling everyone how “famous” she was at the wedding!  So cute!)

So there you have it, lovely readers!  If you want to see all of the photos from our wedding, head over to the {blending beautiful} facebook page tomorrow (make sure to “like” {bb} while you’re there!) and they’ll be posted!

Photography: Nicolette Clark, Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal, Bride’s Shoes: Stuart Weitzman, Groom’s Suit: Tommy Hilfiger, Groom/Groomsmen Shoes: Converse, Groom/Groomsmen socks: J.Crew, Bowties & Pocket Squares: the belle and the beau, Bridesmaid Dresses: The Radical Thread Co., Flower girl/Ring Bearer Shoes:Converse, Flower Girl Tutus: ebay, Flower Girl Shirts: Red Brick Wall, Hair Stylist: Jen Irby, Makeup Artist: Rachel Pinkerton, Flowers: DIY

Once I started going through all of our photos, there was no way I could fit it all into one post.  So here is part 1… I’ll be back with part 2 this afternoon!

While the guests enjoyed a cocktail hour (ok let’s be honest… It was closer to an hour and a half) right after the ceremony, we took our portraits.

These first few were taken in our ceremony space…

I love this one of me and my parents.

Travis and me with his parents.

Our nieces were the cutest flower girls!

And their little bro made a pretty adorable ring bearer…

Then, we drove about 3 minutes away from my parents’ house to an old folks home!  It sounds weird, but they have the most beautiful apple orchards and barn.  I had been dying to take some wedding photos there, so on the day before the wedding, Travis drove over and asked them if we could take over their property for half an hour.  I was so excited when they said yes!  We even had one elderly visitor during our shoot :)

My beautiful and amazing bridesmaids.

My brothers! (The ones on either end of the photo are Travis’ brothers, but they’re mine now!)

The boys…

And a few more, just because :)

Check back in this afternoon for the photos of the actual reception!

Photography: Nicolette Clark, Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal, Bride’s Shoes: Stuart Weitzman, Groom’s Suit: Tommy Hilfiger, Groom/Groomsmen Shoes: Converse, Groom/Groomsmen socks: J.Crew, Bowties & Pocket Squares: the belle and the beau, Bridesmaid Dresses: The Radical Thread Co., Flower girl/Ring Bearer Shoes: Converse, Flower Girl Tutus: ebay, Flower Girl Shirts: Red Brick Wall, Hair Stylist: Jen Irby, Makeup Artist: Rachel Pinkerton, Flowers: DIY

I had a super-fun girls night on Friday where we enjoyed good food and drinks (alcohol is pretty much required, I think :), silly games, and lots and lots of sex toys!  Here are a few photos…

yummy food!

a cute display of all the fun products!

a booklet so we could follow along & mark our favorite items…

the heart massager I bought that warms up and makes massages that much more relaxing!

I find pleasure parties to be empowering and kind of liberating.  I mean, sex is a huge part of our lives, and we should make the most out of it!  I’m even thinking of hosting a pleasure party of my own before Valentine’s Day…

Have you been to a pleasure party before?  What did you think of the experience?  Would you ever host one of your own?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

The base color we used is OPI’s Panda-monium Pink, but it would look great with so many other base colors…  I used the silver glitter Kiss Art Nail Brush to draw the half moons and stripes, and I promise, it was super easy!

What do you think of this sparkly manicure?  Have you tried doing your own nail designs?  Do you make your nails extra pretty for holiday parties?  Tell me about it in the comments!

If you’re not feeling up to a 6 hour run through the woods this weekend, feel free to check out these fun posts from around the web…

An awesome gift idea for a little man in your life…

If you’re in the Bay Area, join me at the Bazaar Bizarre on Sunday!

Brow commandments.

Oh, how I love the 90’s.

Holiday gift guide under $25! (I have #4 & #7!)

The worst trends of 2011. Do you agree?

Gaga for Gubi.

Beautiful, easy DIY lanterns!

Would you wear lace eyelashes?

Cupcakes in a jar… yummmm!

.

And a few {bb} posts you may have missed…

Upcycled design bliss… (homemade holiday gifts, anyone?)

7 Tips for a perfect blowout at home.

Winter is almost here!  Check out these rain boots for inspiration.

.

Have a great weekend!  See you back here on Monday.

What are you up to this weekend?  Got any fun holiday plans?  How ’bout a fun link or two to add to this week’s list?  Tell me what you’re up to in the comments!

1. her favorite perfume 2. a great bag 3. sephora’s ultimate makeup palette 4. aquage sea salt spray (for perfect beachy waves!) 5. a cool piece of  jewelry 6. pretty nail polish

What will you get the girls in your life this year?  Any items on this roundup at the top of your wish list?  Any other cool finds?  Share in the comments!

