Wedding To-Do List!

Wow!  It is so hard to believe it has been a little over a year (since Dec. 15th) that I've been planning a wedding.  SO many things are on the checklist that  brides/grooms need to get done within a certain time frame because slots fill up - caterer, photographer, reception site, church, etc.  Well this little bride to be has things crossed off left and right!

1. Wedding location (church)
2. Reception site
3. Caterer
4. Photographer
5. Bridal Party
6. Wedding Gown
7. Bridesmaid's Gowns
8. Groom's suit
9. Groomsmen suits
10. Alcohol
11. Bartenders
12. Decorator - Wall/Ceiling Draping
13. Bridal Shoes
14. Work out ...er... stay the same weight/measurements
15. Get dress altered
16. Register for gifts
17. Save the dates
18. Bachelorette Party
19. Bachelor Party
20. Hair/Make-up
21. Guest List
22. Centerpieces
23. Candy/Smores/Cookie Bar
24. Transportation
25. Hotel rooms
26. Invitations
27. OMG who knows what else.... geesh...

Bevilled Edge Photography

I am one of those mother's that has their child's name on everything.  My daughter has personalized clothes, wall decals, books, etc.  I was looking for a Christmas present for her that she can keep for a long time.  I was looking into options when I found Bevilled Edge Photography!  Check them out and saw we sent you! 

Shutterfly 2013 Holiday Cards

I thought of the best Christmas Card idea ever - we wear matching red sweaters with a white collared shirt underneath and do an 80s pose.  I saw the pose on a movie and instantly thought it would be a good laugh instead of all the boring Christmas cards people usually send.  I always use Shutterfly for my photobooks and want there to check out their 2013 Christmas Collection.  Go there now!

 

Hello Save The Date/Christmas Card!

We all know how much I love the photobooks, so be sure to check them out -- great presents for Grandparents if they are filled with a years worth of photographs.  BEST PRESENT EVER!

 

Shutterfuly also has a Tri-Fold card that would make an amazing Christmas card, but can also double as a Save The Date!   Because my wedding costs keep building (Pinterest you lied and said it is possible to have a wedding under $6k Boo) I am looking everywhere to save a few dollars - this tri-fold doubles as both :) 

There are so many new card designs for Holiday Cards 2013

o   Classic: Traditional colors, iconic illustrations, aspirational sentiments, snowflakes, monogram

o   Contemporary: trend forward colors, texture and layering, water color techniques, shine, glitter, Instagram pictures are perfect for this style

o   Whimsy: humor and nostalgia meet, fun sentiments

o   Merry and Bright: all about color and having fun

o   Religious: metallic type treatments, incorporated story ideas

o   Photo Basics: multiple colors, vertical type, family name highlights

Interested in all these new designs and ideas?  Shutterfly and I have joined up to give you $50 to use on the site!  Just enter using the giveaway links below!

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Be sure to join in on the Pinterest Party --  #PhotosYouLove on October 16 at 8 PM ET!  You never know what interesting ideas you will see at this Pinning Party (tm)!

I am  have been compensated with product as per FTC regulations and love it!  

Buyer Beware!

Have any of the brides began looking for matching bands to go with their engagement rings? Are you going to be engaged and found rings you love? Be sure YOU tell your future fiance to research it ENDLESSLY before a decision is made.  I am in the situation now that the only band to match my ring has to be custom made, despite what my future hubbster was told when he purchased it.  Why would someone just say there is a bad that matches it - no worries to a guy who is already nervous about buying a ring, especially if it is already costing a good chunk of money?  So as a reminded - check what is being told because you do not want to end up being in a spot where you have to spend a ton more money on getting a band custom made to actually go with your ring although the sales associate said there was one to match it. As you all now I am from the Pittsburgh/Morgantown area and I do not yet want to say the store we are having a problem with until  find out what they are going to do on their end.  Boo....

JazzyWear!

There are quite a few things girls love -

 Diamonds, perfume, jewelry, and shoes. 

Founded in the year 2008 in Athens, Ohio, JazzyWear is an online shoe boutique that features stylish flats, pumps and boots for women. All shoes are offered in audacious colors and styles! 

If any of you are living in the Cali area, please pay attention:  JazzyWear does SHOE PARTIES!  Yes, you heard me correctly- no more candle/food/31/etc parties.  This is amazing ... now if we only lived on the West Coast.  E-mail Jazzy at  jazzywear@gmail.com for more info on how to do this!


