Showing posts with label handmade. Show all posts
Showing posts with label handmade. Show all posts

Monday, January 13, 2014

31 Days, 31 Questions About Weddings...Help Me Please! Day 13: Food

Day 13 Question:

What was your favorite meal type/food for a wedding?

There are SO MANY options here. I've seen people do buffets, traditional sit-downs, heavy hors d'oeuvres, stations...
(photo from Ruffled)
With the budget always on our minds, we are looking for a budget-friendly option that will also be fun and enjoyable for our guests. This certainly won't be a filet and lobster kind of wedding and overly ethnic foods are out of the question, but I'd like to serve something other than the very traditional "chicken and rigi" (that would be our word for rigatoni). 

Thoughts?

Monday, January 6, 2014

31 Days, 31 Questions About Weddings...Help Me Please! Day 6: Registry

Day 6 Question:

If we have most of the "household" things that we need, can we register for something like home improvement store gift cards?
So, I am 33 and Erik is 37. We have each lived on our own for several years and thus both have the large majority of things we need to run our households. Looking down the road to the wedding registry...what we really need is to remodel and furnish our (well, his until I move in) home. Flooring, paint, maybe a new appliance or two, furniture, etc. That's what we REALLY need.

 Is it acceptable for us to "register" for those kinds of things?

Sunday, January 5, 2014

31 Days, 31 Questions About Weddings...Help Me Please! Day 5: Programs

Day 5 Question:

Do we have to have "programs", or can we just go with a cute sign?


Programs are adorable (especially the ones I found from Rustic Wedding Chic on Pinterest. They look cute, they tell people what's going on, and they let guests know "who's who" in the wedding.
 
 I suppose at this point it's becoming clear that I am doing my very very best to have this gorgeous special day on a budget...just like everyone else. I also don't like waste, and just like the cut flowers, I kind of feel like the programs are a pretty big waste of paper that will ultimately get tossed.
http://www.cedarwoodweddings.com/2012/01/royale-rustic-heidijason/
Is it acceptable for me to simply paint a sign, or is there some kind of really cool program alternative I don't know about yet?

You all have been sharing some amazing ideas so far...I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of your input and advice!!!

Saturday, January 4, 2014

31 Days, 31 Questions About Weddings...Help Me Please! Day 4: Flowers

Day 4 Question:

What are some creative alternatives to flowers as decoration?

I LOVE flowers. In the spring I eagerly await the first peek of color on my sweetly scented hyacinths, the first blooms on my prized irises, that first pop of green in the landscape of dull brown. It would seem natural that I would have loads and loads of flowers at my wedding, right? Well, there are some roadblocks there.

1) I have some pretty major allergies. I am one of those people who is basically allergic to "outside", which sadly includes many of the flowers and greens I find so beautiful.

2) I just can't see spending all of that money on something like cut flowers that will simply be thrown away in a few days' time. Of course I want to have a bouquet and the wedding party will have the requisite floral adornments. I'm talking more about centerpieces and decorations.

So, I am looking for some creative alternatives (other than simple potted plants) to replace the flower decor at the wedding. Thoughts?

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

31 Days, 31 Questions about Weddings...Help Me Please! Day 1: The Dress

Day 1 Question:

How long before my wedding date do I need to buy my dress?

Maybe I should back up just a step: I have no idea what kind of dress I want. 
I am pretty sure I know what I DON'T want:

-No princess-y puffy dresses
-No strapless dresses
-No mermaid-y dresses
-No long train
-No "average" or "popular" dresses

So, once the decision is made, how long before The Big Day do I need to drop the cash and put in the order?

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Cyber Monday deals!

Of COURSE bel monili will be offering a Cyber Monday deal!  Enjoy a whopping 20% off of your ENTIRE purchase of $20 or more in my Etsy shop using code CM2013
PLUS

-Purchases of $50 or more will receive a FREE 3 pack of pearl bobby pins*!
-Purchases of $100 or more will receive a FREE leather quote bracelet**!

 through midnight EST 12/2/13

*limit one per customer
**Christmas quote bracelets not included, quote chosen at random unless specified by the purchaser at checkout
www.belmonili.etsy.com

If you know of someone who has a business and is doing a Cyber Monday deal, please feel free to post it here in the comments and/or share it to my Facebook page. Thanks so much for looking and supporting small businesses!

