If you or your fiancé is a firefighter, a firefighter theme wedding can be meaningful and beautiful.
You can incorporate modern firefighter items, or you can do a vintage firefighter theme wedding using antique firefighter items. For a more traditional wedding, you would probably want to use a combination of the colors red, yellow, black and white.
For a vintage firefighter theme, the color scheme could be a deeper, antique red, black, ivory and beige or a deep country blue.
First, you’ll need to find a location for your wedding and reception. Naturally, a fire station or fire hall would be perfect. Some fire halls allow rentals for special occasions, especially if they have a large room used for meetings or dinners. Some fire stations rent out their dining halls for parties. Even if you cannot rent out a fire station for your wedding, any area can be decorated to fit your firefighter theme.
It would be great to have a fire truck drive you to your wedding location or from your wedding to your reception, but a fire station may not be able to do this since they never know when they may need a truck. If you or your fiancé is a firefighter, you might be able to arrange this easily. Perhaps you may not get one of the big trucks, but you may get one of the vehicles.
If the fire department has rules against personal use of the vehicles, you may want to check your area for specialty rental services. Some places have unique vehicles for rental other than your basic limos, but they can be expensive. You can also check with local firefighters and retired firefighters since some of them restore old fire trucks.
Other options include renting a red truck or car to match the color scheme.
As for wedding supplies, you may have trouble finding firefighter-related items.
You could consider making your own invitations on a computer using whatever design you want or having some made for you at a printer. Instead of finding supplies at wedding stores, you could try toy or costume stores. Mini plastic fire helmets could go into favors or floral arrangements.
If your budget does not allow for buying many decorations, you can creatively incorporate color into the decorations. Chances are you or your future spouse might already have many firefighter-related objects around your house, such as retired helmets, a hose, some tools, toy fire trucks, figurines and wall hangings.
However, most firefighter items have a masculine aura.
You can soften them and add a feminine touch by pairing fire items up with ivy, flowers, strands of lights or maybe even some ribbon or lace. A ladder can be entwined with garlands of ivy and red and white roses, along with a strand of white lights. The ladder could be used as a backdrop behind the bridal table, or it could be laid sideways in front of the table. The hydrant could be placed on the gift table with a ring of flowers around the bottom. A hose or rope could be laced through an arch or trellis with strands of lights.
Be creative with items that are available to you, and you could save a fortune.
Envision everyday firefighting items trimmed in ribbon or with flowers, and you could have plenty of centerpieces and displays for your wedding theme.
Using the colors red, white, black and yellow can convey your theme as well. Have the women in the bridal party wear red or yellow dresses. The bouquets and floral arrangements can have red, yellow and white roses. The men should all wear black tuxes with accessories that match the bridesmaids’ attire.
A glass bowl with red floating candles on top of a mirror tile can make an elegant and inexpensive centerpiece. Have white tablecloths with red napkins and table accessories. Add small firefighter charms to your flower girl basket, garter and ring bearer pillow.
Small and simple details might be all it takes to convey your theme.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Circle of Love: A History of Wedding Rings
Humans have been enchanted by anything that glitters and sparkles since the beginning of time. Ancient tribes and cultures have adorned themselves with pretty jewels and metals throughout history, but where and when did the customs of the engagement ring and wedding band start?
Some believe that the wedding band originated in ancient Egypt along with the belief that the fourth finger (counting the thumb) on the left hand contained a vein that is connected directly to the heart. Therefore, that finger became the ring finger, the finger connected to love and marriage. This is still known as the ring finger in most parts of the world. However, in Norway and Russia the wedding band is worn on the same finger though on the right hand instead of the left.
No one knows for sure when or where the engagement and weddings rings came to be. There are theories and historical accounts that connect rings to slavery and people who were considered to be possessions. There are also some theories about cave men tying women up to capture them and keep them. None of these origin stories are pretty or romantic.
In some ancient cultures, like the Celts, the term tying the knot was quite literal. Symbolic cords tied the couple together, symbolizing their union as one. Some ceremonies just draped the cords over them while others actually bound the couple together at the wrists. The ceremony itself was a very simple ritual called handfasting. The bride and groom were bound together by a ceremonial rope, cord, a piece of the family’s tartan or other symbolic wrap.
Some accounts state that wedding rings did not become common until the 11th century. Others believe the ancient Romans were the first to offer wedding bands, but they were a symbol of ownership used to claim women. Historic accounts give a little more romance to the Romans. Roman betrothal rings were once made of iron and called “Anulus Pronubus.” They symbolized strength and permanence. It is also thought that the Romans were the first to engrave their rings.
Whenever and wherever the tradition started, it has endured. The ring itself is a circle. The circle is a symbol of eternity since it has no beginning and no end and is the shape of the sun and the full moon.
The first recorded diamond engagement ring was given to Mary of Burgundy by the Archduke Maximillian of Hamburg in 1477. At the time, a diamond was a very rare. It was something only the wealthy would have access to.
In medieval Europe the ruby was the stone of choice for engagement rings. The red stone was associated with the heart and love. Sapphires were also popular because they were blue, like the heavens from which love came.
Some cultures, especially throughout the British Isles, used a Fede (faith) ring which may have been an early form of the claddagh (clasped hands) ring.
The Claddagh ring is from Ireland, named from one of Ireland’s oldest fishing villages. These rings have been in use in Ireland for several hundred years. The two hands clutching a heart are for friendship, the crown for loyalty or fidelity, and the heart symbolizes love. Tradition states that, if you are single, you wear the ring on the right hand facing out. If spoken for, you wear it facing in. If you are engaged, you wear the ring on your left hand facing outward. At the wedding ceremony, the ring is then turned inward to signify the final devotion of the heart in marriage.
Silver was the metal of choice for Renaissance Italians. They gave their loved ones highly ornate silver betrothal rings engraved and filled with black enamel. When gold became the metal of choice in Europe, the silver ring was still given at the betrothal. Later, an identical gold ring was given during the marriage ceremony. This may be where the concept of dual rings originated.
