CapThat: Wedding Photo on Wood

I got the opportunity to check out a new-to-me site CapThat and to share the experience of ordering and my thoughts on the product I received.

First and foremost, I noticed the cool options, like a photo on metal or wood.  There's also all different sizes available and even custom sizing on some products like the canvas prints.  There's accessories like playing cards, puzzles, coffee mugs and more.  You can take photos straight from Facebook, Instagram or upload from your computer. 

I wanted a wedding photo to put up in my home office space and I was torn between a metal print and a wood print.  After going back and forth I decided I liked the rustic look for the photos on the wood and thought it'd look great about my desk.  I picked one of my favorite wedding shots and uploaded it right onto the site.  It took just minutes to create my piece and checkout.  It really helped that I could see a preview of the product as I uploaded and edited.

My 7x7 wood print is now hanging above my desk and I love it.  It's really unique and these would make a wonderful gift.

***Disclaimer: Review products have been given to me for review purposes. My opinions are my own. Post may contain affiliate links. By using these links you are helping support LLandLoL, but of course it is never required that you use my links. If you have more questions regarding this please check out: http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.html

Build-A-Bear Ring BEARer Alternative

I recently got married (you can check out the other posts regarding my wedding and the planning process here) and now that the photos are in and the dust has settled I wanted to share what I think is my awesome ring bearer alternative!

My kids first experienced Build-A-Bear at a birthday party last year and K still sleeps with the white bear he named Brownie every night.  When I started planning I knew I wanted my kids to walk down the aisle and wanted the boys to be our ring bearers.  I knew they might get nervous or scared walking down the aisle and I was worried the rings might be too big of a responsibility for my 1 and 4 year old.  I found great ring bearer boxes that were beautiful but just didn't seem right. Until I had a light bulb moment.  Build-A-Bear bears for the boys to carry to help ease any anxiety they might have and also, to capture some adorable photos of them with their bears.

Luckily for me, Build-A-Bear has a groom bear available; but this would be great with any animal they offer.  It'd be fun to take the kids to a Build-A-Bear Workshop nearby and let them make their own, too.

The photos that were captured (the chapel photographer only got one of my children walking down the aisle which was really upsetting but my family and friends were able to grab a few throughout the evening :)) were really cute and my concept worked perfectly.  We tied the rings around the one my four year old carried and it was easy for Hubs to remove when the time came. 



Baby G loves his bear!

**Disclaimer: My boys received these bears as a gift from Build-A-Bear.  My opinions are my own. If you have more questions regarding this please check out: http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.html

Wedding Bouquets (Etsy Love:SpringDews)

I knew from day one I didn't want live flowers at my wedding.  There are a few reasons:
1) Flowers are expensive
2) (cut) Flowers Die and I hate the idea of cutting flowers to have them look pretty for a day.

I had grand plans of making my bouquets.  I considered a brooch bouquet and recycled paper flowers and started researching how-tos.  And then the reality of time set in and I realized I didn't want that added stress! So I set out to find an inexpensive and beautiful alternative.

I went to one of my favorite sites and started searching all around Etsy.  I quickly realized brooch bouquets were WAY out of my price range.  Which was ok, because I started to worry to bling of a brooch bouquet would compete with my dress. 

Photo Credit: Auntie Mary

I found SpringDews and loved what I saw- the prices where great and the bouquets were gorgeous.  I asked the owner if she could work in some recycled and reused paper and she obliged!  I told her my wedding colors and what I was looking for in bouquets.  I wanted the bridesmaids and maid of honor to have different bouquets and Jelly Bean to have one similar to mine (but smaller).

I loved what she came up with!  They truly were perfect.  One of my bridesmaids is now using hers as a centerpiece in her home and I plan to display Jelly Bean's and mine in our home, too! 

I highly recommend SpringDews! You can order bouquets, single flowers, boutonnieres and more.  The single ones are perfect for DIY bouquets and crafts or you can get something custom made, like I did. She offers paper and fabric!



