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...Wedding Inspiration All Frothed Up & Lovely!

Fall has blessed us with a few gorgeous, sunny days! The kind that can make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. As we prepare for the holiday season, let's toasty up to some frothy bridal news and wedding ideas, shall we?

(Photo credit: Picture taken by my friend Natalie of Nattyfish Adventures, while visiting Thailand. If you're planning a honeymoon, check out her blog to get inspired by her amazing travel adventures around the world!)

OneWed.com is giving brides a chance to win $500 in Dessy.com Accessories or up to 8 Lela Rose Bridesmaids Dresses! Create your own style board and enter the Dessy-Pantone-OneWed Style Board Challenge! Of course, don't forget they're still running their Off-the-Chart Wedding Giveaway where you have the chance to win $15,000 in prizes for your wedding party. What are you waiting for? Get entering!

Brides, looking for feminine yet seductive pieces for your wedding night or honeymoon? Check out the luxurious lingerie line recently launched by Brulee, including "comfortable pieces that are sexy, versatile and travel brilliantly". Go on and spoil yourself, if even just once. You deserve a little "ooh-la-la"!

Need yet another reminder to believe in love? This romantic canvas by Geezees will remind you day after day, so you'll never lose your faith!

Choosing a bridal headpiece isn't easy, especially when you have so many to choose from! See some of the most stylish ones out there, featured over at Inc. Weddings. I'm especially loving the ones by Etsy seller Austie!

(Photo credits: Etsy seller Austie)

Looking for something unique to add to your reception? If you're hosting your reception outdoors, consider this smokin' hot idea recently featured on Dynamite Weddings - a cigar bar for your guests! Love it.

Stir some flower into your bridal style with these gorgeous handmade blooms and accessories from Etsy seller bpoetic - don't forget to get inspired even further at the b.poetic blog!

Peacocks are taking over parties across the nation one blog at a time. With gorgeous blues and pretty purples, this elegant Peacock Party recently featured on Couture Parties is one of my favorites!

"Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens..." - yes, those are a few of my favorite things. Along with the blog So This Is Bliss, by Luxe Productions! Get to know the gal behind these inspiring thoughts, Misty Damico, by clicking HERE.

(Photo credit: Luxe Productions)

Planning on getting together with other wedding or bridal bloggers for a meetup? Wow your way through the door by handmaking these awesome business card holders! I love this idea found over at Orange Blossom Ink. Give them out at meetups or as gifts this holiday season! Too perfect.

For custom gowns and dresses as sweet as can be, visit SarahSeven on Etsy.

Feeling crafty? Dare to do a lil' DIY? Learn how to make paper daisies, super snazzy floral invitations that sparkle, fantastic bridal shower invites, paper windmills to use in centerpieces and other inspiring projects by visiting Eckersleys!

See how less is more with these Japanese art inspired centerpieces recently featured over at the Lotus Haus Blog.

Happy planning!

...Not The Laundry Blues!

Newlywed? You're probably too busy showing off your fab new frillies to do any laundry! Procrastinator? I hear you. Domestically Disabled? Me too. Afraid to go into your basement to do your laundry because there was a big, huge spider that sent you away screaming last time? Now there is a song and dance I am very familiar with! The answer? Soak!

Darling dearests, no matter what your story, Soak can help you out with your issues. It's as close to a fairy godmother as you're going to get. I tried it tonight for the first time and fell in love with the fresh scents and how easy it is to use! To my surprise, it actually worked better than my regular detergent. For real - I LOVE this stuff! Here's the deal...

"Soak is modern care for fine fibers. This rinse-free formulation is perfect for washing your laciest lingerie, your softest sweaters, swimwear, workout gear, hand-made quilts and even baby clothes. Soak is gentle and deliciously scented with fabric-friendly ingredients that revitalize fibers so they look great and last longer. Soak is biodegradable, non-toxic and has eco-friendly packaging." - SoakWash.com

Planning a bachelorette party or a bridal shower? Order a few sets of the Soak Mini Samples as a fabulous yet unique favor idea - it's an easy, affordable option, as they come in sets of 12. Perhaps you get crafty and tie a ribbon with a tag around each!