Puritans claimed wedding rings were a pagan ritual and outlawed them. They were enraged when the Catholic church claimed that Mary and Joseph wore wedding rings made from Onyx or Amethyst, which would have taken the history of wedding bands back pretty far.
Poetic rings became popular in France in the 17th century. These rings were inscribed with poems or other romantic verses declaring adoration and everlasting love.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, sapphires and emeralds were the stones of choice for engagement rings. It wasn’t until the Victorian era that diamonds became popular. Diamond mines were discovered in South Africa in the late 1800s. Soon diamonds flooded the market and everyone had access to them. Later Victorian engagement rings were filled with diamonds.
For a while, diamonds were so commonplace they fell out of fashion. Diamond sales slumped until DeBeers launched a clever marketing campaign in 1947. The slogan “A Diamond is Forever” changed our beliefs about love, engagement rings and wedding bands forever. Ever since, diamonds are a top choice for engagement rings.
Now, almost 80% of brides receive a diamond engagement ring, with a plain gold band as the most popular style for a wedding band.
Whatever you choose to use for your ring, it is the ring itself, not what it is made from that symbolizes undying love. Wear the circle well.
(c) Wenona Napolitano
Some believe that the wedding band originated in ancient Egypt along with the belief that the fourth finger (counting the thumb) on the left hand contained a vein that is connected directly to the heart. Therefore, that finger became the ring finger, the finger connected to love and marriage. This is still known as the ring finger in most parts of the world. However, in Norway and Russia the wedding band is worn on the same finger though on the right hand instead of the left.
No one knows for sure when or where the engagement and weddings rings came to be. There are theories and historical accounts that connect rings to slavery and people who were considered to be possessions. There are also some theories about cave men tying women up to capture them and keep them. None of these origin stories are pretty or romantic.
In some ancient cultures, like the Celts, the term tying the knot was quite literal. Symbolic cords tied the couple together, symbolizing their union as one. Some ceremonies just draped the cords over them while others actually bound the couple together at the wrists. The ceremony itself was a very simple ritual called handfasting. The bride and groom were bound together by a ceremonial rope, cord, a piece of the family’s tartan or other symbolic wrap.
Some accounts state that wedding rings did not become common until the 11th century. Others believe the ancient Romans were the first to offer wedding bands, but they were a symbol of ownership used to claim women. Historic accounts give a little more romance to the Romans. Roman betrothal rings were once made of iron and called “Anulus Pronubus.” They symbolized strength and permanence. It is also thought that the Romans were the first to engrave their rings.
Whenever and wherever the tradition started, it has endured. The ring itself is a circle. The circle is a symbol of eternity since it has no beginning and no end and is the shape of the sun and the full moon.
The first recorded diamond engagement ring was given to Mary of Burgundy by the Archduke Maximillian of Hamburg in 1477. At the time, a diamond was a very rare. It was something only the wealthy would have access to.
In medieval Europe the ruby was the stone of choice for engagement rings. The red stone was associated with the heart and love. Sapphires were also popular because they were blue, like the heavens from which love came.
Some cultures, especially throughout the British Isles, used a Fede (faith) ring which may have been an early form of the claddagh (clasped hands) ring.
The Claddagh ring is from Ireland, named from one of Ireland’s oldest fishing villages. These rings have been in use in Ireland for several hundred years. The two hands clutching a heart are for friendship, the crown for loyalty or fidelity, and the heart symbolizes love. Tradition states that, if you are single, you wear the ring on the right hand facing out. If spoken for, you wear it facing in. If you are engaged, you wear the ring on your left hand facing outward. At the wedding ceremony, the ring is then turned inward to signify the final devotion of the heart in marriage.
Silver was the metal of choice for Renaissance Italians. They gave their loved ones highly ornate silver betrothal rings engraved and filled with black enamel. When gold became the metal of choice in Europe, the silver ring was still given at the betrothal. Later, an identical gold ring was given during the marriage ceremony. This may be where the concept of dual rings originated.
Puritans claimed wedding rings were a pagan ritual and outlawed them. They were enraged when the Catholic church claimed that Mary and Joseph wore wedding rings made from Onyx or Amethyst, which would have taken the history of wedding bands back pretty far.
Poetic rings became popular in France in the 17th century. These rings were inscribed with poems or other romantic verses declaring adoration and everlasting love.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, sapphires and emeralds were the stones of choice for engagement rings. It wasn’t until the Victorian era that diamonds became popular. Diamond mines were discovered in South Africa in the late 1800s. Soon diamonds flooded the market and everyone had access to them. Later Victorian engagement rings were filled with diamonds.
For a while, diamonds were so commonplace they fell out of fashion. Diamond sales slumped until DeBeers launched a clever marketing campaign in 1947. The slogan “A Diamond is Forever” changed our beliefs about love, engagement rings and wedding bands forever. Ever since, diamonds are a top choice for engagement rings.
Now, almost 80% of brides receive a diamond engagement ring, with a plain gold band as the most popular style for a wedding band.
Whatever you choose to use for your ring, it is the ring itself, not what it is made from that symbolizes undying love. Wear the circle well.
(c) Wenona Napolitano
Monday, July 5, 2010
Combining Blogs
I have decided to combine my sites because I am having a hard time keeping up with all of them.
My Creative Wedding Planning for the Budget Bride consisted of
advice for wedding planning on a budget. I offered tips, trick, ideas and articles along with product reviews, book recommendations and more to help you plan the wedding of your dreams without going broke.
I am combining that site with Everything Green Weddings and More- more being budget and creative wedding advice.
So from now on you'll not only find green wedding information but also budget advice and creative wedding advice in general.
Spend Less On Your Wedding Dress: Budget Bridal Tips
Your wedding dress is one of the most important aspects of your wedding, but you don’t want it to be one of the most costly. A savvy bride can save a lot of money on a dress and still look like a princess.