Check out the Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SpringDews
And Like SpringDews on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/springdews7


***Disclaimer: Review products have been given to me for review purposes. My opinions are my own. Post may contain affiliate links. By using these links you are helping support LLandLoL, but of course it is never required that you use my links. If you have more questions regarding this please check out: http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.html

Wedding Photos! I'm Officially a MRS

I'm back and officially a Mrs! 

 

Our wedding had some surprises and some snags but in the end we're married and that's all that matters!

 

Here are some non professional photos (thank you fabulous friends and family for snapping away!) of the trip and our Las Vegas Wedding.  I'll share more details and thoughts for future brides soon. 

Gimme Some Sugar- Fantastic to work with and so yummy!

Happily Ever BorroWED Sash added so much to my dress!  It gave it the WOW Factor.
Bouquets from SpringDew on Etsy- gorgeous and a wonderfully afforable option!

Jelly Bean carried a bouquet from SpringDew and the boys carried bears from Build-A-Bear. So adorable!

One Kings Lane $15 Credit (and Wedding Sale)!

I got some gorgeous crystal glasses from One Kings Lane and I love them- great deal and fantastic quality. 

Use the links below to get credit and check out the newest sales!

Sign up today for a $15 credit for purchases of $30 or more.





***Disclaimer:  By using these links you are helping support LLandLoL, but of course it is never required that you use my links. If you have more questions regarding this please check out: http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.html

DIY Kids Wedding Favors (Less than $2.50 Each!)

Our wedding favors consist of can koozies and bottle openers- not exactly kid-friendly.  So I decided to make some personalized kid-friendly wedding favors.  Since we're on a budget (like so many others) I wanted to give something to the kids they'd like and that my wallet could handle.

Here's what I came up with using these cool hinged tins.  I opted for the ones with the window because it was the perfect size and I liked that they could look into it to see the goodies inside.  Plus, they could possibly use them later at home (I'll show you how we used the extra ones later in the post).

I knew I wanted to fill it with some treats- but wanted to find candy that was individually wrapped so I didn't have to buy more items like bags to hold the treats.  Most candies I saw where wrapped in brightly colored papers with the name of the candy plastered all over it.  Hershey's Kisses match the silver of the container and they fit perfectly in the depth of this tin.

I already had a Sharpie Paint Pen (although if I was buying a new one I wouldn't use super fine- but I worked with what I had!).  I wrote the kids' names on the window with the paint pen.

I decided last minute instead of filling the entire thing with candy to add a deck of playing cards for the kids.  I found these Love cards ones for less than $1 each.  They had the grey/silver matching and were too cute to resist.

Total: $1.50 per container
           $0.32 Approx.4 cents for each the Hershey's Kiss.  I used 8 in each tin
           $0.59 per deck of cards ($7/dozen and I got free shipping!)
           $2.41 Per Favor!

Freund Container & Supply is a DIY paradise.  I saw some amazing deals on mason jars.  If I wasn't travelling for my wedding you bet I would've been using those jars for decorations and centerpieces!  I could browse all the containers (metal, plastic and glass options) for hours inspiring some fun new DIY ideas.

I had a few tins left over and found some creative uses for them!  K and Baby G's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have lots of little weapons that come with them...the hinged tin is PERFECT to contain them all.  I think Barbie clothing/accessories would be great in these too.  Also, these are great for desk drawers (erasers, paper clips etc) and on your vanity (bobby pins and hair ties)! 

***Disclaimer: Freund Containers and Supply graciously supplied the tins for this DIY.  All opinions are my own. If you have more questions regarding this please check out: http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.html

Bridal Shower and Etsy Love: TaylorCraftsEngraved

Beautifully Crafted Personalized Gifts

My wonderful Maid of Honor (my cousin/BFF) and my great aunt threw me a wonderful and amazing bridal shower a couple weeks ago.  When they started asking me what kind of gifts I'd like, in case guests asked for guidance, I named off a few things.  Without realizing it, I named off all kitchen items!  They ran with that idea and through a fun kitchen themed bridal shower!  It was perfect, small, intimate and fun.