Order a few bottles of Soak Celebration to give as shower game prizes or a few bottles for the bride so she can Soak wash all of her new lingerie. The Soak Label Of Love 12-Pack also makes a great gift!

(Photo credits: www.soakwash.com)

Head on over to www.soakwash.com to get yours or learn more. Now through December 31st, 2009, guests can enter code SOAK09 upon checkout for 15% off all orders placed on www.soakwash.com.

Also, be sure to stop by the Soak Worthy Blog and add Jacqueline, the founder, to your list of super cool Twitter peeps. Cheers and happy soaking!

...As Featured On Chicago Style Unveiled!

I'd like to give a big huge welcome and a sincere thank you to the new Chicago Style Unveiled! You can imagine my excitement when I found out that It's A Jaime Thing was listed on their site, under The Perfect Ten - Chicago Wedding Blogs! What an honor...

(Via: The Lounge on Chicago Style Unveiled)

Also on the list were several of my favorites including...

Allori Photography

Scarlet Petal

Engaging Events by Ali

Olivia Leigh Photographie

Honey Bee Weddings

The Third Coast Bride

Chennergy

Elizabeth Anne Designs

Lola Event Productions

To read about the list and get loads more of stylish Chicago wedding inspiration, click HERE.

(Photo credit: Chicago Style Unveiled)

But wait! I'd also like to introduce you to my Chicago wedding blog friends at...

OneWed.com

Bubbly Bride Events

Trendsetting Wedding

With This Ring

Yes, it's pretty awesome having such creative and talented neighbors! Please do take the time to stop by their blogs and introduce yourselves with a lil' bit of comment or link love. Now I raise my glass (or rather, my coffee mug, but we can pretend)...

Cheers to all of you!

xo -Jaim

...And Celebrate With A Spooky Soiree!

You don't have to dress scary to have a frightening good time at your Halloween wedding! Check out these spooky yet sophisticated ideas recently featured on Brides.com...

(Photo credits: Decor, cocktails, coasters, photobooth, dress via Brides.com)

...Napkins & Plates That Dress To Impress!

No matter what kind of party you're about to host, be sure to do it in style! With so many fabulous party supplies out there, I know it's difficult to sometimes choose a theme. Fear not, I've hand selected some of my favorites to hopefully inspire you for your adventures in planning the perfect soiree...

These cocktail napkins are sassy, sophisticated and make an easy tool in helping you set the style of your event. Love them? See these and more by visiting PlatesAndNapkins.com and ShopCocktailNapkins.com. Want to really wow 'em? Do so with these pretty lil' party plates...

Impress your guest of honor by personalizing the party plates with a nice mug shot of them and a sweet lil' message. They'll LOVE it! Find these plates exclusively at Hallmark.com. Happy planning!!!

...Into Your Bridesmaids Gifts!

Give stylish bridesmaids gifts your girls will love and create a fun photo opportunity at the same time...

(Photo Credit: www.styleunveiled.com)

Searching for the perfect personalized rings? Click HERE. Find more stylish wedding ideas by visiting the new Chicago Style Unveiled! Cheers!

...With Dessy!

Have you tried the Pantone Wedding tools over at Dessy.com? You are going to love them! Check it out...

If you've ever wanted to learn how to create your own inspiration boards, this new Dessy.com tool makes it super easy for you! Explore your way around the site after signing up for free and discover other advantages of using the Pantone Wedding tools...

(Photo credits: www.dessy.com)

To learn more about what you can do using the tools and to get started, click HERE. Happy styling and of course, happy planning!

...Bake Up A Bridal Storm Of Yummies!!

Planning a bridal shower? Serve up these pretty lil' treats to your guests! Just click on the links below for the recipes and serve with a smile...