The first thing you will want to do is start looking for a dress as soon as you can, like right after you get engaged. It might take awhile to find the perfect dress at a reasonable price. The next thing is to do a lot of research and compare prices.
Do not buy the first dress at the first place you found it. Comparison shop and you can probably find the same dress or one very similar cheaper somewhere else.
You can even use a discount bridal service if you know the designer and style number of the gown you want. A discount bridal service will search for the cheapest price on the gown you want. You can usually save between 10 and 30% off the retail price of the gown. You can also find out when bridal shops are having trunk shows, a specific designer will have dresses available at discount prices. Be sure to check your area for bridal outlets too.
The best time to shop at bridal stores is between January and March. Last year's dresses are in clearance. The stores are trying to get rid of them to make room for the new season’s dresses. Another option is buying a display dress or buying off the rack. These dresses can save you hundreds of dollars off regular retail prices. You can also check to see if a store has any discontinued dresses at low prices.
If you are not concerned about wearing a used dress you could borrow a dress from a friend or family member. Wearing an heirloom dress from your mother or grandmother can add a sentimental touch to your wedding.
Check your area for consignment stores and resale shops. Many carry wedding dresses. Some have never been worn, they were purchased and then the wedding might have been called off. Some resale stores get brand new dresses that were discontinued or have slight defects, like a small rip or tear or maybe a small stain somewhere. Some thrift stores also receive new clothing. I have found many wedding dresses at Goodwill with the price tags still attached.
Many online retailers offer great deals on wedding dresses. Amazon and eBay both have wedding dresses. I found the dress of my dreams on eBay for $99.00 brand new. A similar dress I had been pining for was over $1000 in the bridal stores.
Shopping online is a great way to compare prices and styles. I still recommend going to stores and trying on dresses though. A style that looks great on a model might not look great on you, or you might not like how it feels. I saw a dress in a bridal magazine that I just adored. When I tried it on, it looked horrible on me and it was very uncomfortable and itchy.
Trying on dresses will also give you a feel for what size you will wear. Just because you wear a size 8 in normal clothes does not mean a size 8 wedding dress will fit. Plus all designers’ sizes vary.
Other options for cheap wedding dresses include shopping for a dress not labeled as a wedding dress. At homecoming and prom times (usually September and October for homecoming and April and May for prom) you can find semi formal to formal dresses in white or ivory that would work great as a wedding dress at half the cost.
Hit the clearance racks right after homecoming and prom season and you can find them even cheaper.
If you are having a casual wedding any nice dress will do. You can find semi formal dresses at many department stores for under $100. Some are very nice. It all depends on your taste and what you are looking for. If you are having a beach wedding or outdoor summer wedding a thin, filmy white or ivory sundress would be perfect and a very low cost option.
Having a dress made for you is another option if you know someone that can do it or if you have a great seamstress in the family. Just make sure they have experience sewing wedding dresses. Fabric for a wedding dress can be a lot different and harder to sew than regular fabric, especially if you are adding beads or other fancy accessories. You don’t want to spend a fortune on a seamstress or fabric. I have seen a few women try that route and ending up spending more than if they had just bought a dress from a store.
Just remember to start shopping early, do your homework and always comparison shop.
Don’t be afraid to ask for deals or discounts either. Try to be flexible and open minded and you can find the dress of your dreams at a price you can afford.
The first thing you will want to do is start looking for a dress as soon as you can, like right after you get engaged. It might take awhile to find the perfect dress at a reasonable price. The next thing is to do a lot of research and compare prices.
Do not buy the first dress at the first place you found it. Comparison shop and you can probably find the same dress or one very similar cheaper somewhere else.
You can even use a discount bridal service if you know the designer and style number of the gown you want. A discount bridal service will search for the cheapest price on the gown you want. You can usually save between 10 and 30% off the retail price of the gown. You can also find out when bridal shops are having trunk shows, a specific designer will have dresses available at discount prices. Be sure to check your area for bridal outlets too.
The best time to shop at bridal stores is between January and March. Last year's dresses are in clearance. The stores are trying to get rid of them to make room for the new season’s dresses. Another option is buying a display dress or buying off the rack. These dresses can save you hundreds of dollars off regular retail prices. You can also check to see if a store has any discontinued dresses at low prices.
If you are not concerned about wearing a used dress you could borrow a dress from a friend or family member. Wearing an heirloom dress from your mother or grandmother can add a sentimental touch to your wedding.
Check your area for consignment stores and resale shops. Many carry wedding dresses. Some have never been worn, they were purchased and then the wedding might have been called off. Some resale stores get brand new dresses that were discontinued or have slight defects, like a small rip or tear or maybe a small stain somewhere. Some thrift stores also receive new clothing. I have found many wedding dresses at Goodwill with the price tags still attached.
Many online retailers offer great deals on wedding dresses. Amazon and eBay both have wedding dresses. I found the dress of my dreams on eBay for $99.00 brand new. A similar dress I had been pining for was over $1000 in the bridal stores.
Shopping online is a great way to compare prices and styles. I still recommend going to stores and trying on dresses though. A style that looks great on a model might not look great on you, or you might not like how it feels. I saw a dress in a bridal magazine that I just adored. When I tried it on, it looked horrible on me and it was very uncomfortable and itchy.
Trying on dresses will also give you a feel for what size you will wear. Just because you wear a size 8 in normal clothes does not mean a size 8 wedding dress will fit. Plus all designers’ sizes vary.
Other options for cheap wedding dresses include shopping for a dress not labeled as a wedding dress. At homecoming and prom times (usually September and October for homecoming and April and May for prom) you can find semi formal to formal dresses in white or ivory that would work great as a wedding dress at half the cost.
Hit the clearance racks right after homecoming and prom season and you can find them even cheaper.