We had both the ceremony and reception at my parents’ house, which was really special for me.  It really eased the stress of the day, and it made the whole gathering feel more intimate.

These first photos were taken just a few minutes before the ceremony… I was so anxious!

Travis and I didn’t see each other before the ceremony, but I got a different kind of first look… with my dad!

It was really important to us that we include our families in our ceremony, so we had both of our parents give us away.

My beautiful cousins read e.e. cummings’ poem “i carry your heart”…

And then we stumbled through our vows… we were both so emotional!  Everyone expected it of me, but I think it really caught Travis off guard.  (I thought it was the sweetest thing ever!)

During the vows, we passed our rings around and gave our guests a chance to bless them with good thoughts and lots of love for our future together.  It was a really special way to connect with our family and friends— many of them said it was the highlight of the ceremony!

Our nieces/flower girls were in charge of getting the rings back to us when it was time to say I do!  (I think they were excited to make a second appearance during the ceremony!)

Travis and I were so anxious to make it official, we forgot to wait for our officiant to say. “You may kiss the bride.”  Oops!  (P.S. I just love this photo of our dear friend/officiant, Tina.  She made our ceremony so special… we love her to pieces!)

I think it’s so cute that Travis high-fived my dad when it was all said and done…

As we walked out of the ceremony, we borrowed a Jewish wedding tradition and sequestered ourselves in the house for a few minutes of peace and quiet before the craziness of the reception.  It was such a special moment for me and Travis… we were really able to take each other in and reflect on the fact that we had really just gotten married!  Plus, he was able to help me pee in that big dress :)

There you have it, our ceremony!

Next week, I’ll take you through our reception, and come back tomorrow for another holiday gift guide!

Photography: Nicolette Clark, Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal, Groom’s Suit: Tommy Hilfiger, Hair Stylist: Jen Irby, Makeup Artist: Rachel Pinkerton, Flowers: DIY

1. A yummy cashmere sweater 2. Heavenly bath salts 3. A good book 4. Morse code necklace with a special message  5. A trip to the spa 6. The best smelling lotion

What’s on your wishlist this holiday season?  Have you scored anything good for your mom yet?  Snag any awesome Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals?  Share in the comments!

I always have trouble finding gifts for my dad & brother, and this year I’ve even had a hard time coming up with something awesome for Travis!  So hopefully this roundup will help you find a great gift for your favorite guys…

1. Locally brewed beer 2. Classic sunglasses 3. His favorite team jersey 4. I’ve never gone wrong with baked goods 5. A nice watch 6. Shiny, new Garmin GPS

What are you getting your guys this year?  Any of these items look like the right pick?  Do you have a harder time shopping for men or women?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

Here are some warm & inviting Thanksgiving table settings to inspire you for tomorrow…

{via}

{via}

{via}

{via}

See you back here on Monday, where I’ll be kicking off a week of holiday gift guides!

What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year?  Will you be traveling or staying at home?  Anyone planning on braving the crowds on Black Friday?  Tell me what you’re up to in the comments!

(or for instant-awesomeness, host your next dinner party in a vineyard!)

Travis and I recently had some friends over for dinner, and as I was prepping in the kitchen, he transformed our living and dining room into this super-cozy little hosting spot.  When I came out from cooking, he had turned off all of the overhead lights in our house in favor of the warmer, more subtle lamp lighting.  It made the whole space feel so inviting.

Then, he turned Pandora to the Nat King Cole station and it was as if our home radiated comfort.

Needless to say, we’ve been doing it almost every night (even when we don’t have company!) because we love how homey our apartment feels.

Have you used either of these tactics to warm up your home for a gathering?  Got any other easy ways to make your house party-ready?  Are you hosting anyone for the holidays?  Tell me about it in the comments!

Pancetta and Sage Stuffing Muffins

Garlic and Parmesan Top Knots

Onion Tart With Mushroom and Fennel

Butternut Squash and Caramelized Onion Galette

And for dessert…

Pumpkin Pie Bites

Which of these should I try for Turkey Day?  What are you whipping up for Thanksgiving?  Trying any fun new recipes?!  Any old standbys that you can’t wait to eat? Share in the comments!

Before we head out, though, I thought I’d share some fun links I found from around the web!

I just can’t get enough cinnamon rolls in my life.

Find the perfect drink to go with whatever music you’re listening to!

Cool trick for perfect cat eyes.

Moustache nails!!

Funky, cute hand-painted rug…

Adorable print-at-home gift tags for the holidays!

Oooh, what an amazing giveaway!!

Advent calendars… for grownups.

