When Your Wedding is Out of This World.....

...... wear this!

This necklace would be so cool for bridesmaids ..... or a bride! Originally posted by the folks at Think Geek, the necklace (and other fun planet-themed jewelry) is created by ShopGibberish and can be found on Etsy. 

And my close, personal friend, Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson, will be happy to know that Pluto is not represented in this necklace.

BYOB Painting Party!

Eliane giving me some painting tips

If you live anywhere in or around Chicago, you know all about the flooding we've endured. If you live near the airport (like me!) you have horror stories of nightmarish commutes for the past week. Therefore, it was a lovely distraction from the weather woes to enjoy a girls night last Friday. Organized by my sister, I joined a group of lovely ladies for a BYOB Painting Party at  The Art Station Studio in Park Ridge.

It was so much FUN!!!! 

Here I am with the owner, artist Eliane Balsewich, getting some pointers on my technique (or maybe the lack thereof).  

The great thing about this (besides getting to drink wine and eat goodies with friends) is that you don't need to know how to paint. Eliane and her team of artists will provide you with as much help as you need. Heck, they're even willing to do the finishing touches, if you like!

Moni & Rosemary with their finished work

The happy artists!

Everyone picks their own project to paint - our group leaned towards flowers and booze. You can also choose to stick with a theme for the group. Eliane mentioned that a local book club had their meeting at the studio and each person painted something related to the book they read. I love that!

I think this would be a great outing for just about any group, for any occasion - bachelorette party, birthday, you name it. Wouldn't it be fun to have a baby shower where everyone paints something for the nursery? 

Whatever the reason, I highly recommend contacting Eliane at The Art Station Studio to organize your own BYOB Painting Party. 

And she'll even let you pain something like this:

My octopus dutifully guarding the bookshelf

DIY Project - Ringbearer's Pillow

Hey all you folks with mad sewing skills - check out this great project from Sew 4 Home. This darling pillow has a little sparkle and shine, and a whole lot of SWEET! You can find the instructions HERE. 

Happiness - To Go!

A while back, I heard one of my son's friends refer to the outfit he was wearing (Bears jersey and sweatpants) as his "happy clothes." I liked the idea, but thought nothing further of it.

Shortly after that, when he had a group of friends over, one of the boys was being silly and pretended to be day dreaming when the other boys talked to him. He would say, "Sorry, I didn't hear you, I was in my happy place."

Later, I realized that these boys were on to something. I could use a bit of a happy infusion myself. So, I decided to make myself some happiness-to-go, in the form of a charm bracelet.

After two trips to the bead store, I completed my bracelet last week. I started

with a pile of charms, each representing someone or something special to me. I added a few beads, some because they have meaning, and others just because I happen to like them. (Pretty things make me happy!)

Some of my favorites are:

• Bride & groom charm for my Celebrant work
• Maneki Neko, the Chinese good luck cat - we've had one since we were married (and who can't use a little extra good luck, huh?)
• Cupcake charm - because, as everyone knows, I love them!
• Jade & pearl beads from one of my mother's old necklaces
• A grill charm for my hubby, who loves a good barbeque
• Clay beads made by my BFF - just for me

Now I can take all my happy things with me wherever I go..... and so can you!

Wouldn't it be fun to have a bracelet-making party?

This would be a ball for your bridal party! Each bridesmaid can make her own funky bracelet to wear for the wedding - and then has a great keepsake.

And each of you will have your very own brand of happiness.... to go!

DIY Wedding Ideas from my Close, Personal Friend, Martha

Okay, she has worn down my resistance. I love Martha!!! I can't help it. I received a subscription to Martha Stewart Living and when it comes in the mail, everything else gets tossed aside. It's like a drug! Now you know my secret shame.

So, I am now compelled to share the latest DIY projects from her wedding website - ideas for spring weddings. My favorites? So glad you asked!

Personalized tea bags - take-home treats for your guests

Flower girl parasols, which could also be for bridesmaids or the bride!

Flowers-to-Go Favor Bags - What are you going to do with all those cut flowers? Let your guest enjoy them at home after the wedding!

Pom-Pom Car Decoration - Seriously, do you really want old gym shoes or rusty cans trailing your car?

See all the spring wedding ideas here. Enjoy - and say hi to Martha for me!

It's Time for BEADS!! Stop by at my Bead for Life Open House this Sunday!