If you are having a casual wedding any nice dress will do. You can find semi formal dresses at many department stores for under $100. Some are very nice. It all depends on your taste and what you are looking for. If you are having a beach wedding or outdoor summer wedding a thin, filmy white or ivory sundress would be perfect and a very low cost option.
Having a dress made for you is another option if you know someone that can do it or if you have a great seamstress in the family. Just make sure they have experience sewing wedding dresses. Fabric for a wedding dress can be a lot different and harder to sew than regular fabric, especially if you are adding beads or other fancy accessories. You don’t want to spend a fortune on a seamstress or fabric. I have seen a few women try that route and ending up spending more than if they had just bought a dress from a store.
Just remember to start shopping early, do your homework and always comparison shop.
Don’t be afraid to ask for deals or discounts either. Try to be flexible and open minded and you can find the dress of your dreams at a price you can afford.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Have You Discovered the CSN Network of Stores?
Have you discovered the huge network of CSN Stores yet?
I've seen a couple blogs that have posted reviews or giveaways about them, I even entered a few (but didn't win), now I have the chance to review for them and do a giveaway in the future (maybe closer to the holidays).
I can't believe all the awesome stuff they have- something for everyone. From beds to shoes to wall sconces they have everything.
Over 200 stores to choose from.
So much that I'm not sure what to review. I'm looking at storage cubes, a platform bed, an ottoman, a toaster over, shoes (LOL), possibly a nice desk (I could use a new one).
There is just sooo much to choose from it is just unbelievable.
This is a great place to shop for wedding gifts, birthday presents, graduation gifts, and more. It's also a great place to find stuff for college bound kids (I'm looking at that stuff too since my oldest starts college in the fall).
So I am off to find something to review.
Be sure to check back for the review and future giveaway information.
I've seen a couple blogs that have posted reviews or giveaways about them, I even entered a few (but didn't win), now I have the chance to review for them and do a giveaway in the future (maybe closer to the holidays).
I can't believe all the awesome stuff they have- something for everyone. From beds to shoes to wall sconces they have everything.
Over 200 stores to choose from.
So much that I'm not sure what to review. I'm looking at storage cubes, a platform bed, an ottoman, a toaster over, shoes (LOL), possibly a nice desk (I could use a new one).
There is just sooo much to choose from it is just unbelievable.
This is a great place to shop for wedding gifts, birthday presents, graduation gifts, and more. It's also a great place to find stuff for college bound kids (I'm looking at that stuff too since my oldest starts college in the fall).
So I am off to find something to review.
Be sure to check back for the review and future giveaway information.
Ladies A Special Giveaway Just for You; The RackTrap
Have you ever slipped money, your driver's license or even a credit card into your bra?
Come on admit it, I think we've all done it at least once.
Whether going out for a quick run, driving to drop off a video, going clubbing or attending a special event- sometimes we want to be hands free and not worry about lugging around a handbag or clutch.
Enter the RackTrap.
This small, one size fits all pouch will easily slide into your bra and hold what you need; cash, credit card, ID - and you won't have to dig around to find them when you need them.
Nope the racktrap will keep everything in one convenient location for you.
The Racktrap comes in white lace, black lace and nude lace so it matches any bra (and dress). Even the bride can stash a tissue or some Xanax for her big day. And it also makes a great bridesmaid gift.
The Racktrap comes in a Fashion Three pack of Lace ($15.95) and a sweat proof sport version with Velcro closure ($9.95).
The Racktrap comes in a Fashion Three pack of Lace ($15.95) and a sweat proof sport version with Velcro closure ($9.95).
The classic Gold Racktrap (the very first one!) is still $7.95.
Want one?
I have 3 of the classic golds to give away.
US Shipping Only
Please be a blog follower to enter
For an extra entry follow me on twitter @everythinggreen
For another extra entry friend me on Facebook
Contest open until Tuesday July 13
Winner Announced on Wed July 14
Please include your email address in comments
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Create Your Own Framed Art with Alphabet Photography
Do you see letters in the things around you?Do you see art in your surroundings?
Photographer Jennifer Blakeley does.
Owner and Creator of Alphabet Photography Jennifer Blakeley was inspired by the children's book Alphabet City and traveled throughout North America in 2006 and 2007 taking photographs of images that look like letters from the Alphabet.
Why?
So you can create your own special work of art out of any word you choose.
Try it yourself here- pick a word then choose an image for each letter.
Here's one I made (I also picked out the photos for LOVE up top):
You can create a special gift for someone you love- make a name, a special word, frame a surname for a new married couple- it sure beats a set of monogrammed towels don't you think?
What I love most about this is the complete uniqueness of it. I am a sucker for things that are different and to me this is just awesome and creative because you get to choose your own design. Sure the photographs have already been taken but you get to make your choices and pick your style to create a beautiful one of a kind framed piece of art.
Visit http://www.alphabetphotography.com/ today and give it a try
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Shakti: India Travel
Have you ever dreamed of traveling around the world? Of visiting exotic locations and immersing yourself in that world, not as a tourist but as a participant in the culture?
Shakti may be just what you've been dreaming of.
Shakti is a unique travel experience in India- you travel there and stay in one of the beautiful villages they have to offer.
You have to visit the website to get a true and clear idea of what they have to offer- believe me it makes travel to India sound exotic, luxurious, and relaxing- all at once.
Read part of their
"vision":
Shakti was conceived to share the rejuvenating effects of remote surroundings – to provide privileged access to places far removed from the noise and clutter of the modern world, where space, peace and epic landscapes provoke the imagination and nourish the soul. These places of intense beauty and a deep, soothing serenity, encourage you to slow down for a while and simply “be”.
Now if that doesn't sound like a vacation I don't know what does. Wow.
To learn more about this amazing travel adventure visit the website: http://www.shaktihimalayan.com/
How to contact Shakti:
To speak to one of their representatives in either India or the UK please call or email using the following contact details.