We picked this super cute pair of sandals to review.  They are called the  Mini Turquoise Hawaiian Sandal and were a hit.  For those of you who have been following the blog my wedding colors have changed just like the weather in this town - from one extreme to another. Finally it has been decided that it is going to be navy, shades of pinks and gold/silver- sometimes you have to Pinterest hours to figure it out.  Anyway, the blues fit perfectly with what  I wanted.

To begin with they were delivered fast!  I loved the little paper they were wrapped in when delivered - kind of like a surprise present inside that little box!

Another thing I loved is there are matching adult/children shoes!  I can just imagine the cute pictures that can be done with bridesmaids and flower girls during the reception.  Everyone kicks their heels off for flips (besides me because I am short) during the reception, so they should look cute while dancing the night away!  Plus, they are a steal - $12/$15. 

If you are looking for a unique pair of sandals or heels, check out her site.  But more importantly ... they make great presents!




 


  

Diamond... we have a problem!

So I went to pick out my wedding band today - did not get anywhere except let down! I am not a big nit-picker when it deals with stuff, I am just a funny girl who basically goes with the flow.  But Huston Diamond, we have a problem ... haha.

The store told my fiance when he purchased my ring there was a band that matched it perfectly and not to worry.  When I went to the store to look at the choices and find which one I liked best THERE WERE NONE!   The lady said she would order some and we can come back in to try them on.  While eating lunch in Pittsburgh I received the call back that said the only band I could get that matched it would be more than the single band they offered($3250) and the single band would "Leave a gap between rings".  Who wants a band that does not match their ring and does not fit perfectly?   Why did the associate tell my future hubbster about the wedding band when there are none that match it anyway?  Very upset in the service ... That is just part of the problems that I dealt with on that day...  I absolutely hate when someone tells someone something just to get a sale, a rather large sale if I may say so, especially to someone who does not know anything about jewelry in the first place!  

Space Warriors (Blu-ray + DVD + VUDU Digital Copy)

Walden Family Theater is proud to announce the Space Warriors Blog App & a chance to Win a Family Trip to Space Camp!

Watch Space Warriors on Hallmark Channel May 31st at 8/7C for your chance to win a trip for the whole family to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center's Space Camp!  Keep an eye out for the secret keyword for a chance to go on location where Space Warriors was filmed and train like a real astronaut! Six highly skilled teenagers are handpicked to be part of a summer space camp competition at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. As the competition heats up, the kids have no idea that their ultimate challenge will be to solve a life or death crisis aboard the International Space Station as the world anxiously watches.

Starring: Thomas Horn, Danny Glover, Josh Lucas, Dermot Mulroney, Mira Sorvino and Booboo Stewart.  With this many great people [handsome I mean ;)] this movie will be a hit!

Space Warriors is the second film in the Walden Family Theater original lineup featuring great family entertainment, airing Friday nights exclusively on Hallmark Channel. Walden Family Theater is creating films for the whole family to enjoy together, so make sure to mark your calendars and gather around the television to watch all the great upcoming films! Past films include: "The Chronicles of Narnia" series, "Holes", "Nim's Island", "Charlotte's Web", and "Return to Nim's Island."

Win this: - Space Warriors (Blu-ray + DVD + VUDU Digital Copy) (Walmart Exclusive)

Try out the Blog App

Why try thje app? Because you can win all kids of fun stuff as well as our prize!

• Win a Family Trip to SPACE CAMP! - Tune in to Space Warriors on Hallmark Channel May 31 at 8/7c for the secret keyword to win a family trip to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s Space Camp!
• How Spacey Are You? QUIZ – Are you a Space Warrior? Do you use the stars to navigate your journeys instead of the map function on your smartphone? Take this quiz to find out whether you're destined to orbit the cosmos or whether you're happiest living here on this planet.
• Prepare for Blast-off! Space Warriors Viewing Guide – Mark your calendars for May 31st and check off the boxes as you watch Space Warriors for the most spectacular, spaciest experience!

Just tell me below what your

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Tiny Prints

Besides bridal shower invitations and wedding invitations one main event keeps happening in our lives - babies!  When Britt was having her shower she sent out adorable invites and they matched her theme! I love when everything goes together, such as the decorations invitations, colors, and the gifts. 

A great company I had the privilege to work with is Tiny Prints. Their invitations and announcements are adorable! Most of the invitations that I love include bright colors and are easy to coordinate with.  The unique invites are a wonderful surprise to the guest, especially the ones I picked out!  

Birth announcements are another element that I love getting in the mail.  People usually send ones out from the hospital because they get packages, but if you or someone you know is going to have a baby soon think of Tiny Prints!  There were so many unique and cute ideas that it was hard to pull a few to show everyone.   Tiny Prints has the traditional look people often love as well as the option to have 5+ photos on your announcement.  