Amazing Fall party (including printable invitations and hot cocoa on a stick!)

What are you up to this weekend?  Anyone else starting their holidays a week early?  Got any other big plans?  Share ‘em in the comments!

I’m curious, Have you already picked out what you’ll wear for Thanksgiving?  Here are some fun holiday-worthy pieces for inspiration…

(1) Mini Tulip Dress, $62.90 at ASOS  (2) Shimmering Scarf, $9.80 at Forever 21  (3) Deco Bangle, $45 at J.Crew  (4) Off-Center Zip Sweater, $59.95 at Gap  (5) Bandolino Tellie Boots, $79.94 at DSW  (6) Open Work Tights, $19.90 at Zara

What are you wearing for Thanksgiving this year?  How dressy do your family gatherings get?  And which piece above is your favorite?  Share in the comments!

{via}

But it would have been really easy to have a wedding with 250 guests or more.  There were certainly people that we would have liked to invite, but couldn’t.  And on the opposite end of the spectrum, I think I would have been just as happy having a destination wedding with only our immediate family and friends.

The truth is, Travis was the only person I really focused on during our wedding.  I was hardly able to chat with each of our guests, which probably would have been the case, regardless of how many people were in attendance.  But I’m curious… have you considered how many guests your “dream wedding” would entertain?

.

Married gals: how many people attended your wedding?  If you could go back, would you make it any bigger or smaller?

Unmarried ladies: how did you answer the poll?  Have you thought about the size of your wedding before?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

When books are adapted into movies, it usually propels me to pick them up (with the exception of Twilight).  I finally bought The Help yesterday, and I’m starting it today!

Also a soon-to-be-movie, The Hunger Games series has gotten rave reviews from everyone I know (including Travis!)

I’m a huge fan of “The Office”, and I’ve always been so impressed by Mindy Kalings humor and wit.  I’m super anxious to read Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns).

Did any of you watch the 20/20 interview with Gabrielle Giffords and Mark Kelley last night?  It was such a fascinating look at brain injuries, and you couldn’t help but fall in love with this amazing couple.  It has me excited to read Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope.

I’m also considering trying out a book on tape… Last year, when Travis had a long commute, he listened to books on tape, and I thought it was such a clever way to pass the time!  Wouldn’t it be nice to keep one in the car for a little dose of literature every time you run errands?

What’s on your current must-read list?  Got any other recommendations for me?  (I’d love to see mine grow!)  Have you ever listened to books on tape?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

credit unknown

{via}

{via}

{via}

Seriously, I’m in love…

What do you think of painted floors?  Would you ever consider doing this in your own home?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

And how’s this for a cool idea… a girlfriend of mine is compiling a list of bars in San Francisco that have fireplaces!  We’re heading to one on Saturday night.  Doesn’t it sound so cozy and dreamy?

I hope your weekend is just as lovely!  Let’s kick it off with some great posts from around the web…

Make signs like these yourself…

The most amazing birth story!

I. Want. Jesse. Glasses.

A clever trick for keeping champagne bubbly!

Awesome kitchen remodel.

What a sweet San Francisco elopement…

Makeup tutorial for glasses-wearers.

Love this military coat.

.

And a few {bb} posts you may have missed…

Try this fun trick to see how you’d look with bangs!

Mirror inspiration.

How much do you pay to get a haircut?

What are you up to this weekend?  Any big plans?  Stumble onto any other good posts?  Share ‘em in the comments!

You’ll need: marshmallows, crescent rolls, melted butter, cinnamon sugar

Dip marshmallow into the butter

Then roll it in the cinnamon sugar

Roll the marshmallow in the crescent roll

Pinch it tight to make sure there aren’t any holes

Roll the crescent roll in cinnamon sugar

Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.  Like I said… make sure you pinch the holes tight or this might happen!

The finished product: the marshmallow seeps into the crescent roll!

These are seriously so yummy!  Travis says they’re “better than cinnamon rolls” and I agree.  The only hard part: not eating them all in one sitting!

Are you a fan of cinnamon/sugar desserts?  Does this look like something you’d like to try?  Got any other easy dessert recipes to share?

]]> http://www.blendingbeautiful.com/better-than-cinnamon-rolls/feed/ 3 http://www.blendingbeautiful.com/wedding-wednesday-determining-your-budget/ http://www.blendingbeautiful.com/wedding-wednesday-determining-your-budget/#comments Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:38:34 +0000 Kimberly http://www.blendingbeautiful.com/?p=7136 Ah, the dreaded money talk… it’s an inevitable part of wedding planning, and it can certainly take the romance out of things.  But it’s worth doing right away, and here’s why…

{via}

Before we had fully established our budget, Travis and I visited a venue that I had been secretly pining over for months.  I had heard that it was really affordable, and the pictures made it look dreamy.  We did a walkthrough and I fell in love!  No joke… I was literally in tears, so excited that we would be getting married there.