TaylorCraftsEngraved on Etsy offered to send me my very own personalized wedding gift and it came just in time for the bridal shower!  TaylorCrafts Engraved  has beautifully crafted cutting boards and humidors with unique designs.  These are perfect for wedding, anniversary or house warming gifts.  I absolutely adore this piece.  It's truly a piece of art.  I opted to get the display stand and I currently have it on my kitchen counter.  I've already gotten compliments on it and I love seeing it during the many hours I spend in the kitchen on a daily basis.  It certainly puts a smile on my face- this personalized cutting board has my soon-to-be last name and the date of our wedding, it's perfect.

I can certainly use the cutting board for practical reasons, too.  And I got the Butcher Block and Conditioner to help take care and keep this cutting board for a long time to come!

Head over and like TaylorCraftsEngraved on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaylorCrafts

 

I hadn't planned on doing the whole groom's gift but I am seriously considering a personalized humidor for Hubs-To-Be. Did you exchange gifts, if so what did you give each other?

Wedding Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas

My wedding invitation journey got a bit rocky mid-way through...Let me explain a bit.

I found a design I like online and was able to customize it with our colors.  Hubs-To-Be's full name didn't fit but we were alright with using his nickname.  I used a inexpensive online printing service and printed the invites and RSVP with a coupon code.  I liked them a lot but a few months later my venue changed names and I had two options.  Re-do my invites or add an insert.  I started doing more searching online for designs and found some awesome coupon codes for Wedding Paper Divas.

Wedding Paper Divas literally has so many design choices that Hubs-To-Be asked me to search through them and bring him my top choices.  I was happy to oblige!  So when we sat down to go over my 'top choices' I had narrowed it down to 27 options.  Ok Ok, before you judge go look at the website and all the choices!!  We had quite a bit of fun looking through them all, deciding if the design was right for us and our vision and playing around with the color and personalization options.  The funniest part of all of this was in the end, we decided on the very first design we both liked!

Flourish Title was our winner!  We were able to pick a custom color and if you've been reading you know out wedding colors are orange and grey (and white) so we opted for the Autumn Orange.  There is also an option to customize even more with your Design Specialist later in the process, but I'm getting ahead of myself!

I plugged in our info and I quickly got a response from my Design Specialist with a first proof.  It was so great to see the invitation in the color we choose and the layout with all our wording and the new name of the venue.  I had some revisions and I got three proofs that were included free; thank goodness!  While I was dealing with the invitations I was also dealing with the restaurant trying to determine if I needed to have menu options on the RSVP so my RSVP proof changed a couple times too!  The Design Specialist was a pro and helped make the whole set perfect!  They were done and ready to print quickly and I got the email saying they were ready to ship in two days.  They arrived in no time and they were perfect.  I was grateful the process was simple and quick because I was running out of time to get the invites in the mail for our destination wedding. 

I would absolutely recommend Wedding Paper Divas!! There's more than just invitations and RSVP cards; check online for party invites, thank you cards, items for the ceremony and reception and so much more!  I wish I had used them for our Save the Dates. You can also get invitation samples FREE (use code FREETRY).

RSVP TIP

For some reason the M_______ on RSVPs can get confusing to guests.  To avoid being lost if RSVPs were sent back with no names I put small numbers on the back of the card and noted (in an excel sheet) whose card corresponded with which number.  This way if you receive a card back with no name you can check your excel sheet and know that Aunt Anne (who was assigned number 6) will be coming!  This helps alleviate some stress...and believe me, if your families are anything like ours, RSVPs will already be stressful (I mean, come on!  The envelopes are address and stamped- just send it back!?!).

Get 20% off Invitations and Receptions Stationary (Code MARWED20 Ends 3/5/13)

Free Wedding Website- No Code Required

15% Off Save The Date Orders (Code MARST15 Ends 3/5/13)



What were your wedding colors or what will they be?  Comment Below!

***Disclaimer: Review products have been given to me for review purposes. My opinions are my own. Post may contain affiliate links. By using these links you are helping support LLandLoL, but of course it is never required that you use my links. If you have more questions regarding this please check out: http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.html

Etsy Love: Styled Simplicity

I posted on Facebook about these adorable bridal party gifts I got from Styled Simplicity but I wanted to share here, too.