  

Quick Giveaway: Tiny Prints wants to give a reader $50 to use on their site!  If you want to enter do the following things:

1. Visit Tiny Prints Birth Announcements or Tiny Prints Baby Shower Invitations and comment favorite stationery item.  Let me know which one you liked! 
2. Like SAHMandTW on FB - let me know if you are a new follower!
3. Tweet us, anything at all! @SAHMandTW

Personalized Gifts!

With wedding season in full swing and then baby season not to farbehind I thought I would let everyone know about Treat.  First off there are so many options it was hard to decide what to look at first.   

Birthday, Engagement, Wedding, and Graduation  Cards to name a few!

















For a limited time you can get free shipping on their gifts - mugs, calendars, etc. Go try it out :)

Interested in winning some? Well follow these steps and you can win 5 Treat Card Credits! 

Be sure to leave your messages below! This is a flash giveaway with 4 methods of entry! 

-Mandatory: Visit Treat.com and comment with your favorite card name and who you would send it to
-Like SAHM&TW on FB
-Follow @SAHMandTW  on Twitter
-Comment about the weather or your life 1x/day for extra chances!

I have been compensated with product in exchange for posting this campaign but love it!

625th Post!

Hello 625th post!  

I've decided on a color theme for the wedding and took it upon myself to try out a wine bottle centerpiece idea I had.  I love ombre stuff and tried a gold effect on an empty bottle of wine. 

Shoes!

One of my big things to buy ever since I was small (haha) were shoes!  Trying to find a pair of shoes in my little size 5 feet is difficult.  Combine that with trying to find a pair that is unforgettable as a wedding shoe is tremendously difficult.    I think I found a few that are amazing....  to me anyway! 

The first is from a company online called Privileged.  I love how unique they are - they are the bottom right pair!  They have glitter, high heels, spikes, and are extremely neat looking! The only problem is I have never worn a heel quite like this one ....

The third are from Ebay. They are all glitter and crystal.  The only problem is they have a pointy toe tip...

Shiekh is another brand I recently discovered.  I can honestly say I never really know where I find new brands, but they are pretty cool.  They are the two pairs at the top of the page.

Which pair do you like?

Natures Sleep Slippers

Save up to 50% with this code :  BEARS50. 
Use for any purchase off of the website at http://www.naturessleep.com

Slippers are another pair of shoes that get added to my collection.  One thing that I absolutely love is the soles.  They are not the typical soles that slippers have, they are like my Bear Paw shoes - they have a Hard, Durable sole! Even thought I have tiny feet and the Small was still large on me, they did the job.  I had an open-toed slipper in Mocha.  The Mocha's color is like the cappuccinos from Sheetz.  Yum!   They were so comfy and when I first woke up and was bumping around to get coffee, they saved my toes from getting stubbed! So in the long run, I will have to say these were pretty good slippers, especially if you use the discount code above! Any lady or man would love to have these for their V-Day gift! Just make sure you get something else, like a cute outfit to sleep in or get her nails done :)

One LUCKY entrant will WIN a pair of Nature's Sleep Slippers! They come in sizes: Small, Medium, Large & Extra Large. You can choose an open-toed slipper in: Lavender, Pale Blue or Mocha. And, they also have a closed toe slipper that come in: Pink, Pale Blue & Sand. 

High quality Genuine Nature’s Sleep Next Generation Memory Foam

Provides pressure relieving comfort all day long

Naturally conforms to your foot in cool comfort

Distributes weight to reduce pressure points and improve circulation

Ideal for indoor use on multiple surfaces

Attractive style and look

S, M, L, XL

Inner sole 75% cotton/25% polyester; outer sole thermoplastic rubber; lining 100% polyester

Designed in the USA, Made in China

Nature’s Sleep Memory Foam are CertiPUR-US® approved

Slipper Size	Male Shoe Size	Female Shoe Size
Small	5" and under	5"-6" and under
Medium	7" and under	7"-8" and under
Large	9" and under	9"-10" and under
Extra Large	11" and under	11"-12" and under

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Dress Shopping

We are making the trip to MB Bridal in Greensburg, PA this weekend to see a Trunk Show for Maggie Sottero and Sottero & Midgley.  Am I excited? Yes! I've been prepping by watching "Say Yes to The Dress" and know my entourage will not be as mean to me as they are on that show.  Gee! Do people not understand that feelings are real?  Ok, dumb question ...   (: 

Some great examples from the designer:

Color choices! Ah!