And then we found out how much it would cost.  Apparently, some people have a very different idea of what “affordable” means.

I was crushed.  I had become so attached, and we hadn’t even sat down to determine what we’d be willing to spend.

Here’s how you can keep this from happening to you:

1) Sit down with your partner and figure out how much you’re both willing and able to contribute to a wedding.  Keep in mind that everything will likely cost more than you expect, so I wouldn’t throw your entire savings at it just yet.  (Keep a little money reserved for last-minute incidentals.)  Ask yourselves: are we willing to go into debt to pay for our dream day?  (Many couples are comfortable doing that… Travis and weren’t.)

2) Sit down with your parents and find out if they plan on contributing to your big day.  Some parents have been saving for years, others won’t have anything to contribute.  Keep in mind… if you accept money from parents (or other relatives), they may feel more entitled to controlling various details of the wedding.  Are you willing to compromise your vision for financial help?

3) Make a list of the details that are most important to you.  For example, Travis and I wanted super delicious food at our wedding, so a large percentage of our budget went to that.  Flowers, however, were less important to us.  So we chose to do DIY floral arrangements and only put a couple hundred bucks toward them.

There are budget calculators, which can help you get a sense of how much should be spent on each aspect of wedding planning.  But if you’re planning to do a lot of DIY (like I did), they’re not always the most helpful.

The most important part of budgeting is reminding yourself that your wedding day is just one day in the whole long lifetime you’ll get to spend with your partner.  Sometimes wedding finances can send you into a tizzy (I definitely had a few monetary freak-outs!), but keeping things in perspective will make it all easier.

Married gals: How did you determine your wedding budget?  Did you have financial help from your parents?  Were you willing to go into debt for your big day?

Unmarried gals: How much do you think you’d be willing to spend on your wedding?  What are your most “spend-worthy” details?  I’d love to know!

{via}

Fortunately, you don’t need Rachel Bilson’s budget to get this cute look…

The Jacket

Get it for just $39.99 at Charlotte Russe!

The Dress

This similarly ruffled number is only $54 at Asos

Accessories

RSVP heels, $79

To make the look more “holiday” swap out her teal clutch for a red one like this one from DSW ($29.95)

What do you think of Rachel’s look?  Got any holiday parties of your own to start shopping for?  Which celeb style are you coveting this winter?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

]]> http://www.blendingbeautiful.com/the-look-for-less-rachel-bilsons-party-ready-ensemble/feed/ 0 http://www.blendingbeautiful.com/poll-would-you-get-surgery-to-change-your-eye-color/ http://www.blendingbeautiful.com/poll-would-you-get-surgery-to-change-your-eye-color/#comments Mon, 07 Nov 2011 17:30:48 +0000 Kimberly http://www.blendingbeautiful.com/?p=7102 Have you ladies heard about this?  Scientists think they have discovered a procedure that can safely turn brown eyes blue.

{via}

By using lasers, they claim to erase all brown melanin in the eye and then replace it with blue pigment over a two or three week period.  For an estimated $5,000, this irreversible procedure could be available in the U.S. in just 3 years.

I have blue eyes, and I’m perfectly happy with them.  But I don’t think they’re any prettier than brown, or green, or grey ones.  Eye color is such a small piece of our physical beauty… I personally can’t imagine spending all that dough (or risking my eyesight!) just to change the coloring.

But for the 19 million people who wear colored contacts everyday, maybe it seems like a small price to pay… what do you think?

.

Would you get surgery to alter your eye color?  Do you (or someone you know) wear colored contacts?  If there was no risk and no cost, would that make a difference?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

Travis and I are braving the rain this weekend and traveling up North to visit my brother in college and to watch my dad run a marathon!  On the books for today: buy a giant golf umbrella! (Or maybe this cute clear one.)

{via}

Before we go our separate ways this weekend, check out these fun links I found around the web…

I’m going to try making these cool polaroid refrigerator magnets next week!

Love this sunglass storage solution!

These long-distance-relationship pillows are so clever…

Dandelion nails!

This makes me want to play with fabric markers.

If everybody likes you, you’re doing something wrong…

For fellow bloggers… check out Blog Brunch tomorrow on Twitter!

EDIBLE PLACE CARDS! (Need I say more?)

.

And a few {bb} posts you may have missed…

Get perfect red lips.

Sifting through pictures of my bridal shower always puts me in a sunny mood!

Have you tried making these yummy pumpkin muffins yet??

