Freebie Friday: Amazing Giveaways from Around the Web

~Wedding Related~

• The Mom Reviews is giving away a $100 Gift Certificate to Men's Warehouse.  Giveaway ends today!
• Final days in enter to win a free Honeymoon to the beautiful island of St. Maarten from Wedding Chicks and the Westin Hotels.  Giveaway ends May 5.
• Southern Weddings Magazines is giving away this amazing A personalized leather guest book from Dew Drop Designs with your choice of art from Gillian's collection.  This giveaway ends May 3. 
• From VistaPrint: You could win the perfect honeymoon to an all-inclusive Jamaican resort or one of thirty-one other fabulous prizes. Entering is easy. You can enter daily. Contest runs through May 10. 
• Giveaway of a great book full of Crafty Ideas for the Bride on a BUDGET from Everything Up Close
• Tiaras & Tantrums is giving away a 12x12 photobook from VistaPrint. Giveaway ends May 8.
• The Mom Reviews is giving away a Martha Stewart Collection Prize Pack (value $200). Giveaway ends May 3!
• I Do Budget Weddings has teamed up with PictureIt Creations and they are giving away a pair of custom engraved 6 oz champagne toasting flutes to one lucky winner.
• Awesome giveaway over at SweetchicEvents win Sasha’s Magnificent Weddings Book & Beauty Products. Ends May 5.

~Bath and Body~

• The Candid Review is having a giveaway for Juniper & Sage Bath Salts from The Dancing Grasshopper. Ends May 7.
• Go Green Street is giving away Natural Luxe spa set. Lucky winner will get to relax with a nettiescrub body balm, nettiescrub body buff, and soular therapy flare soy candle.

~Jewelry and Accessories~

• Etsy It Up is giving away a beautiful pair of Blue Enamel Fish Earrings from Zoozi.
• Go Green Street is giving away an amazing handbag for URTHBags.  Lucky winner gets to choose from the Angelica or Stella bags...I'll take both please!

~Other Amazing Stuff~

• Etsy It Up is giving away a $30 Gussy Shop Gift Certificate good toward an amazing Gussy bag. I'm fancying the netbook bags!
• Designed challenged like me? This is for you, Bryn, from Bryn Alexandra Interiors  will create a lucky winner a digital design board. Thanks to this amazing giveaway Layers of Meaning. 

Thursday Things...my favs

New feature: On Thursdays, I will outline 5 things I'm obsessing over.  I may have a theme some weeks, may not others. Enjoy! ~leela

Bridal Bolero's- this stunning piece is Bonzie's Aubergine Ruffled Silk Carina Bolero

Peacocks

Ballerina Flats - These are Steve Madden's Kripper in Blush

Braided Hair

Cake TV Shows

Style Inspired: Bridal Fashion for under $500

DIY Bride is hosting a style competition for a 16GB IPad *oh yes I do want one* It was fun and a bit of a challenge.

 Create a style board of a Bridal Ensemble for under $500.  Style board should include:

• bridal gown
• veil/headpiece/tiara/hair accessories
• shoes
• jewelry/other accessories

The rules included no vintage, second-hand, clearance/sale, or consignments. 

What did I come up with?

Clockwise from Garter:

• Florrie Mitton Couture - alice ivory lace garter {$49.00}link love
• David’s Bridal - Off the Shoulder Satin Side-Draped A-Line (style T9861) {$299.00} link love
• Bella Lu and Me - Cute As A Button...Swarovski Rhinestone Button and Pearl Necklace {$57.00} link love
• Women's Mossimo® Isabella Satin Platform Pumps - Fuschia from Target {$22.99} link love
• Hair Design Inspiration
• Back of David’s Bridal - Off the Shoulder Satin Side-Draped A-Line (style T9861)
• Little White Chapel Show - Stopper Pearl and Rhinestone Earrings {$12.50} link love
• Lu Lu Splendor - Leafy Hayley Comb with Swarovski Cream (Ivory) and Rhinestone {$56.00} link love

{$496.49} total cost 

They Say It's His Birthday

No, it’s okay. I don’t want to hurt you. 