India : +91 124 456 3899
Mon - Fri: 0930 - 1900hrs IST (GMT + 5.5hrs)
UK : +44 203 151 5177
Mon - Fri: 0900 - 1900hrs GMT
US : 1 877 637 5665
US : 1 877 637 5665
Mon - Fri: 0900 - 1900hrs GMT
Mailing Address:
Shakti
903-904, Vatika City Point
Sector 25, MG Road, Gurgaon
122002 India
Tel: +91 124 456 3899
Fax: +91 124 456 3801
This post has been paid for by a sponsor.
Turtle Mat in the UK
Now here's a company I adore- Turtle Mat.
First of all I love their name (because I love turtles) and because they support the Marine Conservation Society which is the only charity in the UK dedicated to caring for the seas, shores and wildlife.
Through their Adopt-a-Turtle program they are working to save marine turtles from extinction. In the last year, Turtle Mat customers have helped raise over £5,000 through their adoption program.
So now you're probably wondering what Turtle Mat is and what they do, right? Well they sell mats - you know small carpets for your floor. For at your front door, for the kitchen for the bathroom, even for your pets. You know what they don't have though? A mat with a turtle design. They have ducks, flowers, even cupcakes but no turtles. Hmmm...
Anyway the mats are quite beautiful and other than no turtle designs they have a great selection. I love the red and the plum brocade styles, very elegant. But I got to love the whimsical cupcakes, don't you?
Eco-friendly, environmentally conscious and they offer great products. Turtle Mat's affinity for Turtles and their other eco-friendly initiatives make me wish I was in the UK:
Turtle Mats are manufactured by one of the world's largest and most eco-friendly textile groups which has achieved carbon negative status by planting one million trees every year and by producing green energy in its own hydroelectric plants. They are at the forefront of initiatives to reduce waste, cut water usage and use fewer chemicals.
In recognition of this, their production plant has been certified to ISO 14001:2004, as well as ISO 9001:2000, which are the highest global standards for quality products and environmental management.
This is a post has been paid for by a sponsor.
Pretty Petal Aisle Runners for Weddings
Brides to be that are looking for something unique and beautiful for their wedding should check out Petal Happy.
Petal Happy is the world's first (and so far only) provider of pre-petalled aisle runners and petal carpets for special events.Petal Happy's products were originally designed to beautify and enhance offbeat spaces for events like beaches, rooftops, gardens, tents and loft weddings. Each Petal Carpet is handmade and consists of tens of thousands of beautiful life-like fabric flower petals that are securely attached to a fabric backing. This creates the visual effect of walking on a bed of rose petals and allows for a cleaner, more streamlined look than strewn petals -with no clean up necessary other than rolling the aisle runner or carpet up after the event.
Keep reading here.
Petal Happy is the world's first (and so far only) provider of pre-petalled aisle runners and petal carpets for special events.Petal Happy's products were originally designed to beautify and enhance offbeat spaces for events like beaches, rooftops, gardens, tents and loft weddings. Each Petal Carpet is handmade and consists of tens of thousands of beautiful life-like fabric flower petals that are securely attached to a fabric backing. This creates the visual effect of walking on a bed of rose petals and allows for a cleaner, more streamlined look than strewn petals -with no clean up necessary other than rolling the aisle runner or carpet up after the event.
Keep reading here.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Gift Books for the Flower Girl and Ring Bearer
Bridal Party Gifts for the Ring Bearer and Flower Girl
Are you looking for a great wedding gift for your Flower Girl and Ring Bearer that is both sweet and practical?
Then check out these two new books that help explain and show the little ones what being in a wedding is all about: The Most Special Flower Girl: All the Best Things About Being in a Wedding (cover price $10.99, Sourcebooks, April 2010) and The Best Ever Ring Bearer: All the Best Things About Being in a Wedding (retail price $10.99; Sourcebooks April 2010).
The Most Special Flower Girl: All the Best Things About Being in a Wedding is a delightfully new way to give a gift book designed especially for that one member of the wedding party the bride often has a hard time shopping for.
The Most Special Flower Girl offers a cute story combined with beautiful color illustrations to help little girls who are going to be flower girls understand what they should expect and what is expected of them at the wedding. Most importantly the little flower girl will love a story all her own that features the smart and sometimes sassy, Sophie and the story of how she saves the day at her aunt's wedding.
The little ring bearer gets his very own book too in The Best Ever Ring Bearer: All the Best Things About Being in a Wedding.This wonderful book will make a great gift for the little boy in the bridal party.
Keep reading here.
Are you looking for a great wedding gift for your Flower Girl and Ring Bearer that is both sweet and practical?
Then check out these two new books that help explain and show the little ones what being in a wedding is all about: The Most Special Flower Girl: All the Best Things About Being in a Wedding (cover price $10.99, Sourcebooks, April 2010) and The Best Ever Ring Bearer: All the Best Things About Being in a Wedding (retail price $10.99; Sourcebooks April 2010).
The Most Special Flower Girl: All the Best Things About Being in a Wedding is a delightfully new way to give a gift book designed especially for that one member of the wedding party the bride often has a hard time shopping for.
The Most Special Flower Girl offers a cute story combined with beautiful color illustrations to help little girls who are going to be flower girls understand what they should expect and what is expected of them at the wedding. Most importantly the little flower girl will love a story all her own that features the smart and sometimes sassy, Sophie and the story of how she saves the day at her aunt's wedding.
The little ring bearer gets his very own book too in The Best Ever Ring Bearer: All the Best Things About Being in a Wedding.This wonderful book will make a great gift for the little boy in the bridal party.
Keep reading here.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Green Bride Guide Launches New Green Wedding Registry
GreenBrideGuide.com, the companion website for the book The Green Bride Guide by Kate Harrison, has launched a new green wedding registry service and gift shop online.
The new registry offers a huge pre-screened collection of sustainable gifts for couples to choose from. "From non-toxic cookware and recycled wine glasses to earth-friendly fine china
and organic cotton textiles, the shop features hundreds of eco-friendly home goods. It is also the first store to offer free carbon-neutral shipping with every purchase."According to a survey conducted by David's Bridal in 2009 almost half (48%) of the brides surveyed stated that they were committed to going green, this included registering for eco-friendly products.