I decided to pick up these affordable (Only $6!) and adorable earrings as an extra thank you to my bridal party for being so supportive and wonderful.  Our wedding colors are orange, grey (light and dark) and white and my Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids are wearing grey dresses and Jelly Bean opted for an orange dress.  I thought these would be fun if they decided they wanted to wear them on the wedding day (although it's not something I'm requiring or anything :)). 

Check out all the fun accessories offered at really reasonable prices in the Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/StyledSimplicity
And Like Styles Simplicity on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StyledSimplicity



***Disclaimer: Review products have been given to me for review purposes. My opinions are my own. Post may contain affiliate links. By using these links you are helping support LLandLoL, but of course it is never required that you use my links. If you have more questions regarding this please check out: http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.html

CafePress Unique Gifts, Wedding Stuff and More! Plus Giveaway!

I have been searching for an alternative idea for a guest book.  I wanted something unique and something we could look at regularly (I was worried a literal book would end up getting packed away or stored).  I have seen some awesome custom products on CafePress.com, in particular the many custom invitation choices!

So when I saw some fabulous Las Vegas item(we're having a destination wedding in Vegas- where we often visit and where Hubs-To-Be proposed) I started thinking outside the box (or book) and searched through lots of fun products.  I knew with CafePress I could customize something too but I found the PERFECT guestbook for us. This Las Vegas photo will be signed by our guests (with a silver marker, I think) and then hung in our bedroom! I'm still determining if we would prefer the canvas or framed print.

Of course I checked out the rest of the site and found some amazingly fun stuff.  One thing I had no idea CafePress had was custom and unique bedding! I mean seriously, how many kids wouldn't love custom bedding with their name and favorite color?  There's more than just cute bedding for kids and teens though.  There's romantic, themed, Mr. and Mrs (love this!), funny and anything else you can think of. 

Design your own clothing (or let your kids; Jelly Bean would LOVE this), a baby blanket for a new bundle of joy, a phone case or custom home decor- the sky is the limit!

You can find CafePress.com online and on Facebook (I liked through the website and got a 20% off code!).

CafePress is awesome enough to offer you all a chance to win a $25 Gift Code to use on the website!

Entry-Form

eFavorMart.com Giveaway with 2 Winners!!!

eFavorMart.com is a dream come true for anyone currently (or even considering) planning any type of event!  As you know, I'm planning my own wedding and can't tell you how many amazing items I've found.  Once I receive all my RSVPs (side note/wedding vent: why or why do people avoid sending RSVPs back??!  They are addressed and stamped already...all they have to do is respond and put it in the mail!?) I plan to scoop up some favor bags or boxes to hold all the goodies we're handing out! I also want to get a few personalized items like ribbon and napkins for our dinner.  I think those little touches make an even extra special.

eFavorMart.com has table clothes, cakestands, silk flowers and so much more.  Seriously, I could spend hours and days on this site just browsing.  It's set up wonderfully too so if you are looking for something in particular you can search or check out the categories. I'm in wedding mode but I wanted to point out that eFavorMart is the perfect place to grab items for any event, not only weddings.  There's a whole baby shower section, even!

I encourage you to like eFavorMart on Facebook to see some inspirational photos that customers send in using products from eFavorMart!

eFavorMart has generously offered to sponsor a giveaway for TWO $25 gift codes to the website! Each winner will receive a $25 gift code to shop at eFavorMart. Enter to win below!

Entry-Form
 

LLandLoL is not responsible for prize fullfillment.

Wedding Favors from Totally Promotional

Our wedding isn't very traditional in the sense that we won't be having a 'reception' they way most people think of a reception.  Instead we'll be taking our guests to one of our favorite places to eat in Las Vegas (and a place we happened upon on our very first vacation together 5 years ago).  After dinner we're hosting a Las Vegas Strip Tour with drinks and music and sightseeing.  The bus doesn't allow glass so we'll be hosting our bar on the bus with mostly cans (we can't afford alcoholic drinks at dinner, as of now, it's tough but I'm letting go of the idea that we need to offer drinks with dinner.  We can offer what we can afford, and that's ok).  Side note:  did you know there are lots of great options in cans and pouches now-a-days!  I was worried we'd only be able to offer beer but that's not the case!