If you're considering Bead for Life jewelry for your wedding (for your bridal party, or as shower favors), or if you're just wondering what it's all about - I have good news for you:

I'm hosting a Bead for Life Open House this Sunday!

You can come by and see the beads in person - and learn more about the amazing work done by Bead for Life. Here are the details:

Bead for Life Open House

at Caribou Coffee at 90 E. Northwest Hwy. in Mt. Prospect

(across from the downtown Mt. Prospect Metra station, just east of Elmhurst Rd.)

Sunday, Dec. 5th from 1:30 until 4 pm.

I'll have a display of the gorgeous bead jewelry, as well as information about Bead for Life. The pieces really are beautiful and make great holiday gifts. You can leave with a beautiful present, and fell good about making a difference in the lives on women in Uganda.

The wonderful bangle bracelets are only $5! But, I'm warning you - it's be hard to pick just one. That's why I'm always wearing at least three at a time! I've been hosting these Open Houses for the past five years, so believe me, I've purchased lots of them!

So, come on by and say hello!

Beautiful Corsages for Your Wedding

Okay, I admit that, up until recently, the thought of a wrist corsage made me cringe. But that probably goes back to an incident a long time ago, when I went to a dance with a friend (I didn't think it was a date - we were going with a group of friends) and he presented me with a wrist corsage. I wanted to die. It didn't help that it was a big purple orchid and wearing it made me feel like someone's grandma.

Oh well, the night was a disaster and thus, my disdain for the wrist corsage was born.

But....... that ended when a couple I married last year ordered a corsage for me to wear when I officiated their wedding. I was really flattered - and it was a beautiful corsage!

Then, a few months later, another couple gave me a wrist corsage. Wow! These sweet gestures changed my mind.

And then - I just checked out a post on Martha Stewart Weddings. She's done it AGAIN! Check out these luscious corsages!! The article even gives you ideas for sweet little guest corsages, delicate crepe paper flowers, even flower rings for your bridesmaids! Most of these ideas include instructions to make them yourself, so they won't cost you a fortune.

And they're so pretty!!!

Okay, I admit it - I was wrong for a long time. I encourage you to get corsages for everyone! And don't forget me. =)

Hair's to Celebrating!

Many brides hire a hairstylist to fix their hair for the Big Day. Well, rather than the traditional up-do or curls, what about beautiful braids?

I recently met Katje Sabin, talented braider and owner of Crowning Glory Braids. There are so many fabulous, intricate designs that would be a wonderfully unique addition to your wedding.

Planning a Steam Punk theme? A romantic Renaissance-flavored celebration? A Pagan ceremony? Then this is right up your alley!

Or, maybe you just want something a little different...

You - and your bridal party - can have lovely, unique hairstyles. The braided design can even incorporate flowers and ribbons to match your wedding colors, if you wish. The possibilities are endless!

Be sure to check out Katje's website to learn more about her. The images here are just a sampling from her photo gallery.

Seeing these gorgeous photos makes me wish I still had long hair!!

Bridesmaids Dresses to Make You Cringe

We've all seen our share of bad bridesmaids dresses. Some of us have even been forced to wear them.

Just thank your lucky stars you didn't have to wear this floral monstrosity!

Those bridesmaids are smiling on the outside, but inside, they're shrieking.

You can thank the folks at Awkward Family Photos for sharing the joy.

Wedding Beads for You!

I know I've written a post about BeadforLife before, but I was motivated to do so again when the most recent newsletter popped up in my email.

This edition of The Bead included an article called "Shopping Is Giving: Add Beads to Your Wedding!"

Well, you know that had my name all over it.

The article shared the story of a customer who proposed to his wife by presenting her with - not a diamond ring - but a bracelet from BeadforLife.

The woman (who is now his wife) said, “The fact that Ugandan women made these beads added a tremendous amount of value to the engagement! This symbol of our commitment to each other also represents something real and valuable to those Ugandan women and their families.” How cool is that?!

If your proposal has already happened, BeadforLife can still play a role in your wedding. For example, brides can give a jewelry set to bridesmaids - complete with necklace, earrings and bracelet - for as little as $25! Not only are the pieces very affordable, the jewelry really is gorgeous. Trust me, I know.