What are you up to this weekend?  Any fun adventures to share?  And how’s the weather in your neck of the woods?  Give me an update in the comments!

Needless to say, I’ve dyed over the blonde and gone back to my brunette roots (pun intended).  But there’s still a whoooole lot of bleach under all that brown hair.

Fortunately, a good friend (who bleaches her hair a gorgeous blonde, unlike mine) recommended Kendi Oil to keep my newly-damaged locks looking healthy as ever.  And let me tell you… this stuff rocks!

It’s made from bamboo, so not only does it keep your hair soft, silky, and strong, but it’s made from a renewable resource!  I just run a few drops through my hair after a shower and either blow it dry or let it air dry.  By the look and feel of my hair, you would never know that it had all been bleached!

If you’re suffering from an over-processed mane, I’d pick up a bottle of Kendi Oil a.s.a.p.

Have you used Kendi Oil before?  Got another hair treatment you swear by?  Any of you struggling with super-damaged hair?  Share in the comments!

Don’t you think our cake came out cute?  (I did!)  And boy was it tasty.  Since I knew we’d probably be too distracted to eat it during the wedding, I asked the caterer to box some up for us so we could enjoy it later.  As in… later that night.  I did not ask for them to save the top tier for our one year anniversary.

Here’s why…

1) I’ve never heard of someone actually enjoying their 1-year-old wedding cake.  It’s dry.  It’s half-frozen.  It ends up in the garbage.

2) We have full access to the bakery that created our wedding cake.  If I took a picture to them, they could re-create a beautiful replica of our top tier that we could actually enjoy for a few days.

Maybe that’s super unromantic of me, though?

Would you (or did you) save the top tier of your wedding cake?  For those of you who have done so, how did it taste?  Is it more about the romance and less about enjoying dessert?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

The downside… it’s $330. Of course, now I’m on the hunt for a cute chunky sweater of my own! (One that won’t break the bank!)  Here are some similar options:

Ecote Cable Stitch Tunic, on sale for $49

Oasis Textured Boyfriend Cardigan, $99.84

Braided Purl Knit Sweater, just $24.80!

Decisions, decisions…

Which of these sweaters do you like best?  Are you loving the chunky sweater look as much as I am, or are you not so into it?  Are you already rocking this look?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

BOOBS! (Sorry for the not-so-great photo…)

Please don’t be disappointed in me… I just couldn’t resist :)

What is your Halloween costume this year?  How are you celebrating?  And what do you think of Travis’ and my choice?  Share in the comments!

This is the toughest looking onesie around… a good Halloween costume, perhaps?

I’ve got my eye on these cute trousers.  (These ones, too!)

One of my favorite childhood treats…

What a fun and easy DIY project.

Designer Jack-o-Lanterns.

What an amazing birth story!

Adorable printable envelopes…

I WANT, I WANT, I WANT!

And guess what I’m doing to my hair this weekend?! (So excited!)

.

And a few {bb} posts you may have missed…

Plaid nails.

Which type of false lashes do you prefer?

Getting crafty with tea bags!

What are you up to this weekend?  Any big pre-Halloween plans?  Dressing up?  Tell me what you’re up to in the comments!

{via}

{via}

{via}

Aren’t these spaces magical?  I’d never get anything done!

Did you build forts as a kid?  (Or have you built one recently?)  Do you revert back to childhood when you get sick?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

Check out what I mean…

The front of our program was pretty run-of-the-mill.  We had the names of everyone that was participating in the ceremony, and a run-down of what was going to happen.

But the back of the program was a customized crossword puzzle that Travis and I built to reflect our big day and our relationship! We had our names in there, the names of cities we’d lived in together, and different “wedding” words (bride, groom, etc…)

We tied mini pencils to each one so guests weren’t fumbling around for something to write with, and because it was on a stick, it made a nice fan as well!

We got the template for the crossword and all the instructions here, and they turned out to be pretty darn easy to make.

What do you think of our programs?  Have you been to a wedding where the programs were a little out of the ordinary?  Stumbled onto other cute ideas?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

Here’s what you’ll need:

-3/4 cup flour
-1 tsp cinnamon
-1/2 tsp baking soda
-1/2 tsp salt
-1/2 tsp ground ginger
-1/4 tsp baking powder
-1/6 cup water
-1/4 tsp vanilla
-3 Tbsp butter
-2/3 cup sugar
-1 large egg
-1/2 cup pumpkin puree

{pretty orange batter}

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Mix dry ingredients together in a bowl (flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, baking powder, ginger). Set aside.
3. Mix wet ingredients in a separate bowl, making sure you melt the butter first. (Butter, sugar, egg, pumpkin, water, vanilla.)
4. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet.
5. If you’re making big muffins, bake for 20 minutes.  If you’re doing mini muffins, bake for 12 minutes.
**note: If there isn’t enough batter to fill every cup in your muffin tin, fill the empty cups with a little bit of water.

