...I'm Ready For You!

Once again, the summer is gone and Fall has arrived! Brides getting married this season, are you ready? I think I am! I'll take the change of season with a smile, especially with a photo as fabulous this...

(Photo credit: Photography By Stacey - Canada)

So go on, leaves. Do what you have to do. Fall if you must. Bring us colorful trees and cozy-up weather as I happily light my first pumpkin spice candle of the year. Let me sip my happy lil' pumpkin spiced latte from Starbucks. Let's close our eyes and smell the caramel apples from the pumpkin patch and feel a trickle of excitement as the holidays roll near.

Brides, visit my blog archives to grab some fall wedding inspiration and prepare for what's to come. Cheers!

...Oh Wait ~ You Don't Have To Anymore!

My very loving husband still manages to ask, "Babes, where's the can opener?", while searching through the kitchen. What?! I've figured it out. Many guys only like to hunt for manly things. There is nothing manly about a can opener. So, the women usually end up hunting down and finding the darn thing themselves. Solution? Chalkboard paint!

(Photo credit: via EverythingFab.com)

Get your manly man to fix up your newlywed kitchen all cool, like this one above. It's easy, just grab some chalkboard paint from Home Depot and ask him to cover your old cabinets and walls! He'll be happy because he has a manly DIY job to do and can be proud showing it off to his buddies once it's finished. You'll be happy because now, you can mark the cabinets with chalk so he knows where to find things! Shaaazaaam!

Can it get any more creative than this? You would have the coolest kitchen in town! Imagine how much fun you could have decorating your home and chalkboards for different holidays, dinners and parties. Not only that, but you two love birdies could then write each other love notes or reminders everyday. Now how sweet is that?

Fashion Icon Inspiration & A New Fashion Blog!

Many of you know I write weekly for the Wishpot Wedding Blog. I love it! Now they've invited me to also become a Fashion Expert and I couldn't be more thrilled! This week, on the NEW Wishpot Fashion Finds Blog, I decided to share some exiciting news. Barbie is coming to Fashion Week! To read more about it, check out my fashion guest blog entry by clicking HERE.

In honor of Barbie's upcoming runway debut and her 50th Anniversary this year, I thought we'd take a second look at Barbie and get inspired, say for a bachelorette party perhaps? Can you rock it like Barbie? I believe the answer to that is a definite yes...

(Photo credits: Shoes & lingerie from Bebe, hairband from Barneys NY, picture of model Coco Rocha from NY Mag, jewelry from Etsy seller VoleurDeBijoux, makeup by Mac Cosmetics, Hard Rock Barbie from BarbieCollector.com.)

Looking for more fashion and style inspiration? Head on over to the new Fashion Finds Blog over at Wishpot! While you're there, check out my own personal fashion and style finds and even start your own lists! This is the perfect opportunity for you to grab some style tips and build a new closet.

Encourage your friends and family to do the same, so you can all share your lists for birthdays and holidays. Joining Wishpot means that the days of getting something "so-not-your-style" are gone. It's time to get what you really want. With 2009 right around the corner, it's time for a new year and to have some fun...happy shopping!

...Oh Pretty Little Christmas Shoe!

I'm thinking next year, along with putting up a Christmas Tree, I might have to put up a Christmas Shoe too. Hmm. As for now, rock the holidays in a pair of pretty little red bow shoes like these. With after Christmas sales, now is the perfect time to run out and grab a pair just in time for New Years Eve and maybe even your wedding...to pop some color under your dress! Yummy.

Valentino:

Hale Bob Melanee:

Cheers!

...Just Invite The Neighbors!

Meet Fred. The squirrel. He's really good at hosting wild animal parties in our backyard, so he's decided to share some tips with us on how to make your wild animal party a successful one!

First things first, make sure the atmosphere is nice and comfy. Think stylish branches for birds to sit on, an open bar birdhouse, and delightful food such as seeds, peanuts, cereal, the works! You'll want to set it up so that every friendly animal you invite feels at home.

Fred tells us that the best time to throw an animal party is during the day, that way you can hire security to keep their eyes open for predators that may be crawling nearby.

When it's time to serve dinner, scatter the food in different spots to prevent too much crowding in one spot. That way it's easier for everyone to continue to mingle and make friends.

Sometimes Fred asks his girlfriend, Fredricka, to help him host. He says having a co-host also helps to keep things running smooth, in case someone has to run out for more peanuts because you only have one left...

Whatever you do, relax and have fun. Nothing is worse than an uptight host. Not having an animal party? It's ok, they'll have their own. Maybe if you buy them some food this winter so they don't freeze and die they'll even invite you to party along! So don't forget to feed your critters.

Looking to help the critters in other ways? Help save abandoned wild baby animals by visiting this site:

Just go to: www.awbar.com. Happy Holidays!

Fashionable & Festive Invitations To Get The Party Started...It's Not Too Late!

The holidays just got a whole lot sassier! Browse through the stylish holiday collection from Bonnie Marcus before planning your fabulous winter affair...

Santa Girl With Sparkles:

Reach For The Stars:

Holiday Girl:

Party Girl:

Cool thing about these invitations aside from their stylish look? When you purchase them, a portion of the proceeds from your sale are donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and other organizations promoting breast cancer awareness. The Bonnie Marcus collections are also printed on recycled paper and include not only invitations for the holiday, but weddings and other events too!

Bonnie Marcus doesn't stop with paper...you can also find great gift ideas for that grab bag or even your bridesmaids, such as flip flops, tote bags, note pads and more. Talk about a one-stop-shop this season...can it get any easier? To find these items and more, visit Bonnie's Style Press. Have a happy, haute holiday!