Anyway, can koozies are really popular in some parts of the country but really here, I've never seen them.  I thought wedding koozies would be a really cute touch for our strip tour and went on the hunt to find reasonably priced one with a design I liked in our wedding colors.  Totally Promotional has everything you can imagine and they can put any logo on items like lip balm, drawstring bags and can covers (or Koozies)! They have wedding items and other promotional items (I think LLandLoL merchandise would be fun ;)).  I checked around and the pricing was comparable to other websites but a few things set Totally Promotional apart. 

First, they had no 'set up' fee.  Many of the websites I came across charge a big chunk for the customization part of the printing.  Second, each order came with special Bride and Groom koozies at no extra charge. And lastly, I worked with someone closely during my ordering process. The account representative informed me I could choose  two designs and print one on each side!  Awesome!  I picked my two favorite designs, chose the colors for the background and the imprinting and sent the order in. 

The arrived quickly and were better than I had imagined!  I can't wait to give these out on our Las Veags Strip Tour!

Check out all Total Promotional has to offer here: http://www.totallypromotional.com/
Andlike them on Facebook, where they offer discounts and giveaways sometimes!


***Disclaimer: Review products have been given to me for review purposes. My opinions are my own. Post may contain affiliate links. By using these links you are helping support LLandLoL, but of course it is never required that you use my links. If you have more questions regarding this please check out: http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.html

The Color Run Really is The Happiest 5K on the Planet

I shared my excited about doing The Color Run awhile back and in that post I was trying to decide on a team name for my bridal party.  We ended up being team Wedding Belles; how cute right?!  The days leading up to the run where really rainy here in Phoenix, which is very unusual.  I hadn't really considered what would happen if it rained run day.

I went with two ladies in my bridal party to pick up our racing packets at a store close to where the race is held (I only have 3 in my bridal party but the 3rd was working and decided to pick hers up the next day).  The packets consisted of a Color Run tattoo, a headband, a shirt, our bibs and a packet of color.  We found out that The Color Run continues in rain or shine so that put me at ease a bit.  I thought it wouldn't be so bad doing the race in a small sprinkle of water...



I took the old school sweater off and had a BRIDE shirt on

Come Saturday morning I wake up to realize it's been raining all night!  We decided to brave the weather and head to the race location; again three of us carpooled and planned to met the 4th member of our team there.  We got to the race and parked closer than I thought we'd be able to.  For those of you familiar with this area, the race began at Tempe Town Lake/Mill Ave Bridge.  It was raining pretty heavily so I called my last teammate and told her where to meet us, letting her know I wouldn't be bringing my phone.  Knowing my luck it'd be the only phone drenched.  I wasn't able to bring my camera either and was bummed but figured I could take before and after photos with my phone at the car.



Unfortunately, when we got there my 4th member was no where to be found.  Apparently the rain and cold was too much for her!  So team Wedding Belles was a team of three.  We started the race and hit pink first on our walk/run.  We ran parts of the race but walk the majority of it.  The color stations are crazy but so fun!  The volunteers are there throwing this powder color on you as you run through the area.  It was hilarious!  The rain made it a super messy experience but it also added to some of the fun!  Throughout the 5K there are three stations; pink, yellow, orange and blue. 

At the orange station a family asked me to take photos of them while I waited for a teammate to use the restroom.  The woman was so kind and asked if she could take a photo of us and text or email it to me later!  The people participating in this run were all friendly and whenever they saw our shirts (Bride, Maid of Honor and Bridesmaid shirts) they would say something nice or congratulate me.  It really was 'The Happiest 5k on the Planet'.  Blue was last and because of the rain had become a complete puddle/lake of blue dye water.  My shoes and feet got soaked through making for an uncomfortable last part of the race.  We powered through and reached then end where we ended to the DJ and stage to engage in the dance party color craze.  The green color was here at the stage and while dancing, jumping and singing we got dowsed in green from head to toe!  In the rain and mud and layers of color, it truly was an awesome experience.