But I’ll tell you what I do want. 

I want someone who will be monogamous 

and nice to his mother.

And I want someone who likes musicals 

but knows to just shut his mouth when I’m watching Lost.

And I want someone who thinks being really into cars is lame

and strip clubs are gross. 

I want someone who will actually empty the dishwasher

 instead of just taking out forks as needed…like I do. 

I want someone with clean hands and feet 

and beefy forearms like a damn Disney prince.

 And I want him to genuinely like me

 …even when I’m old. And that’s what I want.

~Liz Lemon, 30 Rock 

It's Mr. Mc's birthday.  It's very sad that we are not together, but I have major "birthday" plans for him when he journeys south for a few days in early May.  It is weird not seeing him and making birthday breakfast or planning his birthday BBQ.  One day, I will make (or have made) a death star cake. This year, a blog post acknowledging it will have to do. 

By the by, I have the man Liz Lemon is looking for.  On Mr. Mc's birthday, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world as he is my perfect match. 

Love you love love!

Sunday Sweets

sweet musings

You're not perfect sport, and let me save you the suspense, 

this girl you met, she isn't perfect either. But the question is 

whether or not you're perfect for each other.

~Good Will Hunting

sweet treats

sweet dreams

A dream is a wish your heart makes.

~ Cinderella

Many Happy Returns!

If you don't understand how a woman could both love her sister dearly and want to wring her neck at the same time, then you were probably an only child.  ~Linda Sunshine

Today is my sister (and MOH)'s birthday.  So happy birthday to one of the few people who has seen me at my best, my worse, my most annoying and my funniest.  My glass is raised to another amazing year.

Freebie Friday: Amazing Giveaways from Around the Web

~Wedding & Beauty Related~

In a special giveaway break from their bloogy birthday celebration, Chic n’ Cheap Living is hosting a giveaway for Tarte’s Light, Camera, Lashes mascara.  The lucky winner will have the most lush lashes in town.  Contest runs through Tuesday, April 27th, 11:59 pm PST.


Smooth out the lump and accentuate the positive with this awesome undergarment giveaway.  Perfect for any bride-to-be.  This is the perfect giveaway is from Everything Up Close.  The lucky lady will be able to choose from Vedetta classic girdle or a Vedetta classic latex girdle from Urban Chic BoutiquUrban Chic Boutique. 


Brenda's Wedding Blog and The Madelaine Chocolate Company who is offering a case of their newly launched Duets Chocolates to one lucky winner. The winner gets to pick one of the following scrumptious flavors: Peanut Butter; Caramel, Milk Truffle; White Truffle, Raspberry; Peanut Butter, Raspberry; White Truffle Yum...Enter today.  The contest runs thru Monday April 26th, with a winner being selected on Tuesday, April 27^th.

From VistaPrint: You could win the perfect five night honeymoon (or trip for all you folks not getting married) to an all-inclusive Jamaican resort or one of thirty-one other fabulous prizes. Entering is easy and if you share the contest with your friends on Facebook or Twitter to earn extra chances to win! You can enter daily. Contest runs through May 10. 

~For the Man in your Life~

Two  amazing giveaways for the man in your life on  I Do Budget Weddings:

~one lucky reader is a tie of your choice from Tux and Tulle. Deadline to enter this contest is 11:59 p.m., Friday, April 23, 2010 (PST).  Ends today!

~one lucky reader will receive a stunning handmade wallet from The Office of Minor Details! Deadline to enter this contest is 11:59 p.m., Friday, April 29, 2010 (PST). A winner will be randomly chosen.