There are quite a few color schemes I love .... 

Which do I choose? I have no idea!  I love that the brights are more for summer, but the blush and golds are so glamorous!  Now I am in a conundrum.... Ah!!

So I will just do two posts... one on the glam colors and one on the fun colors.  Maybe I'll actually help you pick if you are stuck with one of the colors!

Check out the pinterest inspiration and idea board for both of these colors - Brights    Glam!

{2012 Holiday Gift Guide} Beauty Box 5

I am one of those people that start my Christmas shopping as soon as October starts. I really like to think about what my family would like and start looking for deals.  My husband is the same way so he has already been asking me what I would like this year.  I told him a few things that I wanted and one of them was a beauty subscription box.  So when I was able to try the Beauty Box Five, I was excited to see if this could be a possible match for me.

Beauty Box Five is a monthly beauty box subscription service.  Every month you will receive four or five product samples.  The samples are all beauty related so you can expect makeup, skin care items, hair and nail products, etc.  They have three different kinds of subscriptions(monthly, quarterly, and yearly) and you can even give one to someone as as gift.  One month is only $12!

First of all, the box itself is really cute!  There is something about that Tiffany blue color that every woman loves.  I opened my box and expected to find small samples of all the products.  But actually, three out of my four products were full sized! 

My box included:

~Smith's Rosebud Salve-Full Sized

~It's a 10 Miracle Styling Serum-Two sample packets

~Supergoop! SPF 30+ UV Lotion for Body & Face-Sample tube

~pur-delicate Gentle Soy Milk Cleanser and Makeup Remover-Full Sized 

~Lavera Eyeliner-Full Sized

The first product I tried was the Supergoop! SPF 30+ UV Lotion for Body & Face.  I was outside with my daughter when I realized that she didn't have any sunblock on.  I used this on her and was really satisfied.  She didn't get any sort of sun on her skin and it didn't leave her with that weird sticky feeling that most sunblocks have.  It is also very water resistant which is great for my daughter.  She is always sweating so it is important that it will keep her safe from the sun.  

Next up, I tried Smith's Rosebud Salve. At first I wasn't sure how I could use this.  But after reading the back, I found that you can use this for just about any skin issue.  My elbows and knees are really dry so I put a little on it.  It was really moisturizing and it smells fantastic!  I have been using this on my daughter's occasional diaper rashes.  It is so gentle yet it is still really effective.

It's a 10 Miracle Styling Serum was one of my favorites.  I usually don't like those little packets of hair product samples.  However,  when I tried this I loved it.  It left my hair super shiny and smooth. My hair was frizz free and felt great.  I only used a tiny amount and it really went a long way.  This is one product that I am buying for sure!

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to wash your face with milk?  Pur-delicate Gentle Soy Milk Cleanser and Makeup Remover gives you that feeling.  The product is creamy, milky goodness.  My face felt amazingly soft after I used it just once.  The soap doesn't lather so it feels like more of a lotion.  It rises off easily and left my skin feeling great for an entire day!  Another new must-have! 

Lavera Eyeliner was also great!  I have a problem sometimes with eyeliners making my eyes itch and water.  I need an eyeliner that is really sensitive.  This eyeliner goes on really smooth without any clumping.  Normally, I only use black eyeliner but I really liked this color as well.  It is a great fall color!

Overall, I really liked my box!  It was a great value at only $12.  I estimated the products in the box to be about $25 worth of products.  I liked all of the products even though I wouldn't normally buy some of them.  This is a great way to discover new products!

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I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.

{2012 Holiday Gift Guide} Leener's You-Make-Kits

Over the last month, I have really been into baking.  I haven't had as many successes as I thought that I would.  Half of the time I start a recipe I realize that I have to wrong kind of flour or am missing an ingredient.  I was about to give up but then I got Leener's Big Soft Pretzel Making Kit!

Leener's makes all sorts of You-Make-It Kit's.  The offer kid friendly kits including make your own soda and candy.  They also have adult kits in which you can make your own beer, wine, sake, and more.  You can learn how to cure meats, make condiments and even cheeses with their kits.

The kit includes:
~specialty flour
~vital wheat gluten
~brewer’s yeast
~coarse sea salt
~baking soda
~corn meal
~a basting brush
~recipes for three different kinds on pretzels
~twisting practice rope

I was a little nervous about trying to make pretzels.  For some reason it seemed like it would be really hard to do.  When I first  opened my kit I was surprised to find that every single thing you need(besides one egg and an optional car of beer).  It comes with a practice rope to help you learn how to make the correct pretzel shape.  It was way easier than I thought it would be and after a few attempts, I was ready to start baking! 