I was worried I wouldn't be able to do it but we all did and I'm so proud.  We're on the hunt for the next fun 5K to do! I really recommend this to anyone- I saw everyone from babies to seniors of all fitness levels!

To learn more about The Color Run you can find more online here: http://thecolorrun.com/
On on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecolorrun
And Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheColorRun

***Disclaimer: I recieved a bib for myself and my teammates in exchange for sharing my experience with you.  My opinions are, as always, 100% my own.  If you have more questions regarding this please check out: http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.html

Wedding Shoes: Konvine

I have found my perfect wedding shoes!!  I have been searching and searching and believe me it's been difficult.  At first I was searching for very small heels.  Hubs-To-Be is only a few inches taller than me and I didn't want to tower over him on our wedding day.  I was having a really really hard time finding 2 inch (or less) heels that I liked.  They just aren't a style I usually purchase or wear and they all just looked 'wrong' to me.  I decided flats were the way to go and began my search again.

Konvine Rollup Flats were created to alleviate the pain that heels can cause throughout the day, nights out, dates or even on your wedding day!  They roll up small and can fit in little purses to help your tired toes. The sole is sturdy and non-slip you can use these as regular shoes, as well, not just as a backup plan.  This is what I'll be doing.  I will be using these shoes as my wedding day shoes and I'm ecstatic.  They are beyond comfortable.  Sometimes with flats I get rubbing on my heels but the way these are designed there is no rubbing- they are soft and form to fit. 

Comfy shoes are a must in my day to day life, too.  They have so many styles and cute charms on them.  These are fashionable shoes with none of the discomfort.  You could wear theses with jeans, shorts, dresses and skirts.  You can definitely dress them up or down.  My bridesmaids are really wishing they made these shoes in an orange color (my wedding color)!  Even though there is no orange, you can find many other colors, camo, skulls, silver, hearts, leopard and many many more!

Check out Konvine for yourself online:  http://www.konvine.com/
Like them on Facebook to see deals and stay up to date on fashions: https://www.facebook.com/Konvine




***Disclaimer: Review products have been given to me for review purposes. My opinions are my own. Post may contain affiliate links. By using these links you are helping support LLandLoL, but of course it is never required that you use my links. If you have more questions regarding this please check out: http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.html

My Wedding Hair and Makeup

Harmony Medina/Harmony Artistry

I introduced you to my wedding planning process in a previous post and have been hard at work trying to make decisions and finalize everything for our destination wedding in Las Vegas.  One thing that was really important to me was finding a hair and makeup artist I was comfortable with who was within my wedding budget and of course, had amazing portfolio images.  I decided I wanted airbrush makeup because I had read it stays put longer; we have a very long day planned and even though it's April, Vegas can get hot.  Plus, side note, I've been dealing with some major adult acne issues lately and I really am worried that's all I'll see in the photos. 

I found Harmony Medina and through obsessive google searching extensive research.  I loved what I saw in her portfolio online, she came to the room and the price was exactly right.  I went on the hunt for reviews and was ecstatic when I found positive ones all over the web.  I tried booking her so far in advance her calendar didn't even go that far out (hey, I'm a planner.  If I had waited as she'd been scooped up I would've been furious with myself).  I emailed her and we set up the appointment.  My bridal party waited and now she's booked for right after my appointment- the good news for my girls is, I have no requirements on their hair and makeup; they can do whatever they feel comfy with (I do ask they don't do the same hairstyle as me; but that's not too bride-zilla, right?).  I'll be doing a trial the Thursday before which is perfect because I'll be going out with my girls that night!  I don't have reviews yet but you know I'll share them after the wedding! I'm thinking hair half up half down...



You can find more info about Harmony and her amazing work here: http://harmonyartistry.weebly.com/

Tip: Plan ahead.  Especially if you have a tight budget.  You can't wait until the last minute to plan with a tight budget and here's why:

The budget already limits your options. Waiting will only limit them more. 