Here are great deals from some of my favorite creative friends:

www.audraazoury.com
 Enjoy these deals at Audra Azoury

www.bonneamy.com
 Enjoy 10% off of your purchase of $30 or more at Bonne Amy with code CyberMon


www.etsy.com/shop/brownbirdgreenstring
Enjoy 20% off $25 or more at Brown Bird Green String CYBERMONDAY20 (through 12/3/13)

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Samst132
Enjoy 15% off your purchase at Designs by Samantha, plus a FREE pair of post earrings AND free shipping with code GOBBLE

www.etsy.com/shop/cinamonsquirrel
Enjoy 20% off of your purchase at Art by Marcia Furman with code YOUARELOVED

www.erracreations.com
 Enjoy 15% off of your entire purchase (NO MINIMUM!) at Erra Creations with code cyber2013

www.etsy.com/shop/khouser
Enjoy half price shipping (no code needed) at homefry ceramics

www.garbelladesign.com
Enjoy 20% off of your entire purchase at Garbella using code thankful


www.greenbubblegorgeous.etsy.com 
 Enjoy 15% off of your purchase of $25 or more at Green Bubble Gorgeous using code Cyber2013





www.littlemisssnazzy.etsy.com
Enjoy 20% off of your entire purchase of $15 or more at Little Miss Snazzy with code CYBERMONDAY 


www.mysalvation.etsy.com
 Enjoy 20% Off at My Salvation Jewelry Design with coupon code HOLIDAYSALE

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=782903228392536&set=a.570176049665256.151967.569284393087755&type=1&theater
Naked Geometry is offering a GIVEAWAY! One person will receive one of these for free, on Monday, December 9th. All you need to do is click to share this image and the winner will be chosen at random... good luck!

www.ninaramone.etsy.com
 Enjoy 20% Off at Nina Ramone with coupon code HOLIDAYSALE

https://www.etsy.com/shop/prettybymindy
Enjoy 15% off everything at Pretty by Mindy using code CYBER (on top of their everyday free shipping) through Tuesday 12/3/13 midnight EST
 
www.SKINourishment.com 
Skinourishment is offering Free Shipping with Coupon Code "Holiday2013" 
also $1 off - 1 oz climbOn Bar!

www.strawberryluna.com


www.facebook.com/sugarbabysoaps
All Sugar Baby Soaps Sugar Scrubs are $10 today for Facebook friends! ️Message them through Facebook or email your orders to sugarbabysoaps@gmail.com

https://www.etsy.com/shop/UnaBiologicals
Enjoy 10% off of your purchase of $10 or more at Una Biologicals using code CM2013


www.etsy.com/shop/xmittens
Xmittens purchases over $35 are shipped free with code: THANKS35

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

It's a bel monili giveaway!

It's March!
Spring is mere DAYS away, and I am THRILLED to announce that bel monili has partnered with Common Ground to offer...

A $30 bel monili gift certificate!

Click


to enter

Good luck friends!

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Fantastic 14: Day 12: Liz Makes


Today I am featuring the fresh new blogging talent, Liz of Liz Makes. This invigorating blog focuses on frequent DIY projects that are fun and funky, giving us all hope that we may someday harness a small piece of this dynamic blogger's energy and transform it into a successful project of our own.

Here are a few of my favorite Liz creations:






You'll be inspired by the quantity and quality of fun, simple, realistic projects 
that Liz shares with her followers!

I invite you to check out the Liz Makes blog, and while you're at it please follow her on Facebook and Pinterest. Happy reading!

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Fantastic 14: Day 11: FOLK Magazine


I am going to go ahead and assume that, by now, you have heard of FOLK Magazine. While I am well aware of the old adage of "those who assume...", the data shows that this once tiny startup magazine has now reached international status and ranks amongst glossy heavy hitters such as Country Living and Better Homes and Gardens. 

From the FOLK blog:
 "FOLK magazine is devoted to presenting a fresh and youthful interpretation of simple country lifestyles, while focusing on the stories that make America our collective home sweet home. This down to Earth magazine fills a unique niche in the shelter publication landscape: content is part lifestyle, part editorial, all heart."