...Turn Ornament Ideas Into Decor Ideas!

Planning for the holidays and for your wedding? Perhaps you can take the work you put into your holiday and use it for your wedding as well! After reading THIS article, I thought I'd share with you my favorite homemade ornaments-turned-wedding-decor ideas from Martha Stewart. Just click on the name of each ornament to learn how to easily make them:

Floating Ornaments

Sure, you could decorate your tree with these, buy why stop there? Make several in the colors of your wedding and hang them low from your reception ceiling, perhaps above the dance floor or from the top of the bar:

Snowy Balloon Ornaments

Imagine these lovely ornaments inside bowls or vases as centerpieces for your tables, in the colors of your wedding or ones complimentary to your flowers. Or, hang them from trees outside or inside, to fancy up your ceremony or reception entrance!

Ribbon Bow Ornaments

These lovely ornaments could instead be created to decorate your table settings at your reception. Just place them on top of each plate to add a pop of color!

Button Wreath Ornament

These ornaments could be used in your wedding colors to hang behind your chairs at the ceremony or reception, or to hang on the side of pews. Or, you could make button garland! Just thread a long string of buttons and hang the garland over the front of your head table. Decorate doors, chairs, the bar, anywhere! If you love the button idea, why not create a button theme? Sprinkle several buttons in your wedding colors over tables, like confetti. Place in the bottom of flower vases instead of rocks. Dare I say it? Cute as a button!

Tinsel Snowflakes

Planning a winter wedding? Create these snowflake ornaments in whatever colors you'd like, then place them in different spots such as the corner of the guestbook table, or on the table of favors. Heck, you could even use these as favors! Then each of your guests would have an ornament to take home and hang on their tree, year after year, remembering your amazing day.

To see more creative ornament ideas, click HERE. Or, head over to MarthaStewart.com for even more great ideas. Happy decorating!

...The Lights Aren't The Only Thing Twinkling This Holiday!

The lights are twinkling, and so is your ring! Holidays are a great time to show off that dazzling rock of yours, so do it in style! This week on The Wishpot Wedding Blog, I had diamonds and sparkly things on my mind, so I thought I'd share with you. Here are a few fabulous pieces to keep you rockin' through the holidays, no matter if it's a holiday party you're off to, or your bachelorette party.

Like the song goes, "Jingle bell time is a swell time, to rock the night away...", so go ahead. Bring the "ice" inside and rock it!

Rockin' Items:

You can find the majority of these items located in my Wishpot lists...who knows, maybe they'll end up in your Wishpot stockings! While you're there, why not start making your own holiday gift lists? Make your own wish list, or make lists of items you want to get for friends and family...the perfect way to get exactly what you want for the holiday! Or, get registered for your wedding on Wishpot!

Top - Rhinestone Stilettos from Charlotte Russe. Second row - Bejeweled Hat from Newport News, Diamond Rings from the Ivanka Trump Bridal Bar Collection. Third Row - Disco Earrings from Etsy seller Ishi, Jeweled Hair Band from Newport News.

To see more wedding and holiday ideas, head on over to The Wishpot Wedding Blog. Happy holidays & thanks for reading! -Jaime

...Wishpot Has New Registry Features!

I seriously love Wishpot, and I'll tell you why. Not only will Wishpot.com allow you to register for all of the things you love from all your favorite stores in one spot, but now you'll be able to register for contributions towards your honeymoon, a down payment on a home, a car, furniture, appliances, you name it! Your sweetheart guests can give you cash gifts, or put money towards larger items on your registry. Or, if you have all you need in each other, you can register for donations to your favorite charity!

Wishpot also lets you see who has contributed. So you always know who to thank. They even have new Price Alert Emails to help save you money! Just in time for the holidays. It’s just one more way to use Wishpot for your wedding...

Wishpot has been nominated by Mashables in the Open Web Awards in the category Social Shopping, so be sure to VOTE!

Start seeing your wishes come true...cheers!

...Lure Your Guests In To Be Naughty So You Can Be Bumped Up To Nice!

Planning a holiday soiree? No matter if you're a baker or faker, your baked goodies will look joyfully yummy when placed upon these festive cake stands and holders! Serve with these at your winter party, wedding or shower, then sit and listen to the compliments roll in...

Three Cake Plates:

These candy-cane-striped cake plates can be used stacked or individually!

Whimsical Cake Stand, Dome & Servers:

Sold separately, these serving pieces would make a great addition to any holiday party!

Krinkles Cupcake Holders, Set of 4:

These hand-painted ceramic cupcake holders are too adorable...no wonder the elves got into them (though I never knew elves had such big feet)!

Aren't you just crazy over these? They'd also make a wonderful gift for any hostess with the mostess who loves to fa-la-la! Find these items and more at Horchow.com. Happy holidays!

...Stylish Decor ~ Get The Look!

'Tis the season to be jolly and entertain. Whether you're planning a winter wedding, holiday party or an intimate holiday dinner, get inspired with these beautiful ideas from Pottery Barn!

On a tight budget? Simple use of branches, pine cones and pure white candles can help you mimic this look. Want that frosted touch? Take your items outside and spray paint them with metallic paint to finish off that wintry feel...

To get the look shown below on a budget, pick up some tall glass vases and round frosted votive holders from your local craft store or dollar store. Fill them with small red round ornaments and limes. Use plastic martini glasses and small plastic cocktail glasses in complimentary colors which you can also find at many dollar stores or party stores...

Or, just head on over to Pottery Barn where you can find all of these items! Also, check out their sister store, West Elm, for more affordable entertaining and decor ideas. Happy holidays and happy planning!