Black Currant Tea Chocolate Truffles

Colorful Butterfly Lollipops

Sweetheart Sandwich Cookies

Top It With Tea!

(Photo credits and recipes: www.delish.com)

Or, do as I sometimes do - decorate for the shower until it's too late to even consider baking and then send a bridesmaid to the bakery instead! Serve your treats as dessert with coffee and tea or set up to-go boxes so your guests can fill them up to take home as bridal shower favors. Cheers!

...A Guest Blog From TheManRegistry.com!

Answers to some of the common newlywed financial questions from the guys at TheManRegistry.com!

(Photo credits: provided by TheManRegistry.com)

Statistics say that finances are the number one topic that married couples argue about (think about some of the couples that you know and you’ll realize that this is probably accurate). Money is always a very touchy subject, especially if you don’t have a lot of it. This is generally the case for newlyweds who are just starting out.

The best way to align yourselves for financial success and avoid arguing over money is to discuss some financial topics before you take the walk down the aisle. Here are a few of the major issues and some quick recommendations from us on each one.

Should we combine our finances after getting married?

Not every couple combines their finances after getting married, but our answer to this question is yes. First, determine who the money manager is going to be in the family or if you’re going to split that duty. From there, we recommend creating joint checking and savings accounts and keeping personal checking accounts for each of you. By doing it this way, you can split common bills and still have “mad money” to spend on your own things.

It takes every couple awhile to get used to the “my money is your money mindset” that comes along with marriage, but if you can stay organized – it won’t be a difficult transition.

How much should we be saving from our paychecks?

If you haven’t noticed, our economy hasn’t been the most stable over the past year. The recovery has been nice, but we all have learned just how important saving for rough times can be. Depending on incomes, 30% is a great amount of net income to put away in savings/investments each month. Obviously, every couple isn’t going to be able to put aside that amount, but you’re doing yourself a huge favor even if you can only do 10% each month.

We both are bringing debt into the marriage, how should it be tackled?

Don’t freak out if you’re bringing debt into marriage. More couples do than don’t and there are ways you can tackle the debt together. The first and most important step is to be upfront and honest with each other about how much debt you each have. We recommend creating a chart of spending habits (it’s lame, but it works). This chart will help you both identify places you can cut back each month. If it’s an option, we highly recommend speaking to a financial planning professional. A financial planner can look at your debt and interest rates and help you plan where to begin paying down.

What should we do with all that cash we get as wedding gifts?

Who doesn’t love cash? You’ll definitely be seeing green after the wedding as cash remains the most common wedding gift that couples receive. There’s nothing wrong with splurging a little with the new found greenbacks, but this might also be a great time to create that joint savings account we talked about earlier. The wedding cash would be a great first deposit. Depending on how much you get, you could always pocket a few hundred for honeymoon drinks and save the rest!

What advice do the readers of It's A Jaime Thing have for newlyweds who are thinking about their post-wedding finances? We want to hear your thoughts. Comment below! Cheers! ~ TheManRegistry.com

Thanks for the great advice, guys! Brides, be sure to send your grooms over to TheManRegistry.com. Okay fine, you can peek too...you know I did (and loved it - The Man Registry rocks)! Also, here's a lil' extra frosting for your cake - today while picking up a bottle of wine, I heard the guy ahead of me say to the cashier, "Can I please have the receipt? My wife told me I have to keep track of my monthly beer drinking expenses." - I just smirked and walked away... ~Jaime

...At Wishpot!

My fab friend Gift Girl over at Wishpot.com has informed me that they have teamed up with Avelle (the new Bag, Borrow or Steal) this week for one very fabulous giveaway! They're giving away a real Kate Spade designer handbag!!! Check out this red beauty...

Maybe you want a new purse to start your happily ever after with as a newlywed. Or, perhaps you would like to give it as a gift to your stylish maid of honor! Whatever your reason, there are several ways to enter to win your very own Kate Spade as shown above. Hurry, Wishpot will be drawing the winner on Monday, October 5th! Click HERE for details on how to enter. Good luck!