FOLK Editor in Chief and founder Ben Ashby is the main source of the magic at FOLK. I was impressed (to say the very least) when I read the story about how FOLK came to be (I'm not gonna spoil it; you have to read their mag to find out!).

Right beside Ben in the FOLK lineup of chiefs is Hillary Lewis and Heath Stiltner, 
two of the hardest working folks in the business.
While I will shout from the rooftops praise and love for FOLK Magazine, I am writing today to share the love with their amazing blog. What you will find here is a collection of life stories, beauty, fashion, DIY projects, recipes, anecdotes, and personal challenges that will keep your mind, body, and spirit feeling energized and refreshed.

With an all-star cast of contributing bloggers, you will quickly become addicted to finding out what is going to be posted next. Will it be a fantastic DIY project from Eclectically Vintage? An inspiring story from At the Picket Fence? Maybe a delicious recipe from MommaHen's Frugal Life? 


Friends, I HIGHLY recommend you take a moment to visit the FOLK blog, grab yourself a subscription (it's a STEAL), and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. 

Happy Reading!

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Fantastic 14: Day 8: Pinstrosity

pinstrosity, pinterest fail

I am fairly confident in saying that everyone has at least heard of Pinterest by this point. Many of us will readily admit to spending FAR too much time "pinning"; happily perusing amazing pictures of projects, decor, fashion, beauty, and everything in between.

 Pinstrosity is a blog where readers can submit their Pinterest project "wins" and "fails". I look forward to their Monday through Friday posts and tips. 


If you do choose to submit a project, remember to rate it with the Pinstrosity GCT Fail Scale, which gives a surprisingly accurate level of success/fail.


pinstrosity
There are two girls behind this hilarious and educational site (they have dubbed themselves "Pinstrositeers"). The introduction from their website says, " Emilee and Marquette have been inseparable partners-in-crime since the summer of 2006,but this is not where the adventures  began. Before this time their families had been connected for years ensuring that these two girls would grow up in the same town, go to the same church, and enjoy the same family activities, including, but not limited to, their mothers crafting lifestyle (it runs in the family, these ladies are cousins along with being best friends). After a stint of being roommates, the two have continued to embark on escapades of epic proportions. Together they have been to the beaches of San Diego, the Enchanting Land of New Mexico, and the Deserts of Arizona, ranging from mountainous camping trips, American history tours and any and all sort of girlish silliness. A day out with Marquette and Em can include anything from Jane Austen-esque movies and nail polish, to perusing the hidden depths of the Antique Mall, to oohing over anything orange, or even inner-tubing down a river of mud." 

Sounds like my kind of girls.

Here are just a few of my favorite posts:






There are some wins, some fails, and a lot of fun! 

Make sure you follow the Pinstrosity Blog, check them out on Facebook, Twitter, and of course Pinterest. Happy reading!

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Fantastic 14: Day 7: The Cottage Market

The Cottage Market
Have you been to The Cottage Market?

If not, heed this advice:

Go there. Now. RIGHT NOW. Bookmark it. Read every word of it.

DIY, burlap, the cottage market

What you will find is an amazing array of DIY ideas, free (!!!!) graphics and downloads, decorating tips, and overall gorgeous-ness for the heart and home.

DIY decorating, The Cottage Market

Andrea, the blog's author, shares this simple statement:

"Hi there!  My name is Andrea and I welcome you to The Cottage Market.
In life I am wear many hats...Mom, Wife, Friend, Daughter, Friend, Fur Baby Mom, Doxie Rescuer :)  and oh so many others.  The Cottage Market is a little extension of me where I share fabulous finds...fun craft projects...vegetarian and baked recipes...vintage treasures...simple decorating and organizing tips and so much more.  I hope you drop by...just know that the door is always open for you and if you want to chat or have a question for me you can always find me at TheCottageMarket@gmail.com I love hearing from you."
The Cottage Market, Ephemera, Vintage, Irish girl
 The Cottage Market shares adorable graphics gratis on a daily basis, making this blog a must-follow for anyone with even the tiniest interest in ephemera.

Recipes, The Cottage Market
Hungry? Visit The Cottage Market's impressive gallery of recipes for inspiration and ideas to last you the rest of your meal-making days.

I invite you to follow The Cottage Market blog, and while you're in the visiting mood make sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Happy reading!