How did you wear your hair for your wedding?  Did you do it yourself?  I want some wedding hair and makeup stories! Post them below! :)

***Disclaimer: Review products have been given to me for review purposes. My opinions are my own. Post may contain affiliate links. By using these links you are helping support LLandLoL, but of course it is never required that you use my links. If you have more questions regarding this please check out: http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.html

Happily Ever BorroWED

As I mentioned in my Initial Wedding Planning post, I'm on a budget.  A strict budget.  I don't want to compromise on my 'vision' for my wedding; especially when it comes to my fashion/dress/look for the big day.  I found a dress that flatters me that was within my budget.  It's pretty and I feel great in it; but it's a bit plain.  I immediately knew I wanted to add a bridal sash.  Something with bling to make it pop and to 'fancy' it up. 

I started my search and quickly found my champange taste did not fit my beer budget when it came to bridal accessories!  Happily Ever BorroWED to the rescue!  I found this site and my heart skipped a beat.  They have gorgeous accessories from amazing designers for all bridal needs!  Tiaras, veils, jewelry, clutches, belts and sashes and more! I fell in love with this Starlet Belt, which retails for $450.  Thank goodness for Happily Ever BorroWED! 

With Happily Ever BorroWED you rent (or borrow, get it!?) the accessories for a fraction of the price!  I love this concept.  My something borrowed can be something amazing and something I knew I wanted at a price budget brides can afford.  There's a $5 insurance fee that covers any minor damage and each piece is hand cleaned between rentals and Happily Ever BorroWED assures each item will be sparky and clean for your big day. 

Since my wedding is a destination wedding I opted for the 8 day rental.  The belt will arrive the Tuesday before my wedding and then when we return I simply pack up the sash and send it back using the complementary return label!  They do have 4 day rentals, as well, for brides who need less time with their fabulous accessories.  I want to also mention the special 'Send Before You Spend' promotion.  You pick 3 items to try before the big day.  So for example, you can bring these items to your fitting or dress shopping to see what exactly you want for your wedding day!  This option is a flat $50 and you receive a $25 coupon back for your wedding day rental, that is an AMAZING deal!

I'm beyond excited to rock the belt for my wedding, it's exactly what I invisioned and I'm so glad to have found Happily Ever BorroWED and share it with other brides just like me! Stay tuned; I'll be including photos and information post wedding, too!

***Disclaimer: Review products have been given to me for review purposes. My opinions are my own. Post may contain affiliate links. By using these links you are helping support LLandLoL, but of course it is never required that you use my links. If you have more questions regarding this please check out: http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.html

Healthy Lifestyle Goals

I have less than four months until my wedding and I stepped on the scale for the first time since purchasing my dress last night.  I thought the scale was broken.  I have gained 15lbs.  In approximately 3-4 months.  That cannot be healthy! 

We all have it.  That wake up call that really smacks you in the face.  I weigh now what I weighed while another person was growing inside me.  Ya, it's time to get serious about getting healthy.  And, I'll be completely truthful here, hopefully that means smaller clothing sizes and dramatic dropping of the pounds.  Right now I'm focusing on the healthy part and not worrying so much about the numbers.  (Ok, that's not true but I know that's what I SHOULD be doing).  I knew I had gained this holiday season, but I didn't think it was THAT much.  I'm scared to try and put my dress on...

It ain't pretty but it's me walking this morning :)

Here's the plan.  (I figure if I put it out into the world for you all to see I'm more likely to follow through and be held accountable, right?)  Walking at least 3 times each week, in the morning before the kids get up. Yes, that means less precious sleep.  But I can do this.  I'm focused on the wedding date now.  I'll re-evaluate the plan after that.  Being aware of what I'm eating.  Truthfully, I don't eat THAT bad throughout the day.  I need to be aware more of what I'm consuming (and how much of it) when the kids go to bed.  Late night snacking is probably not too helpful in the whole lose-weight-get-healthy-grand-scheme-of-things.