{the finished product}

These were seriously so quick to make!  Eat ‘em warm with a little butter and you’ll be in pumpkin heaven…

Have you made any pumpkin recipes yet this Fall?  Got any other Fall cooking traditions?  Want to share your own recipe?  Email it to me: kim@blendingbeautiful.com or share your thoughts in the comments!

We browsed the internet last week for costume ideas, and it got me thinking… there are a lot of scandalous choices out there!  You all know what I’m talking about:

“Sexy Dorothy” (I’m pretty sure Judy Garland would be terrified by this.)

This one cracks me up… “Sexy Hamster“.  Who knew there was such a thing!

When I was in college, I remember being shocked the week after Halloween when girls posted pictures of their festive weekends in outfits that could hardly be justified as costumes.  But I guess that’s the age to do it, right?

I’ve always been the kind of girl who was more likely to wear something like this:

(I know this is a child, but this DIY tutorial totally works for adults, too!)

I’m curious to know… does this principle still hold up with you or have you grown out of it?  Is Halloween the one night a year when it’s totally cute and acceptable to wear a tiny outfit?

.

Do you think that barely-there costumes are hot or not?  Will you wear one this year?  At what point should a woman cover up a bit more?  I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments!

Here are some fun links from around the web to start your weekend off right…

Speaking of picnics… check out this stunning picnic elopement!

So many cute iphone cases, at J.Crew of all places!

How beautiful is this New York apartment?

Make a bobblehead that looks like you! (Like Dwight from The Office!!)

Paint-by-numbers made into cool wall art…

I reeeeally want these dining room chairs!

What a delicate bow ring…

This Tom Ford nail polish is to-die-for!

.

And a few {bb} posts you may have missed:

How to get voluminous curls in 5 minutes!

Shop your boyfriend’s closet.

Make your own chalkboard on the cheap…

What are you up to this weekend?  Got any big plans?  Anyone in the Bay Area going to Bridge School, too?  Any fun links to share with us?

My boyfriend and I have only been dating for about 10 months, but it seems pretty clear to me that we’re headed toward marriage. We met in India, I moved to Germany to be with him for about 6 months and now we’re together long distance, him in Germany, me in the states. He has another year and a half to finish school in Germany before he would be able to move here and although I plan to visit him again in Germany, I don’t really want to move there long term, at least not right now.

The tentative plan is that he’ll move here when he finishes school a year and a half from now (we’ll have been together for over 2 years by then). I’ve been told that the easiest, and in some cases only, way to get him a green card so he can move here is to get married.

Do you think that getting married for logistical reasons such as a getting a green card is necessarily a bad idea? I think it would happen eventually anyways, but it kind of takes the romance out of it and definitely means that I would have to bring it up with him within a certain time frame rather than just wait for the unexpected proposal. (Side note: does that even happen anymore? Or are we such planners (and feminists) that we all talk with our partners about marriage ahead of time and really decide together as a team rather than the guy always being the one to dictate the time frame?)

{via}

Thanks so much for writing in, Laina.  Here’s what I think…

It is entirely possible to know in less than ten months that you’re with the right person.  (I called one of my best friends six weeks after Travis and I started dating to tell her I was going to marry him.)  So congratulations on finding someone that you can see yourself marrying!  That is worth getting excited about!

I wonder if you two have already discussed the option of getting married, since you say that he’s already planning to move to the States when he’s done with school.  If you haven’t discussed it yet, I say go for it!  Don’t put any sort of pressure on the guy, but ask him what he thinks of the idea and how he was planning on getting a green card when the time came.  If you’re truly thinking that this is the right man for you, I always vote for open communication.

Travis and I talked a lot about marriage before we got engaged.  We picked out a ring together, so his proposal wasn’t a huge surprise.  This reader flew to Luxembourg knowing that a proposal was on it’s way!  (Which I think would be super exciting!!) These days, women propose to their boyfriends and City Hall weddings have become glamourous.  There are just a million ways to do it.

The truth is, no matter how a marriage (or a proposal) happens, it will be romantic because you’re vowing to spend the rest of your life with the person you love.  And really, as long as the situation is right for your relationship, it doesn’t get much better than that.

What do you think about Laina’s situation, sweet readers?  Engaged/married girls: did you talk to your guy about getting engaged before it happened, or was it a surprise?  Is anyone else in a long distance relationship?  Help out this reader in the comments!

Travis & Kim’s Wedding Day from Dan Kendall on Vimeo.