The Green Bride Guide registry offers couples the opportunity to easily register for eco-friendly goods while learning a lot about the products they are shopping for. The registry includes detailed information for each product listed including where it came from, how it is made, and what materials were used in production of the product. The registry also offers easy to use search features that sort products by: country of origin, state of origin for made in the USA products, eco strategy (choose whether to search for fair trade, ethically sourced, or handmade), and eco- certifications like USDA organic.
Click here to keep reading.
The new registry offers a huge pre-screened collection of sustainable gifts for couples to choose from. "From non-toxic cookware and recycled wine glasses to earth-friendly fine china
and organic cotton textiles, the shop features hundreds of eco-friendly home goods. It is also the first store to offer free carbon-neutral shipping with every purchase."According to a survey conducted by David's Bridal in 2009 almost half (48%) of the brides surveyed stated that they were committed to going green, this included registering for eco-friendly products.
The Green Bride Guide registry offers couples the opportunity to easily register for eco-friendly goods while learning a lot about the products they are shopping for. The registry includes detailed information for each product listed including where it came from, how it is made, and what materials were used in production of the product. The registry also offers easy to use search features that sort products by: country of origin, state of origin for made in the USA products, eco strategy (choose whether to search for fair trade, ethically sourced, or handmade), and eco- certifications like USDA organic.
Click here to keep reading.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
The Natural Curtain Company in the UK
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The lush fabrics offered by The Natural Curtain Company make me wish I was in the UK- lush 100% linens, cottons, silks, velvets- wow.
You'll find toile, stripes, polka dots, gingham's, and more.
You can get custom made to order curtains or roman blinds or you can purchase fabric and make your own.
First you choose your fabric then your lining, submit your measurements and voila you have ordered your curtains. want to know more about how it works- visit http://www.naturalcurtaincompany.co.uk/more/index.cfm
Not sure how to measure for your curtains? The Natural Curtain Company offers very fabulous detailed instructions including youtube videos.
If you're in London they offer a measuring service where they'll come out and measure for you.
Want to see and feel the fabric before choosing? You can order up to 6 FREE swatches of fabric (of course you have to be in the UK). I wish I could order- they have such beautiful fabrics and the colors....very nice selection.
The rich silks have some sexy shades- Mars, Carmine, Black Currant, Espresso...and in the cotton velvets I love Rhone, Compte, and Forest.
And the stripes...huge selection of striped fabrics in many shades, colors, vertical stripes, horizontal stripes, check stripes, Provence stripes, Chelsae stripes, bright stripes and more.
The Natural Curtain Company is an ethical and environmentally aware company. They are accredited by Ethical Company Organisation. They have a careful sourcing process and use 100% natural fabrics wherever possible. They also strive to implement and improve measures to minimise environmental impact, from recycling office waste to improving packaging and transport systems.
Be sure to visit their blog for great decorating tips, advice and more:
http://blog.naturalcurtaincompany.co.uk/
http://blog.naturalcurtaincompany.co.uk/
This post has been paid for by a sponsor.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Eco Items at The Travelling Souk
If you're in the UK and you haven't dropped by The Travelling Souk yet...what are you waiting for? :-)
The Travelling Souk was created in 2003 by Georgiana Grimston and Anna Craven. The business was inspired by a trip to the magical souks & markets of Marrakesh- Georgiana wanted to recreate these markets and bring them to British homes while donating partial proceeds to charity.
In 2007 they launched the website The Travelling Souk and have over 100 businesses that offer exotic and niche market items you may not find anywhere else.
And while they have always offered fair trade gifts and distinctive brands the Souk now offers "green" goods too. They have a whole Eco Souk section. The eco souk section has home and garden offerings, eco toys, clothing, and health and beauty items. And a jewellery section is coming soon.
Look for the eco souk symbol to know you are shopping for an item that is fair trade, ethical , organic, recycled, green, natural or eco-friendly.
So much to see...it's a lot to take in- just like being in a market filled with exotic and wonderful goods. Makes me wish I was in another country so I could really enjoy this unique shopping experience.
Skimming through the site I found a lot of familiar names and products in the eco-section so have no fear these goods (at least the ones I clicked on) are authentically green and not green washed.
Since opening in 2003 the company has raised more than £300,000.00 for many charities. At the events 10% of proceeds go to the hostesses’ assigned charity. Orders placed on the website send 2.6% of each purchase to charity.
And if you're in the UK you can attend a Travelling Souk event. In May they held one at Leeds Castle Kent.
A castle...people in the US can barely fathom attending events in castles. To me that would be like being in a fairytale- we just don't have castles on every corner here in the US.
To learn where other Travelling Souk events are being held visit: http://www.thetravellingsouk.com/categories/Events
Disclosure: This post has been paid for by a sponsor
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Have a Charitable Wedding with the I Do Foundation
More couples than ever before are starting their new life together charitably. Many couples are now planning socially conscious and eco-friendly weddings.
To help make this an easy thing for couples to accomplish the I Do Foundation, who recently joined with JustGive, created Celebrate Generously™ with charity.
This encourages couples to "embrace meaningful traditions" that will personalize their wedding day.
With help from the I Do Foundation, a couple's wedding can raise money for any charity that they choose. Whether it's animal rights, animal rescue, children's charities, health, any charity they select with benefit. This is the ultimate way to share their love with each other and with the charity of their choice. The I Do Foundation gives couples the chance to express their values and support their charitable interests.
Keep reading here.
To help make this an easy thing for couples to accomplish the I Do Foundation, who recently joined with JustGive, created Celebrate Generously™ with charity.
This encourages couples to "embrace meaningful traditions" that will personalize their wedding day.