I have finally quit breastfeeding and have started taking the Creative BioScience 90 day challenge.  I'll most definitely keep you updated.  So far I can confirm that I feel more energized but it's still far too early to report much more.  (Side Note: use code LESS for 15% off Creative BioScience at http://www.lifefitstore.com/).  

So now it's out in the world. No huge grand scheme to starve of become a gym fanatic but a way to (hopefully) lose what I've gained (and more! fingers crossed).  So, now, your turn.  What are your goals?  Anything you want to put out in the world?  Comment here!


***Disclaimer: Review products have been given to me for review purposes. My opinions are my own. Post may contain affiliate links. By using these links you are helping support LLandLoL, but of course it is never required that you use my links. If you have more questions regarding this please check out: http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.html

Corset Chick Review

I found Corset Chick online and loved that I was able to find gorgeous corsets in my size!  I wear a clothing size 14/16 but wanted to find a cute little corset for our mini-honeymoon.  I found so many options and many were plus size corsets and plus sized lingerie. I even saw some really awesome ones for Valentine's Day or DIY Halloween Costumes (for grown up parties- I don't know if I'd rock a corset walking around the neighborhood with my kiddos but more power to you if you would!). Corset Chick also has sleepwear, boots, shapewear and hoisery!

I decided on the Classical White Corset (that came with some matching underwear too).  The quality is great- the corset is made of satin and cut in a very flattering way (longer in the front, coming to a point right where I have some 'problem areas').  I know Hubs-to-Be would love me in anything but it's nice to FEEL great in it too! The back is fully adjustable for the perfect fit.  Make sure you take special note of the sizing, it's way different than any other sizing chart I've dealt with, but again, the ribbon in the back helps make it the perfect size. 

This is definitely a fun site with many different products for women of all sizes.  The pricing is great and for my set it cost uder $30! 



***Disclaimer: Review products have been given to me for review purposes. My opinions are my own. Post may contain affiliate links. By using these links you are helping support LLandLoL, but of course it is never required that you use my links. If you have more questions regarding this please check out: http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.html

This Journey They Call Wedding Planning

As my big white wedding day approaches I'll be talking more and more about it, I'm sure.  I've already blogged a little about some of the stuff we're doing leading up to the big day (like The Color Run) but I thought a post explaining it, our vision and my excitement might be in order.

Hubs-To-Be and I have been together about 5 years.  We have two beautiful children together (our boys K and Baby G) and I'm lucky to get to be a part of Jelly Bean's (his 11 year old daughter) life.  We purchased our home together last year and there was never really a question of being together forever- we knew in our hearts we would be.  He finally made it official last year (2/7/12) on a trip to Las Vegas, NV (also, the first vacation we had ever taken together was to Las Vegas, NV four years earlier).  He got down on one knee in front of the Bellagio Fountains, I may have cried, I definitely said yes.

We began thinking about the kind of wedding we wanted.  We viewed a few local places but nothing seemed right.  We had jokingly said we'd just do it in Vegas; but that idea was looking more and more appealing.  After breaking down some pricing options and thinking about what we really wanted after these years we decided to go with a Las Vegas wedding.  Some traditional aspects mixed with a fun and casual weekend with our friends and family. 

Planning began and with my budget in place (we are paying for the wedding ourselves) I started doing research.  Tons and tons of research.  We didn't want a traditional reception (or the price tag that comes with it).  I wanted a chapel on The Strip for location and I wanted to find something that didn't look outdated and too cheesy (although a little cheese in Vegas never hurt anyone).  We want to feed our guests and say thank you (which is what a traditional reception is- a thank you to the guests for celebrating with the couple). 

We're almost a year into planning and we are still making decisions on big and small stuff (I'm so glad I started early and had over a year to plan!).  It won't be a traditional wedding, but nothing we've done so far is traditional anyway.  In the end, we'll be married.  And I'll get to call my best friend my husband.  Anything else it just icing on the cake (or maybe cupcake?).   Thanks for coming with me on the journey and I can't wait to share more planning, budgeting and wedding stuff with you all!

Got some tips, tricks or stories about wedding planning?  I'd love to hear them!