The video was shot by two of the loveliest people EVER; Dan Kendall and his super-sweet wife, Marsenne.  From the moment Travis and I met with them, we knew that we were in good hands.  (Visit Dan’s website here.)

What do you think, sweet readers?  Would you (or did you) hire someone to take video of your big day?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

{via}

{via}

{via}

{via}

{via}

How is Fall inspiring your style this year?  What’s inspiring you?  Are you making any big style changes?  (Someone please dye their hair that color!!)  Tell me what you’re up to in the comments!

A year and a half ago, we discussed tattoos on the blog and I revealed that I had been itching for a foot tattoo for quite some time.  Travis and I had talked about getting matching puzzle pieces months ago, but the conversation fizzled out and I didn’t bring it up again because I didn’t want him to get ink unless he really wanted it.

So I was surprised when HE suggested on our honeymoon that we go for it!  We waited a few weeks to make sure that we were both up for it, and just over a week ago, we took the plunge! (A very different plunge than we’d taken on 9.17.11!)

Check it out…

The tattoo took all of 5 minutes, and I was seriously glad that it didn’t last any longer… those things hurt!  But we’re super excited to have them, and they’ll continue to be a reminder of our newly-wedded bliss!

What do you think of our tattoos?  Would you ever get a matching tattoo with someone (your significant other/friend/relative)?  Do you have tattoos??  I’d love to hear about ‘em!

Here are some fun weekend-worthy posts from around the web:

A great tutorial on transferring photos onto fabric.

A beautiful San Francisco wedding…

The sweetest way to celebrate someone you love.

What do you call your parents?

Watch this guy pour 12 martinis at one time!

Super classy halloween decorations…

Loving chambray for women and men this Fall.

A candy corn manicure!

.

And a few {bb} posts you may have missed…

My favorite Halloween costume ever!

How to do the perfect daytime smoky eye…

Beautiful wallpaper inspiration.

What are you up to this weekend, lovely readers?  Getting into the Halloween spirit?  Giving yourself a fun manicure?  Share your plans (and any fun links you’ve stumbled onto!) in the comments!

Here’s what you’ll need:

1/2 cup finely minced red onion
1/4 cup finely minced red bell pepper (I forgot to add this when I made it!)
2 tbsp. minced ginger (you can also use powdered ginger, but use a little less)
1 tbsp. minced garlic
1/4 cup sliced bamboo shoots
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
2 cups boneless, skinless chicken (cut into 1/2″ cubes)
1/4 cup soy sauce
salt and pepper
1 cup thinly shredded green cabbage
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1 quart canola oil
2 Hass avocados, sliced into 12 pieces each
egg roll wrappers
1 egg
1 tbsp. milk
sweet chili sauce, for dipping
candy thermometer

Here’s how to make ‘em:

Heat 2 tbsp. canola oil in a skillet and cook the onion & bell pepper for 2 mins. (or unil it’s translucent).

Add the ginger, garlic, bamboo shoots, celery, and chicken.  Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes.  Add the soy sauce, stir well, and set aside.  (Add a little salt and pepper to taste.)

In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, and warm chicken mixture.

In a medium saucepan, heat the 1 quart canola oil to 350 degrees (put your candy thermometer in the oil and let it sit).

.

While the oil is heating, roll your egg rolls.  Paint an egg wash in one corner, add some chicken filling and lay a couple of slices of avocado on top.  Roll from the non-egg washed side and make sure to fold in the corners (like a burrito).  Then paint the whole roll with egg.

Put 3 egg rolls into the oil at one time and cook for 3-5 mins. or until golden brown.

Set them on a cooling rack to drain excess oil.

Slice on a diagonal for optimal presentation, and enjoy!

This wasn’t the quickest recipe, but it was super fun to make and really delicious! Perfect for appetizers (though we ate them for dinner last night and they were super satisfying!)  Plus, they would be just as delicious without chicken, so don’t shy away from these if you’re a vegetarian.  Quick note, though: if you’re making these for 2 people (like we did), I would cut the recipe in half.

Good luck!

Have you ever made egg rolls before?  Do these look appealing to you?  Have you tried any new recipes lately?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

{via}

Let me be clear… my mom is amazing at flower arranging.  I am okay at best.  Travis was working on other things that day.  So when I say “we” did our own flowers, I mean my mom did our flowers and I helped.  Which brings me to tip #1 of DIY flower arranging:

1) Find someone who feels confident arranging flowers. The process will be way more stressful if you don’t have some sort of knack for putting a bouquet together.  And I promise, it is stressful enough without that hurdle.