I have hosted Bead Parties for the past five years and own more BeadforLife bracelets than any one person really should. Just ask my husband, who puts up with my bead habit. Actually, as I sit here writing, I realize that right now, at this very moment, I'm wearing a BeadforLife necklace, a band bracelet, and two bangle bracelets. I love them all! And there's lots more in my jewelry box.... and the bathroom cabinet.... and the table next to my bed..... you get the idea.

Besides being attractive, inexpensive, and durable - your purchase makes a huge difference in the lives of the beaders in Uganda.

So, if you're still thinking about bridesmaids gifts, or shower favors, or even jewelry for yourself, consider shopping at BeadforLife's online shop. Just take a peek.

C'mon. You know you want to!

Shoes for You = Shoes for a Child

Check out these fun shoes from TOMS. They're cute and reportedly very comfortable - and what makes them even better is that, for every pair purchased, TOMS will donate a pair of shoes to a child in need. Cool, huh?

They have boots as well as a variety of shoes, including silver and gold glitter shoes. Very cute!

There is a gallery of photos on the website, showing how different people wear their TOMS. The photos here are from weddings.

How cute are these shoes?!?

You may want to consider TOMS for your wedding - your bridal party will love being comfy and you'll love that your wedding helped children in need.

Audey Designs: Fun & funky dresses for fun & funky YOU!

This is the fabulous Fall 2010 collection from local designer, AUDEY.

I saw her gorgeous designs at IndieWed and loved, Loved, LOVED them!

My favorites are the dresses with the colored petticoats worn by the ballerinas.
I just adore that flouncy splash of color!



P.S. - Jess Audey donates a portion of each sale to a charitable organization.
This quarter the donation is going to EqualityNow.org. Very cool!

Indie Weds - the last word

Okay, I know I've been posting like crazy about some of my favorite finds at IndieWed. But, I really can't help it! This show was chock-full of fun & funky vendors!

So, here is my last post on the subject.....

I loved the ideas of Foodie Registry. What a great concept! Couples can register for gift certificates at their favorite restaurants. This is perfect for couples who have all the "stuff" they need, but family members keep asking, "Where are you registered?" Where was this when I got married??

Another find was the fabulous Love, Lulu Mae. I adored the hats and hair clips. Look at this picture! Who wouldn't be smiling in such a fabulous hat!!

I am also in love with the Frida Kahlo-inspired flower headband I found on the website. The feather hairclips are also Fantastic!!

What's really cool is that Love, Lulu Mae can also create custom designs for your wedding, incorporating vintage items - like that funky old rhinestone pin you love.










I was also intrigued by VaVoom Pinups, a "pinup & boudoir photography studio."

Apparently, many a bride has ventured into VaVoom territory by having a sexy (and tasteful) boudoir portrait done as a wedding gift for her beloved.

Another fun option is a party! A girls' night out would be quite a memorable experience here! I love the sentiment on owner Agnes Miles' business card: "ARTcessories for the Modern Woman with a Vintage Soul."


Well, all I can say is that, since Saturday, I have been fantasizing about raiding my mom's closet for some funky vintage dresses!

I think I've re-discovered my vintage soul....

I Love My Funky New Earrings!

It all began when I was searching for an octopus pin. Well, let me back up.....

I was paging through Madeleine Albright's book, Read My Pins, in which she shares anecdotes about her pin collection. I've always liked pins and realized I hardly ever wear them. So I was determined to get a new pin - but what to get? Inspired by Ms. Albright, my new pin needed to make a statement.

So, I decided to search for an octopus pin on etsy. You see, I kinda have a thing for cephalopods. Squid, octopus, cuttlefish - I just can't get enough. They're just so darn cool! They change color, they change shape.... how can you not love them?!?

I found an octopus pin in the shop of Mama's Little Babies. Well, doggone it - I had to keep looking at this funky little shop! My browsing led me to my other favorite - mermaids. And that's when I discovered the newest love of my life....... these Mermaid/Merman Earrings.

They arrived in the mail today and I'm ecstatic! The packaging alone sent me over the moon! They came in a cute red box with a checked ribbon, decorated with a sweet little sparrow charm. Even though I ordered the earrings myself, I felt like someone had sent me a present! Thanks for making my day, Cheri!

As you can tell, I absolutely love my new earrings. That, of course, prompted me to go back to the Mama's Little Babies shop and see what else I could find. And don't ya know it - the shop is full of fantastic little goodies! Better yet - the website has even more!!

Look at these adorable Bird Silhouette Earrings. Wouldn't these be great for bridesmaids?