With help from the I Do Foundation, a couple's wedding can raise money for any charity that they choose. Whether it's animal rights, animal rescue, children's charities, health, any charity they select with benefit. This is the ultimate way to share their love with each other and with the charity of their choice. The I Do Foundation gives couples the chance to express their values and support their charitable interests.
Keep reading here.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Winner
Sixth Annual Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Contest Winner
Sixth Annual Contest Flushed with Talent!
Galit Zeierman of Ramat Gan, Israel takes home the $1000 grand prize!
Cheap-Chic-Weddings.com announced the winner of their sixth annual Toilet Paper Wedding Dress contest today. Toilet paper dress entries from around the world were received and final judging took place today in Boca Raton, FL.
Grand prize winner Galit Zeierman entered a flirty, fresh, fun short dress that features a whimsical bird on the shoulder and headpiece.
Sixth Annual Contest Flushed with Talent!
Galit Zeierman of Ramat Gan, Israel takes home the $1000 grand prize!
Cheap-Chic-Weddings.com announced the winner of their sixth annual Toilet Paper Wedding Dress contest today. Toilet paper dress entries from around the world were received and final judging took place today in Boca Raton, FL.
Grand prize winner Galit Zeierman entered a flirty, fresh, fun short dress that features a whimsical bird on the shoulder and headpiece.
This year’s second place winner is Ericka Andrade of Winnetka, California and third place goes to Bailie Bickford of Carlsbad, California. Ericka wins $500 for her design and Bailie wins $250 for her entry.
Laura Gawne and partners Susan Bain and Roxie Radford, who operate the website on saving money on weddings, base the contest on the popular bridal shower game. Cheap-Chic-Weddings.com asked their readers to create wedding gowns using toilet paper, tape and/or glue. This year, entrants were allowed to sew as well.
“Judging this year’s entries was tough.” Said Laura Gawne. Roxie Radford added, “We had so many fantastic dresses to choose from!” Cheap Chic Weddings welcomed Jack Jones of Boca Raton Bridal as celebrity judge for this year’s contest.
Photos from the contest and money saving ideas for planning your wedding can be found at http://pull.xmr3.com/p/1549-2328/86432541/clickto1_ings.com-wedding-contest-2010.html
For more information please visit http://pull.xmr3.com/p/1549-B1A9/86432557/http-www.cheap-chic-weddings.com-.html
Laura Gawne and partners Susan Bain and Roxie Radford, who operate the website on saving money on weddings, base the contest on the popular bridal shower game. Cheap-Chic-Weddings.com asked their readers to create wedding gowns using toilet paper, tape and/or glue. This year, entrants were allowed to sew as well.
“Judging this year’s entries was tough.” Said Laura Gawne. Roxie Radford added, “We had so many fantastic dresses to choose from!” Cheap Chic Weddings welcomed Jack Jones of Boca Raton Bridal as celebrity judge for this year’s contest.
Photos from the contest and money saving ideas for planning your wedding can be found at http://pull.xmr3.com/p/1549-2328/86432541/clickto1_ings.com-wedding-contest-2010.html
For more information please visit http://pull.xmr3.com/p/1549-B1A9/86432557/http-www.cheap-chic-weddings.com-.html
GoodShop.com Wedding Registry Donates to Charity
Brides and grooms can help the environment while planning their big day by using GoddShop.com as their wedding regisrty go-to.
Many couples are encouraging their guests to buy their gifts via GoodShop.com.
The online shopping mall donates up to 30% of every purchase made at more than 1,400 stores - including Williams-Sonoma, Macy’s, Bloomingdales, The Knot Wedding Shop, Target and other stores where people generally register - to the couple’s favorite ‘green’ cause (including the NRDC, The Nature Conservancy, Conservation International and others!).
In addition, the site lists hundreds of deals and coupons so users can save money while shopping for a good cause!
Here’s how it works:
1) Go to www.goodshop.com
2) Designate your favorite charity
3) Enter the store you want to shop at and get a list of the coupons and deals
4) Shop as you normally would and a percentage of what you spend goes back to your cause
By using GoodShop, the new couple will receive all of the gifts they’ve chosen and the guests still pay the same price (or lower with all the coupons listed), but at the same time, the couple’s favorite charity receives a portion of everything that was spent!
Many couples are encouraging their guests to buy their gifts via GoodShop.com.
The online shopping mall donates up to 30% of every purchase made at more than 1,400 stores - including Williams-Sonoma, Macy’s, Bloomingdales, The Knot Wedding Shop, Target and other stores where people generally register - to the couple’s favorite ‘green’ cause (including the NRDC, The Nature Conservancy, Conservation International and others!).
In addition, the site lists hundreds of deals and coupons so users can save money while shopping for a good cause!
Here’s how it works:
1) Go to www.goodshop.com
2) Designate your favorite charity
3) Enter the store you want to shop at and get a list of the coupons and deals
4) Shop as you normally would and a percentage of what you spend goes back to your cause
By using GoodShop, the new couple will receive all of the gifts they’ve chosen and the guests still pay the same price (or lower with all the coupons listed), but at the same time, the couple’s favorite charity receives a portion of everything that was spent!
Friday, June 11, 2010
How to Reduce Dust and Pet Dander Allergens in Your Home
A Guest blog by Marcy Tate
Allergy medication is an amazing innovation and helps so many people who suffer from allergies. If you are an allergy sufferer, there are things you can do help our medication work better for you, such as removing common household allergens (like dust and pet dander) from your home. The following tips are simple and budget-friendly but require time and energy to initially
implement. Keep in mind that reducing the allergens in your home is well worth the effort as it will significantly improve your quality of life. The ease of executing the following steps depends on how much time you have to implement them and the size of our home.
Keep It Clean
Allergy medication is an amazing innovation and helps so many people who suffer from allergies. If you are an allergy sufferer, there are things you can do help our medication work better for you, such as removing common household allergens (like dust and pet dander) from your home. The following tips are simple and budget-friendly but require time and energy to initially
implement. Keep in mind that reducing the allergens in your home is well worth the effort as it will significantly improve your quality of life. The ease of executing the following steps depends on how much time you have to implement them and the size of our home.