2) Work as a team. Here’s how we built the bouquets: my mom stood in front of me and placed flowers into my hand so she could see what the bouquet would look like as I walked down the aisle.  When she was done, I handed the flowers to her or stood in a mirror so I could check and make adjustments.

3) Keep it simple. If you look at the photo of my bouquet above, you’ll notice that we didn’t use a bunch of different flowers.  In fact, we only used 2 types of flowers and 2 types of greenery.  I’d recommend leaving anything much more complicated than this to the pros.  (It’s hard to create balance with tons of different flowers unless you want a rougher, just-picked-from-a-meadow feel to your bouquet.  In that case, use as many flowers as you want!)

4) Wrap it up tight! Wrapping the bouquet is also a two person job.  Start with floral tape and finish it off with ribbon or fabric.  One person should hold the stems tight and the other should wrap them, slowly and evenly.  My mom was the wrapper and I was the holder.  To make it easier, I slowly rotated the stems so that she didn’t have to navigate around my fingers.

Would you (or did you) do your own flowers for your wedding?  Are you crafty at floral arranging?  Or would you leave a task like this to the pros?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

Travis and I are both big Conan O’Brien fans, so I’m not sure how we missed the June release date for Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop.  But we were cracking up the entire time we watched, so I urge you to hop on Netflix and check it out this hilarious documentary for yourself!

Have you seen Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop?  Have any other good documentary recommendations?  (I love ‘em!)  What’s been making you laugh lately?  Share in the comments!

I’ve been wanting to try plaid nails, and it was really pretty easy.  To do it yourself, just use nail art brushes to draw diagonal lines in alternating directions on your nails!  There are so many color combos to try… endless fun!

And now for a little help from you…

I try really hard to balance the posts on the blog, so it doesn’t feel like I’m featuring too much of one thing, but I want to make sure I’m balancing the content that you love most. My friend asked for more nail posts, and that’s exactly what I did.  If you like to read about design, relationships, hair tutorials, food… let me know! I’d love to hear what YOU want to see more of on {blending beautiful}!

Please leave a comment or shoot an email to kim@blendingbeautiful.com and tell me what you love to read!  And, as always, don’t hesitate to ask for specific posts.  (Need advice?  Want to emulate a specific celeb look for less?  Let me know!)

And, hey… what do you think of my plaid nails?!

I’ve got a cozy roundup of Autumnal items to share with you this week.  Check ‘em out!

I can’t wait to try this pumpkin bread pudding recipe!

The cozy throw I discovered this week at Ikea, of all places.

I’m gaga over these pumps right now…

LOVE this retro Halloween hair tutorial.

Awesome pumpkin decorating ideas that DON’T involve messy carving!

Get the perfect fall and winter rosy cheek with this.

If you’re hosting a Halloween party, these cute post card invites are a must-have!

Aaaand… the best Fall purchase I’ve made so far!  (Squee!)

.

And a few {bb} posts you may have missed…

My favorite looks last Fall.

Keep your Summer glow going with these tricks…

Bundle up on a budget!

What are you up to this weekend, my sweets?  Staying cozy and getting in the Fall spirit?  Or will you head outside and make the most of the unpredictable weather?  Anyone get Columbus Day off? Share in the comments! xo

Personally, I’m a fan.  But I don’t really know if it’s a look I could pull off.  I get a serious East Coast vibe from this look… we San Franciscans are pretty laid back in our style choices.

If you’re in the market for a cape, here are some cute options:

{via}

{via}

{via}

Okay, you’ve seen the rundown.  What’s the verdict?

.

Do you think capes are hot or not?  Do you own one?  Do you feel like it “fits in” with the vibe of your city?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

Wanna see?

We are so excited to get the full roundup of photos!

Visit Nicolette’s professional website here, or check out her blog.

And if you’re interested, you can check out our engagement photos here.

I’m wearing a dress with the same silhouette as this one (though mine is not in a bright print):

Since it’s strapless, I feel like I could really wear my hair up or down, which is making me feel a little overwhelmed!  I’ve narrowed it down to three potential styles, and now I need your help to decide.  Here are the options:

Style 1: Long and breezy, a go-to style that I love.

Style 2: Sexy side bun… paired with some killer earrings, of course!

Style 3: Half-Up; simple and elegant.

What do you think?

.

Which of these styles do you like best?  Got any other good suggestions?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

We bought two vintage chairs for our living room yesterday.  I love the idea of incorporating a frame wall behind them!

We are also seriously considering the addition of a sheepskin or other high-pile rug… so cozy!

We picked up an old trunk, which makes a great coffee or side table!

And I’m pretty much addicted to anything on casters lately…

Which of these pieces are you most into?  Yea or nay on the sheepskin rug?  And would you buy used furniture?  Share your thoughts in the comments!