Freddy & Ma

Ok so normally our posts have nice little collages but this was a spur of the moment find that I HAD to tell you about. You can customized bags, pillows and other items for your bridal party at http://www.freddyandma.com/ . It is my new favorite for having that added touch to coordinate your day with your bridal party, but also ends up being something they may use in the future.

Paper

So you have been married for almost a year. The holidays are over but what do you get for that one year anniversary. The traditional gift is paper, but how do you translate that into something modern and not tacky? Well, if your partner a sports fanatic one great gift idea is a laminated visual from http://www.laminatedvisuals.com/ - this will allow them the best of both worlds an awesome gift but also something for the sports room.

If your partner isn't much of a sports buff you can try the website listed below for other creative gifts.

http://www.personalcreations.com/











Or if you are a crafty individual then check out this website for a more personal touch!

http://www.paperarts.com

Merry Christmas! Happy Kwanzaa! Merry Chanukah!

Whatever your flavor may be we wish you the best. We know these times don’t slow down the parties you may hold and you have lots of gifts to give so we have listed some simple ways to create an inexpensive, but festive décor. These can work from the dinner table to the most festive soiree.

Here are our top 5 festive ideas with places to buy them:
1. Festive Colorful Linens (www.amazon.com)
2. Ornaments – these can be used as a centerpiece alone or stacked neatly in a vase (Local Dollar Store)
3. Vases – these inexpensive glass vases, when adding fruit, ornaments or event candles make a very festive table setting (http://www.dollartree.com/floral-decor/vases-bowls-containers/202c203c203/index.cat)
4. Food – setting out plates of decorated cookies or fruit always helps to add a warm & inviting touch especially when arranged nicely – you can always add flecks of gold for an added warmth effect (http://www.ediblegold.com/)
5. Mirrors, gift boxes and homemade snowflakes end our list of festive but inexpensive ideas, but remember all that matters is that you have fun and enjoy your time because in the long run people are more likely to remember the fun they had rather than what things look like

Take care & have a Happy Holiday!

Love,
Tiffani & Heather

Jelly Balls aka Crystal Soil®

So reading the title you have to say "HUH? What are we talking about?" This is the new way to make your floral arrangement a little more eye grabbing. These jelly balls otherwise known as crystal soil are a polymer, you first add water (pure water is recommended) and the balls will store the water releasing it to either your cut flowers or your houseplants. It is suggested that you add water the night before your event (give at least 8-12 hours) or you can add boiling water to the crystals/balls allowing them to absorb the water faster. These balls also come in a variety of colors and can be used very decoratively and you can even safely incorporate candles into the arrangement. The Crystal Soil® brand is 100% non-toxic and biodegradable, can last up to one year and it breaks down after its useful working life to water, carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen. These can be found at local craft stores such as Joann’s. For more information or to order some for your next event here are some websites where you can find them.

http://www.crystalsoil.com/

http://www.komatsuchemical.com/

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=crystal+soil&x=0&y=0

Up-lighting

So you want to set the mood with beautiful up-lighting but you are on a tight budget. What better than to use candles. There are so many different colors, sizes and patterns you can get candles in that it will be a great “extra” for your next event. Just remember you don’t want to get candles that are too scented as this can overpower the room or even the meal. Also if your venue will not allow open flames there are many types of inexpensive battery powered lighting options now, and they even look legit. We have given you some examples of how they can make your event look amazing, as well as links to inexpensive options.

http://www.batteryoperatedcandles.net/tea-lights.html

http://www.100candles.com

http://www.candle4less.com/

http://www.quickcandles.com/Votive-Candles-s/1.htm

Dipped Delicacies!

It is time for all of those holiday parties to take place so what better than to show up with some amazing treats. How do you make your standard cookies, fruit tray and other scrumptious treats extra special? CHOCLATE!!! Why not cover your fruit, marshmallows, pretzels and everything else you can think of in chocolate! If you are too afraid of the mess you could make then just grab some store bought icing and top with fun sprinkles. Below are a few links to making some chocolate covered delicacies.

http://video.about.com/candy/Fudge-Dipped-Marshmallows.htm

http://video.about.com/candy/Caramel-Candy-Apples.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_4007_make-nutty-chocolate.html

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/pretzel-sparklers