Keep It Clean
Dust and pet dander is one of the biggest household allergen irritants. Improving your cleaning habits and increasing the frequency of your cleaning will directly reduce allergens.
Dust like Crazy
Dust like Crazy
Use dust cloths made of electrostatic material as they remove the most amount of dust. In fact, they capture almost 90% of dust-particles they come into contact with. They are also more eco-friendly compared to paper towels.
Work to De-Clutter
Work to De-Clutter
Clutter is a magnet for dust. Do your best to limit clutter around your house. Dust mites love piles of magazines and stuffed animals. Keep magazine piles in a covered bin. If someone in your
home has a severe dust allergy, then make your home stuffed-animal free.
Sweep It Up
home has a severe dust allergy, then make your home stuffed-animal free.
Sweep It Up
Carpets should be vacuumed at least three times a week with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filtered vacuum. Sweeping and mopping is equally important as pollen is often brought into a home on shoes. The more you sweep, vacuum and wash, the more allergens you’ll remove.
Additional tip: to reduce the amount of pollen entering your home, have family members leave their shoes outside on a porch or take them off upon entering the home.
Breathe Cleaner Air
Breathe Cleaner Air
Install allergen reducing ventilation and filtration systems to help you breathe cleaner air. They help reduce the amount of allergens and impurities in your home.
• Furnace filters - Use HEPA furnace filters and promptly replace as needed.
• Air Purifier – Air purifiers work to remove air impurities in a single room. The air purifier should be placed in the bedroom of the allergic person.
• Air Ducts – Dust and dirt can collect in your air ducts and add unnecessary impurities into your air. Have them inspected and cleaned by a professional about once a year.
Bedding
Allergen-reducing and dust resistant bedding can significantly decrease your direct contact with dust mites. Dust mites can actually live in bedding, mattresses and pillows. Expect to spend about $100 per bed for allergen-reducing bedding. It’s an extremely worthwhile investment that you won’t regret. Once a week, wash bedding in hot water.
Flooring
One of the most effective ways to reduce household allergens is to remove carpet and limit area rugs. Carpets harbor dust mites and even HEPA vacuums cannot remove all allergens.
Upholstery is a No-no
Upholstery attracts dust mites. Leather, wood, or plastic furniture do not attract nearly as much dust mites compared to fabric couches. Remove upholstered drapes and curtains and replace with washable blinds or roller shades.
Seal It Up
Keeping your door closed during peak pollen season will help limit the amount of pollen entering your home. Additionally, caulk windows and use we atherstripping to seal cracks.
Written by Marcy Tate
Marcy Tate is a home improvement blogger at Networx. She works with house cleaners learning about effective ways to reduce household allergens.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Coverall- A Green Cleaning "Champion"
Coverall knows about green cleaning.
They have been recognized by the US EPA as a "Champion" under the agency's Safer Detergents Stewardship Initiative (SDSI). Champion is the highest level of recognition under this initiative and so far Coverall is the only cleaning company to be recognized.
The EPA's Design for the Environment Program works to prevent pollution by working in partnerships with a broad range of stakeholders. The Design for the Environment program focuses on industries that combine the potential for chemical risk reduction (like cleaning companies and other companies that use a lot of chemicals) and improvements in energy efficiency. "The SDSI was designed to recognize environmental leaders who voluntarily commit to the use of safer surfactants that break down quickly to non-polluting compounds."
Coverall's Health Based Cleaning System is "committed to environmental sustainability". They provide their customers with an innovative, science based, environmentally conscious cleaning program that decreases the spread of infections while still ensuring the well-being and safety of the humans and environment that are exposed to the process. This means they kill the germs without harming you or the environment in the process.
One way that Coverall implements eco-friendly practices into their cleaning methods is by using microfiber cloths and mop pads instead of paper towels and string mops. These can be washed and reused up to 500 times thus saving a whole lot of trees that would be used to make all that paper towel that most cleaning companies use.
Coverall also uses Multi-filtration Backpack HEPA Vacuums which contain the dirt and germs without putting it back into the air. These vacuums remove 99.7% of germs and allergens.
Conventional vacuums can return up to 40% of the dirt they pick up back into the air.
For more about Coverall's green cleaning methods please visit their site: www.coverall.com
They have been recognized by the US EPA as a "Champion" under the agency's Safer Detergents Stewardship Initiative (SDSI). Champion is the highest level of recognition under this initiative and so far Coverall is the only cleaning company to be recognized.
The EPA's Design for the Environment Program works to prevent pollution by working in partnerships with a broad range of stakeholders. The Design for the Environment program focuses on industries that combine the potential for chemical risk reduction (like cleaning companies and other companies that use a lot of chemicals) and improvements in energy efficiency. "The SDSI was designed to recognize environmental leaders who voluntarily commit to the use of safer surfactants that break down quickly to non-polluting compounds."
Coverall's Health Based Cleaning System is "committed to environmental sustainability". They provide their customers with an innovative, science based, environmentally conscious cleaning program that decreases the spread of infections while still ensuring the well-being and safety of the humans and environment that are exposed to the process. This means they kill the germs without harming you or the environment in the process.
One way that Coverall implements eco-friendly practices into their cleaning methods is by using microfiber cloths and mop pads instead of paper towels and string mops. These can be washed and reused up to 500 times thus saving a whole lot of trees that would be used to make all that paper towel that most cleaning companies use.
Coverall also uses Multi-filtration Backpack HEPA Vacuums which contain the dirt and germs without putting it back into the air. These vacuums remove 99.7% of germs and allergens.
Conventional vacuums can return up to 40% of the dirt they pick up back into the air.
For more about Coverall's green cleaning methods please visit their site: www.coverall.com
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This is a great package that can be used for your big green wedding day!
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