~For the Home~

Is there a better way to celebrate your blogs birthday than a giveaway?  Have four giveaways!! Chic n’ Cheap Living is hosting 4 giveaways in celebration of their bloggy birthday.  Going on right now is an amazing opportunity to win something amazing from KrixDesigns and it's the winners choice. The lucky lady (or gent) can pick from either a half-apron, sewing scissors necklace, and a beaded necklace  Amazing I  know.  Enter today,Thursday, May 6th, 11:59 pm PST.  


Another awesome giveaway from Natural Mommie blog.  Bag the Habit is giving one Natural Mommie reader a Turquoise Luxe Tote and a standard sized reusable mesh produce bag! Enter now, many chances to enter.  Giveaway ends April 30 at 8pm MST 


Oh Missy Me is giving away a $60 gift certificate to CSN stores to a lucky follower. CSN Stores carries Le Creuset and oddles of other amazing stuff to choose from.  Giveaway ends April 30.   

The EcoDiva has the best EcoBlog out their and always host the most amazing giveaways and discounts out there.  The EcoDiva has a fabulous giveaway running.  Two lucky winners will receive RuMe bags.  The contest ends on April 30, so get your entries in today!

~Notecards, Paper,  & Other Fun Things~

I love handmade things, and I really enjoy giveaways. The I heart handmade blog combines these two favorite things. They have 3 great giveaways running:  
~Get Crafty with this giveaway of a set of 4 mini spools of Bakers Twine from End of the Day Crafting and a set of 4 keys from Back Bay Beads. One winner will be selected at random and announced on April 23, 2010.  Ends today, so get your entries in quick. 

~REDSTAR ink is giving one I heart handmade reader an eco-friendly DIY calendar! Enter now, many chances to enter.  Winner will be selected at random and announced on April 26, 2010.


~These adorable cards are from the uber-awesome shop, 22 pages. They feature original illustrations printed on reclaimed cardstock.  Throw in some very stylish hand-cut and glued vintage paper envelopes and we have some seriously eco-friendly note cards.  One lucky winner will get to choose a set to call his/her own from I heart handmade. One person will be selected at random and the winner will be announced on April 28, 2010

One White Dress is giving away 25 custom cards from Photo Card Creations.  You must become a member of One White Dress, but right now the odds are wonderful.  Giveaway closes on May 1, 2010.

Registry: Oh lovely!

Despite our reservations about the whole registry process. Mr. Mc and I had a blast going around scanning bar codes with the little gun. We have both lived a nomadic life of sorts, so we have many great pieces and are just looking for a few substantial lifelong things, with some fun stuff thrown in.

These are five things I can't stop thinking about since I took that red-beam of light to the bar code.

bye, bye plastic carolina panthers cup, hello lovely 

Bedside Carafe from Crate & Barrel

Everyone needs love via video

HD Flip Video Camera from Target

oh, la, la...this is what cooking dreams are made of 

Le Creuset set in Teal

under the stars...I promised I would try camping once

six person Coleman tent from Target

soup is better in a classic footed bowl

Footed Soup Bowl from Crate & Barrel

We are also asking for Ikea gift cards in order to redesign our kitchen.  It needs a major overhaul to be the respite and center of our home we desire. 

What are you looking forward to receiving from your registry?

Music Monday

I've fretted on the music well since we started this wedding planning adventure over 10 months ago.  What songs will everyone jump to the dance floor for? What song do we want to be our first dance? What are must plays? All these questions unanswered, but we have agreed on some things.

 The following ten songs are must be played songs that I'm certain we will agree on:

Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison
Hey Ya! - Outkast
Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
Like a Prayer - Madonna
Origin of Love -  Hedwig and the Angry Inch
How Sweet It Is - James Taylor
I Got You - James Brown
Lucky - Jason Mraz with Colbie Caillat
Come On Eileen - Dexy's Midnight Runners
Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Sunday Sweets

Sweet musings

You know you’re in love

you can’t fall asleep because

reality is better than your dreams

~Dr. Seuss

Sweet Treats

Sweet Dreams

True love stories never have endings

~Richard Bach

 

Style Inspired

One of my favorite websites I’ve discovered in my wedding research online is the Dessy Group’s Pantone Styleboard Creator.  On their site you can combine pantone colors, their dress and tie styles, fabric swatches, landscapes, and real wedding photos to create amazing inspiration boards. 

