Lump of Coal... For naughty boys and girls

First Row: Lump of Coal Candy from Sprinkle Bakes,  2nd: Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow
Second Row: Necklace from Maneggi at allthingsoriginal.com, Lump of Kohl Soap from Beekman 1802, Lingerie from Ultimo

Just Married Wines

Image Via Swanson Vineyards

I can't wait to serve these wines at one of my weddings and events!  Swanson Vineyards Just Married wedding wine was inspired by a sweet and sentimental ritual in the Swanson family…To commemorate the wedding of each of Clarke Swanson’s girls, he made special wine in their honor, to be served at their wedding reception and dinner.  

For the wine lovers in your life,  Swanson's creative gift packs make really sweet thank you gifts or wedding presents. Check out their website for more information and the full story behind the wine itself. Salud!

Kate Middleton Inspired Hats

Perfect head pieces for the princess-to-be by Kitty Andrews Millinery! 

Images Via Once Wed

Heart to Heart

The symbol of the heart has become synonymous with Valentine's Day! This anatomically correct heart by J.Lingnau Jewelry is a modern, chic twist to the traditional heart charm. Simply Natural Events has an exclusive 20% off J. Lingnau Jewelry for first time buyers. Discount code ‘Shine’.

Hip Button Boutonniere

If you want an out of the ordinary and creative boutonniere, try a pin-back button. Unique and affordable, it can be customized for your whole wedding party!

Image Via Hatch Creative Studio

Green Holiday Gift Guide

The perfect green gift for everyone in your life!
For Her
Recycled Leather Jacket Purse from Found


Made from recycled leather jackets and skirts, these gorgeous handmade bags are one of a kind, sustainably made pieces. Nicki of Found creates these bags using only upcycled products – everything down to the zippers and buckles were taken off a previously owned item. Found $52-$102


For Him
VersaAudio Bamboo iphone Hard Case

If the iPhone addict in your life has yet to get a protective case for his beloved toy, opening your present to see this smooth and supple case will send shivers up his spine! Made from sustainable bamboo with all the natural graining intact, it will add just the right amount of personality to his favorite gadget. VersAudio $39.99

For Tots
Mama K's Aromatic Play Clay

Quite possibly the toy of any season: 100% natural Mama K’s Aromatic Play Clay will provide hours of entertainment and fun for tots and parents. Mama K’s re-invents the concept of playdough by infusing it with scents derived from organic essential oils (sweet orange, lavender, lemongrass, etc.) to provide a heightened sensory experience. Made of certified gluten free flours, kosher salt, extra virgin olive oil, natural colors and organic essential oils, Mama K’s turns artistic play into an aromatherapeautic, stress-relieving session!
Mama K's $27

For Our Furry Friends
Orbee-Tuff Bulb Toy
Provide your pooch with some holiday cheer with this Christmas light-shaped toy from Planet Dog. Nontoxic and recyclable, the chewer features a minty flavor to keep dogs’ breath fresh, while a refillable treat slot provides a hidden surprise. For wee pups, try Planet Dog’s Orbee-Tuff Lil’ Bulb Toy. From Amazon $6.99

DYI: Wool Bangles

Wool-Wrapped Bangles: Even if you can't knit, you can make this craft. It's a unique and stylish bracelet decorated with wool yarn. It's simple to make and is a great gift idea! A perfect way to recycle your 80's bangle!
Tools and Materials
Scissors Clothespin Plain plastic bangle bracelets Yarn or ribbon Fabric glue Wool-Wrapped Bangles How-To
1. Create a ball of yarn slightly larger than a golf ball.
2. Densely wrap the yarn around a plastic bangle bracelet, making sure to neatly keep the yarn aligned, and pulling tightly as you go. Tip: Work over a table or in lap in case the ball slips out of your hands.
3. Finish by overlapping a few wraps at the point where you started. Glue the strand of yarn in place along the inside of the bracelet with a fabric glue.
4. Hold the glued end of yarn in place with a clothespin and allow to dry. Once the glue has fully dried, snip off the extra yarn.
5. Bangles can be covered in thin decorative ribbon using the same process.

Resources

The variegated yarn can be purchased at schaeferyarn.com; the ribbon can be purchased at stranodesigns.com; the plain plastic bangles can be purchased at cocowholesale.com (product Nos. BA0006-25, BA0006-26, and Ba0006-21), but you can also recycle bangles of all shapes and sizes from thrift stores or eBay. From the Martha Stewart Show

What I like...Ribboned Mirrors

While browsing Poppy Talk I saw these one-of-a-kind mirrors created by Ashley Rush of Rowan's Room. Each one is lovingly handcrafted from an antique cabinet door (which makes this an eco-friendly item). Most of these doors are over 100 years old, and they reflect those years through their unique beauty.

Here's an idea of how to display these unique mirrors.

Image via Comme Ça - photo by Erhard Pfeiffer

Aah Cervezas...eco friendly?

Aah a cold cerveza (beer) and margarita's are a must for tomorrow's Cinco De Mayo celebration.  Grab these fun recycled tumblers from Green Glass Co.  Created from the bottom of the popular Mexican Sol beer bottle.  

  

Green Glass Co is an eco-friendly company that takes discarded beer and wine bottles and adds a twist, making them into recycled glassware.

Where to Buy: www.farmhousewares.com

Real Wedding: Marisa & Stephen, part 1

Today's photos are from the featured wedding of Marisa & Stephen in the Spring issue of InStyle Wedding Magazine.  Simply Natural Events planned their gorgeous wedding in just five weeks.  A palette of white, ivory, with accents of green and copper added to the beautiful private estate in Pasadena, California.  The stunning Marisa beamed at her prince charming, Stephen, in a fairy tale wedding.       

                                        

    

   

  

More photos to come!

Venue: Private Estate

Photographer: Lulu Photo

Cake: Hot Cakes Bakes

Florist: Floriacopia

Here Comes the Pooch

My only regret I had with my wedding was not including my beautiful pooches in the ceremony. So if you're having second thoughts about including your K9, don't hesitate! They'd like to feel the love too!  If your dog is too shy to walk down the aisle, just include him or her in the photos. After all, they're family.

 

  

Where to Buy: Advantage Bridal

Image: Enjoyerofthejourney.com

Katie Moos

Classic Bride

Allyson Magda

Decadent Chocolates

Jessica Foster Confections makes decadent, melt-in-your-mouth truffles that are works of art. She infuses her diverse palate of Belgian chocolates with blends of exotic teas, herbs and spices to create intriguing flavors like dark chocolate chile and milk chocolate star anise-thyme.  These confections are a treat for all occasions.  

     

Flower Girl Style

Fresh, modern flower girl dresses from J Crew.  The yellow dress reminds me of a mini Michelle Obama dress. 

  

Where to buy: J Crew

Techie Groomsmen Gifts

We at Simply Natural love our macs, so we were excited to find these fun laptop covers for macs! Seattle-based Iamhuman has created over 13 styles to choose from, made of fabric or wood veneers. They have even started creating them for PC users, also.  What a great gift these would make for groomsmen or the whole wedding party.  They can create custom covers if you order 15 or more.  I can't wait to order mine!