The recipe was really easy to follow. I went with the first basic recipe the first time. I mixed all the dry ingredients with the warmed beer mixture and form the pretzel dough.  You have to let the dough rise, knead it then let it rise again.  Then came the fun part of rolling out the dough.  The rope is the length and shape that you should roll out your dough.  Here is how my turned out:

Not too shabby!

Next, I boiled the pretzels in baking soda water and brushed them with the egg white.  I put the pretzels on a pan coated with corn mill(prevents sticking) and sprinkled them with salt.  Then I put them in the oven. And that's it!

The pretzels turned out fantastic! They may not have been perfect looking but they tasted perfect! I would recommend Leener's Kit for any woman for this holiday season! 

Find out more: 

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I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.

{2012 Holiday Gift Guide} Ozeri FRESHSPIN Salad Spinner and Serving Bowl

Not too long ago, I was able to try Ozeri's Digital Scale.  You can read my review here.  Ozeri makes digital products for the modern world.  They have a ton of really cool stuff that I would love to try out like electronic wine openers, salt and pepper mills, and book lights.   I was really impressed with the scale, so when they asked if I would like to try another product I had to say yes!

I received that FRESHSPIN Salad Spinner and Serving Bowl this time.  Now I have never even used a salad spinner so I was intrigued.  The first night I tried the salad spinner, I wasn't really prepared to be wowed by it.  However, after using it,  I really like it.   The amount of water that came off the salad way exceeded my expectations.  There is a stop button even to stop the colander inside from moving.  It really only took two pumps to get all the excess water off our spinach!

Look at all the water!

My favorite part is that it is a salad spinner plus a serving bowl.  I am way likely to use the salad spinner because I am not dirtying up any extra dishes by doing so. I just cleaned the spinach and tossed in some cheese and cranberries.  So easy!  This would make a great present for any mom or health conscience!

Find out more by checking out their website, and Facebook page!

Or buy it on Amazon!

I received the above products through Sublime Media Connection in exchange for an honest review. In no way was I asked to give a positive review.

TBox To-Go!

The Tbox to-go is a sleek tampon holder for the purse, pocket, or backpack. The easy-snap lid keeps tampons secure and secret pill box on the bottom makes the Tbox to-go a lifesaver. The best part? The Tbox to-go looks like make-up. Perfect for a quick pass to a friend in need, or to slip into your pocket.

The Tbox is a great product!   When I first saw it I was surprised that it only costs $14.99.  It has an awesome secret box that you can stick your Ibuprofen or Migraine pills in! Love it!  Another great thing is it is mirrored.  It easily fits into your clutch so you can check your makeup and add more lipstick during  weddings and receptions.  This is a definite buy for someones gift or in a gift for your bridesmaids.  Fill a little clutch up must haves for the wedding day - Tic Tacs, Lip gloss, perfume, band aids, and finally a Tbox!  

 I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

{2012 Holiday Gift Guide} Mary Kay Review and Party!

We are kicking off our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide with the world famous Mary Kay Cosmetics!  I have never tried any of their skincare products so when Amber Rose - Independent Beauty Consultant contacted me about trying some stuff out, I was excited!  

I was able to try the Mary Kay® Botanical Effects™ Mask.  The first thing I noticed it that it was white!  I don't know what color I expected but white wasn't it.  It is really thick and creamy.  It went on very smoothly.  Because it was so thick, I overestimated the amount I would need to cover my face.  It really only takes a small amount and feels more like lotion than a mask.  As I waited for the mask to dry, I could feel my skin tightening.  After I washed it off, I instantly noticed a difference in my skin.  It really cleared up all my excess oil but was non-drying.  I noticed that my skin felt cleaner longer after I used it.  It also helped clear up my pores.  I have really large pores so it is hard to find a product that does a good job cleaning my face.  I really like my mask and plan on buying some more Mary Kay soon!  All their products would be great stocking stuffers for women or teenagers.

Right now, we are hosting our very own online Mary Kay party!  Everyone who buys from our party will receive free shipping on orders $50+, and an extra 10% off of orders over $100!  Just go here and shop your heart out!  Just write "Blabs party" in the comment section on the order form to receive your discount!

There are a few specials going on right now.  Mary Kay has two new lip glosses out right now and $1 from the sale of each lip gloss is donated to the Mary Kay Foundation - which gives grants to organizations that help victims of domestic violence. Also you can start your own Mary Kay business in October for only $75 plus you will receive up to $150 credit on your first product order.

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I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.