The Dessy Group and Bridesmaid.com have teamed up for a style board inspiration contest.  The grand prize is $500 for Dessy Accessories.  Board submissions can be made through May 8.  Visit Bridesmaid.com for more details.  

I’ve created several inspirations boards. Including one for this contest: 

This is my vineyard wedding inspiration board -my contest entry

Tropical Summer Rustic inspiration board

Classic Elegance - Our Wedding Inspiration

What has inspired you?

Freebie Friday: Amazing Giveaways from Around the Web

Some of my favorite blogs are hosting giveaways.  Check out and enter these awesome giveaways, but also consider following these great bloggers. You will not be disappointed! Enjoy! Have a wonderful weekend.  ~LeeLa

~Wedding Related Giveaways~ 

One of my blog favorites is hosting a HOT giveaway.  Great for all, but especially us brides.  Merci New York is giving away a Lilac and a Black Silk Kimono Wrap from La Fée Verte. The giveaway winner will be chosen at random and announced via the Merci New York blog on Monday, April 19th at 8:00 PM EST. Good luck!

Is there a better way to celebrate your blogs birthday than a giveaway?  Have four giveaways!! Chic n’ Cheap Living is hosting 4 giveaways in celebration of their bloggy birthday.  Going on right now is an amazing opportunity to win a stunning, elegant, classic garter from Florrie Mitton Couture.  Amazing I  know.  Enter today, it ends on Thursday, April 22, 11:59 pm PST.  

Another of my favorite blogs, I Do Budget Weddings is giving away an amazing Dawn Dalto Ring Bearer Dish.  These are handmade beauties. Deadline to enter this contest is 11:59 p.m., Friday, April 16, 2010 (PST).  Today is the last day to enter!

The Loveliest Day has teams up with Retr0lux to give away a custom hair piece…awesome I know. Enter soon, this giveaway ends on Tuesday, April 20th at midnight PST.

Southern Weddings Magazine is giving away either 4 custom ties or 5 custom bowties from Lumina Clothing Co to one lucky commenter.  All you have to do is comment on why you love your hometown.  Giveaway ends April 20, at 11:59pm.

~For the Man in your Life~

Another amazing giveaway on  I Do Budget Weddings, this time one lucky reader is a tie of your choice from Tux and Tulle. Deadline to enter this contest is 11:59 p.m., Friday, April 23, 2010 (PST).  Check it out today!

~For the Fur Baby~

Natural Mommie has an amazing giveaway for pampered pooches.  Daphne hopes we win this one.  West Paw Design is going to pamper your pooch with a fabulous eco-friendly gift set of doggy toys!  Giveaway runs through April 30th at 8pm MST. Open to Canadian and US readers

~For Your Home~

The generous people at FLOR have teamed up with La Dolce Vita to give away a custom 5’ x 7’ area rug to one lucky reader! The winner will be able to select his or her favorite pattern (Shaggy Sheep and Best of Wools are the only exclusions). There are so many wonderful styles to choose from: solids, stripes, graphic patterns, and so on!! Giveaway ends on Sunday, April 18.  Get your comments in quick.


~Notecards, Paper, & Other Fun Things~

Another awesome giveaway from Natural Mommie blog.  Bag the Habit is giving one Natural Mommie reader a Turquoise Luxe Tote and a standard sized reusable mesh produce bag! Enter now, many chances to enter.  Giveaway ends April 30 at 8pm MST 

One White Dress is giving away 25 custom cards from Photo Card Creations.  You must become a member of One White Dress, but right now the odds are wonderful.  Giveaway closes on May 1, 2010.