And while you're shopping around, check out the Tiny Tweeters Bird's Nest Necklace. It would be perfect for a spring wedding.

Just keep your hands off the Tattoo Guy Earrings - I saw them first!

Bead for Life comes to town!

If you've read my blog, you probably know that Bead for Life is near and dear to my heart. That's why I'm happy to announce that I'll be hosting a Bead for Life Open House on December 5th!

The event will take place at Sweet Remembrance, a wonderful new coffee shop in downtown Des Plaines. (I'll be writing more about it in the future, because it's fabulous!) The shop's gracious owner, Randy Toelke, has allowed me to use the space to host the event. Thank you, Randy!!

Here are the details:
Bead for Life Open House/Bead Party
Saturday, Dec. 5th from 2 to 5 pm at Sweet Remembrance
614 Lee St., Des Plaines (just north of the Metra station)


Come check out the gorgeous bead jewelry, handmade from recycled paper. You can finish up your holiday shopping and help a worthy cause. These make wonderful, meaningful gifts. A necklace and bracelet set would be perfect for your bridal party.- and affordable for you! Or, think shower favors - bracelets are only $5.00!

Best of all, your purchase makes a huge difference to the beaders in Uganda, who are working diligently to lift themselves out of poverty. You can learn more about Bead for Life by visiting the website.

Come have a cup of coffee (and maybe one of the amazingly delicious cookies!) and check out the bead jewelry. Join the fun!

Etsy find - adorable accessories by PunchDrunkPrincess

I happily discovered these fantastic accessories over at Etsy, created by Punch Drunk Princess. Not only are they pretty darn adorable (and eco-friendly!), I think they'd be a perfect addition to a wedding.

Planning a fall wedding? Just imagine wearing a charming maple leaf hairpin for your ceremony.

Need something nice for your wedding rings? The personalized Love Letter coin purse would be perfect.

For the bridesmaids, the cherry blossom hairclips would be really sweet. But, I think my favorite is the Pink Rose brooch - it's perfect for a simple bridesmaid dress. And, I think it would be perfect for my favorite black pantsuit!

Friday Q & A - Do I Need a Bridal Party?

Question: Do I need to have a bridal party for my wedding? I have several good friends and if I have everyone, the bridal party would be huge. We want a more intimate ceremony, so would it be weird to have no attendants?

Answer: It wouldn't be weird at all to skip a bridal party. I have married several couples who decided to have a ceremony involving just them - no attendants, no flower girl, no ringbearer. A few opted for just a Best Man and Maid of Honor, but several decided to forgo attendants altogether. It's really up to you! Do what makes you most comfortable, and what feels right.

Two things to consider if you decide to skip the bridal party:

The bridal bouquet - Is there somewhere to put your flowers when you exchange rings? You may want to consider a small table placed nearby, so you can set the flowers down. This past weekend I had a wedding in a mansion. The bride passed her flowers to me and I placed them on the fireplace mantle behind us. It worked perfectly.

The rings - Will someone present the rings if there is no Best Man? I've had couples have their parents hold onto the rings and bring them up for the ring exchange. A recent couple had each of their nephews bring up a ring. Another possibility is to use a table (also used for the flowers) and have the rings there at the beginning of the ceremony.

So, yes, you absolutely can have a ceremony without the bridal party. And if you plan ahead, no one will notice the difference!

Friday Q & A - Wedding Rehearsals!

Question: Do I really need to have a wedding rehearsal?

Answer: You don't have to have one. That being said, I would really recommend it. Even if you're a go-with-the-flow type of person, it's really helpful to go through the ceremony at least once.

Things to cover in the rehearsal include:

Bridal Party Processional- Make sure everyone meets his or her partner. Determine the order of the entrance. Determine where everyone will stand up front. Have someone look at the bridal party standing up front to see how it looks. (Yesterday at a rehearsal the bride's mom kindly pointed out that the bridesmaids were standing in a straight line while the groomsmen were on an angle). Also to consider: are bridesmaids walking in alone, or with the groomsmen?

The Bride's Entrance - When exactly does the bride walk in? Is the bride walking in with an escort? Are the bride and groom walking together?

Readings - Make sure your reader knows what he or she will be reading. Your reader may be nervous, and an opportunity to practice may help. Let your reader know when in the ceremony the reading will happen. Cues are always helpful!
To consider: Will the reader hold a microphone? Does the reader have a copy of the reading?

Rituals - If you are participating in any unity rituals, this would be the time to practice! It's helpful to know where you'll be standing and exactly what to do - and when. To consider - If the bride's dress has a long train, the maid of honor will need to help arrange the train when the bride walks.

Details - When will the bride give her flowers to the maid of honor - and take them back? Who will have the rings? Do any of the bridal party have other duties (handing out programs, etc.)?

Recessional - Make sure you know when to walk out. Let your bridal party practice walking out together, especially if there are partners.

As you see, there are lots of things to cover in a rehearsal. It doesn't have to be a major event, but a run-through can go a long way in calming people's nerves. The rehearsal also doesn't necessarily have to happen at the venue. Although that would be ideal, it's not always possible. You can have your rehearsal at private room in a restaurant (right before the dinner), at a park, or even in your backyard! The idea is that this is a practice for the Big Day, and should be thought of as a way to iron out the details.

One last thought - try to schedule your rehearsal a few days before the wedding (rather than the traditional day-before rehearsal). This way, you'll have more time to do any last-minute things (example: the jar for your blessing stones is too small and you need a new one!). Also, you may have a little more time to relax - and breathe! - if you have some space between events.

Hope this helps! Happy rehearsing! And don't forget to bring your bow & ribbon bouquet!

Forget the bouquets- grab a bag!

I'm a big fan of the amazing DIY Bride website, which features fun, creative projects that help you personalize your wedding - and save money while you're at it! I was really excited to find The DIY Bride: 40 Fun Projects for Your Ultimate One-of-a-Kind Wedding at my wonderful local library the other day. I had to check out the book and found some fantastic projects that I was pretty much drooling over.

One of my favorites was the "Buds & Blossoms Bridal Bag," pictured here. It's a beautiful alternative to the traditional bouquet. Not only is it really pretty, but it can save you a bunch of money! The book says that, while a traditional bridal bouquet can run up to $200, this floral bag will cost you about $50 to make (or less, depending on the flowers you use).

It's made by using floral foam as a base, which is cut into the shape of a purse. You add fresh flowers and a ribbon strap, and voila! - you have a lovely flower "bag!" What's great is that the bag has a flat base, so you can put it down anywhere. Very practical.

I think this idea would also be great for the bridesmaids' bouquets. You can use less expensive flowers and have beautiful bags for each attendant. Also, if the bridesmaids place their bags in the middle of their table, they would end up making a pretty table decoration. This project just keeps getting better!

I'm thinking about doing a variation of this project as a decoration for my mom's 80th birthday party coming up in June. Maybe a topiary of fresh flowers for each table? Hmm.... I'm going to have to give this some thought.

What's in a name? Flowers, sunsets, birds.....

Yesterday, the kids and I made our regular visit to Cultures Week at Oakton Community College. The annual event features multicultural discussions, presentations and performances - all open to the public. And free!

We enjoyed the Cultural Sampling, where we tried tastes of different foods from around the world. Our favorites wound up being from Russia. Charlie and I really liked the beet salad, while Lili devoured her sample (and her brother's) of the halvah, a sweet made with sesame paste.

Even though we enjoyed the food, the highlight of our day was seeing Aloha Brush Art in action. Mervin Papa, the talented artist, was amazing to watch. He "illuminated" names for people, creating island-themed letters in various forms, such as flowers, fish, parrots, and flamingos. The kids and I watched him working, awed by his skill and the beauty of his artwork.

His table was very popular, and he was constantly surrounded by on-lookers, and conversing with people as he worked. As we watched, I couldn't help thinking that this would be so cool at a wedding! (What can I say, all roads lead to weddings for me.) When I chatted with Merv, he confirmed that he does weddings. Wouldn't it be fun to have him creating his artwork with guests' names?

Well, that got me thinking - his artwork would also be a wonderful keepsake for a couple. They could have their names & wedding date made into a one-of-a-kind piece that they could enjoy forever. This artwork would also be a great gift for members of the bridal party. The possibilities are endless.

So, as I chatted a bit with Merv and snapped some pictures, I realized that there were so many people in line ahead of us. Even though the kids begged to stay, we had to get to their piano lessons.Charlie & Lili were disappointed, but they still had fun watching.

Maybe if I write their names with stick figures they'd be satisfied? No, I guess not.

In any case, check out Aloha Brush Art for unique gifts and amazing entertainment for your event.