What to Wear?: The Bridesmaid Edition

Mr. Mc. and I are huge fans of purple. I have always known that my bridesmaids where going to wear purple. So the search for Bridesmaids dresses began. I had four criteria for the dresses. I throw in a few pictures of the front runners. The final is what we selected after many try-on sessions at different bridal stores in New York City and the South.

Deep Purple: It’s our favorite color.

Awesome Melissa Sweet Gown with Bateau Neckline, but it was on the pricey side and real short for a 5pm Church Wedding (more styles at MelissaSweet.com) 

Re-wearable or Cheap: I’ve only been in a few weddings and spent lots of money on dresses that hang in my closet. I wanted to pick something that wasn’t expensive or I had confidence that my Bridesmaids would wear again.

From Sophia Tolli: This dress is a gives off a glamorous retro feel. I love the sweetheart neckline, and it is available in purple (more styles at SophiaTolli.com)

Cool & Comfortable: Due to Mr. Mc.’s school schedule, we have to get married in August. It is hot as can be in the South in August. We need to keep these ladies comfortable throughout the ceremony and reception.

From Davids Bridal: I love the gathering at the waistline. This purple has more pink than I wanted. More styles at DavidsBridal.com

Different coordinating styles available: Not everything is flattering on everyone, also being all the same is boring. I would like everyone to be able to choose their style that is comfortable and flattering, but still have unifying fabrics and color.

The Dress! From twobirds bridesmaid. The one dress can be styled 15 different ways. More info and to see their wide range of colors visit twobirdsbridesmaid.com

I have selected the twobirds bridesmaid Dresses as it fits all of my criteria (although it is not cheap). I took both my Maid of Honor and one of my Bridesmaids to try of this dress; both are thrilled by the selection and were willing to shell out the $300 for the ball gown style in Aubergine. I’m so thrilled and a bit jealous I did not order one of them for myself.

What are your requirements for your Bridesmaid dresses?

A Love Letter to my Future Husband

My wedding planning is a bit different than most. My groom lives 600 miles from home. Mr. Mc started law school in Brooklyn in August. I stayed in the South with our home and the dog. We talked long and hard about when I would move. With the uncertainty of the job market and home sales, we didn’t think the best long-term solution was to sell the house and me move to the City with him. We do want to stay in the South long-term, our families are here and we love the lifestyle of lemonade and front porches.

This has made Winter Break, Spring Break, and weekend trips to be cherished moments together. Many busy bodies don’t understand what we are doing, but I’m okay with that. We are planning for the long term, these days apart are only growing our bond and love. It is the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

We don’t know where we will be in August after the wedding, but for now I will send him love notes.

The above card, if one I just mailed him, 4 months before our wedding. I love the sentient and simplicity of Pooh’s words. It captures my feelings perfectly.

I bought the card from an etsy artist Christen Strang of LetterHappy. She has amazing stuff, certainly if you are looking for cards, prints or other fun stuff give her shop a look.

The Beginning - The Venue

I've started this blog in order to document the final preparations for my wedding. I've found tons of inspiration and am very excited about the elements we are using in our wedding and those that did not make the final cut.

Each day, I hope to focus on different elements of a wedding. Like most blogs, this will be a very organic, so we will where we find focus.

One of the first things, Mr. Mc and I decided on was our reception location. I was adamant I did not want a "hotel" wedding. There is something so impersonal about most hotel ballrooms, it also does not fit our style. Due to Mr. Mc's law school schedule we had two dates for the wedding, both in August. In the South with 90 degrees temps, humanity and bugs, meant Outdoor was off the table.

We sought out many venues from historic homes to rental venues to museums. We lovedRoof with a View. We've been to several receptions there at it is a wonderful venue.

But we then visited the Mint Museum. We walked around with the event coordinator and knew it was the perfect place. Mr. Mc and I are huge arts advocates, so we knew it was perfect. I was also excited that the venue needs minimal decoration, after all it is an art gallery.

What did you look for in a venue?